NEW DVD's - Bargain Prices

Shopping baskets for the 2 new Lowell Speers DVD's are now both up and running. The floral project, which I hope you will all enjoy is this fantastic 2 bloomer shown here on the left. I'm delighted to supply his beautiful Bearded Iris floral step by step oil painting project. I've been watching Lowell this afternoon I couldn't help but think how he bears such a striking resemblance to Bob Ross. Lowell mentioned on one of his DVD's how it took him 30 years to get where he is. I'm sure Bob Ross also mentioned how a 30 minute painting actually took him 20 years (experience) and 30 minutes His experience shows in his ease of application producing amazing realistic effects so effortlessly. You'll certainly be getting excellent value for money with both of these informative DVD's at just £9.50 each.

When it's Spring again....

I mentioned Spring.........and this morning I got the distinct impression it really was just around the corner. As I drove to Heartlands the sun was bright and streaming through the window (must get my windscreen washed!). Had there been a touch more greenery on the trees it could have passed for a fresh March morning. Interestingly, in today's class were students who had been painting with me for over 2 years. There was also Marlene, a complete beginner. I asked Marlene if she was nervous bering in mind the other students' experience. She was. But, within 20 minutes after the class started she realised that a complete beginner can slot in very easily indeed. In fact, if you had pulled a complete stranger off the street and asked them to pick out who was the novice, who were the regulars and who was the teacher, they'd be hard pushed to make that decision. Don't believe me? maybe you should give it a go - it's a money back guarantee to all first time students and I've not had to give a refund to any of my students yet. I've added more Heartland's dates to the Class timetable HEREif anyone would like topaint in this idyllic rural setting.

Website housekeeping

Over the last few days, when I've had a few minutes, I've been having a jiggle about with the website. Some jiggling has gone on behind the scenes and some jiggling has affected the way some of my webpages now appear. I've tended to update my website on automatic pilot mode for a long time now and I've not really paid attention to how things can perhaps be refined, made a little easier on the eye (and the screen). So.................if you see a few little changes, don't be alarmed. You would not believe how many photos I deleted yesterday from the website album.....some as old as 2006. I guess it's my little premature Spring Clean!

One place left.......

I had an opportunity to start today's class at 10am instead of 12.30pm and very, very luckily all the students who were booked in didn't mind the earlier start. Of course, an early start meant we were done and dusted by 3pm and it was good to clear away while it was still light. And for once, I can keep everything to hand as I'll be teaching 'Cold Snap' again on Tuesday at Heartlands in Gipping, near Stowmarket (10am - 3pm). We have space for one more student and if you'd like to have a go at this pretty pastel mixed media painting, do give me a call on 01473 311938 or 079500 32557. Full address details can be found HERE.

Little Venice - literally !

I saved the leftover paint from class on Friday, scraped it up and set it out on a clean palette. I'd prepared a tiny canvas earlier in the week as I'd planned to make a mini version after the class. Alas, other events cropped up and by the time I had some free time, it was a bit too late to make a start. But today, I finished my tasks earlier than anticipated - so I was able to dedicate the afternoon to fussing over 'Little Venice'. This tidler will be framed and will also be entered into exhibition later this year.

Her second ever painting - didn't she do well?

I hadn't planned on writing any blog entries today. But that changed when I checked my e-mails first thing this morning. Rebeka, my student, earlier this week left with a bag of painting supplies and DVD's. She has made a rather lovely version of 'Golden Lake' just by following my step by step guide. Hard to believe it's only her second ever painting - and this one she done by herself.

DON'T throw away old brushes......

Just a bit of fun really.......but if you want to see how I rescued a very used and abused painting brush you'll see all in my forum HERE under the heading 'What would you do with this?'. If nothing else, it might make you think twice before throwing a brush away.

So good - we just have to do it again

Just incase anyone else would like to have a go at the 'Venetia' painting of Venice - I've added another couple of dates on the Class Timetable. Both dates fall on a Saturday and the cost of each lesson is just £35. If you prefer to chose your own 2 dates, you can opt to paint this as a private lesson - in which case, the cost will be £45 for each lesson. This can easily be painted over 2 consecutive days, there's no need to wait a week to complete stage 2. It just so happens my student earlier this week has a daughter living in Venice, whom she visits quite regularly. She fully intends to return to paint this scene sometime soon. She was telling me about how lovely Venice is and I really am longing for a trip there - maybe a Spring mini break. So while the website has been updating, I've been having a little look to see what's on offer. I'd love to make it over there sometime this year.

Clever student........or what????

Well, both I and my student rose to the challenge and the results, I feel, speak for themselves. When I was asked to make the Venetian scene a class subject I was not really certain about it (at first). One thing I knew for sure - it could not be done in a single sitting. So, as you've seen on the timetable and Sue's News, it was broken down into 2 shorter classes. Well, the second stage was finished today and I guess the overall time for the 2 classes was in the region of 7 hours, give or take. I think you will have to agree, my student has done a fabulous job - and she fully intends to get this hung in her home. I've been showing the photo (a much larger version) to both Alan and Tris (my daughter's partner). Alan was raving about the water effects and the blended sky - Tris thought the painting was one of mine. I'll put a larger image in my forum so you can see the details better. Well done Sue G xxx

Home made treats - but not mine this time :)

I don't mind admitting I'm having a struggle losing those Christmas pounds. I've lost a few, I put them back on again. I lose a few more, then give into temptation (oh, there are so many) and on they go again. I'll have a baking session, using up my eggs, and the smell will call me over to the cooling rack and the cake tins. This week, I'm determined, but I do need to refrain from baking. And that means the rest of the family suffer. They have no cakes and no treats to add to their packed lunches, or a quick fix when they come in from work. Well, they need suffer no more thanks to a very kind neighbour, Deb. Deb's sister runs her own business 'The Wheaten Mill' - she's in the baking trade. Deb has just brought over 2 lovely cakes that have replenished my supplies. I'm sure not only Alan and Stef will be grateful, but I can also serve a slice or two in tomorrow's class. Not only that, as I'm not surrounded by baking smells, I know I'll not be tempted to deviate. If you fancy a homemade treat, look no further than 'The Wheaten Mill' - they have a pretty impressive website too (HERE) and an even more impressive Outlets list..........

Art Group Demonstration

The 'Peaceful Evening' painting went down really well with today's group and it filled the second half of my demonstration. The art group start at 9.30am and finish around 1pm. Normally my demo will take about an hour. Today, I aimed for a 2 hour demo and was hoping that I could find enough things to paint and talk about for all that time. I was pleasantly surprised to find I managed a 2 hour spot with ease - in fact, I bet I could do 3 hours at a push (not that anyone would want to sit and watch me paint for that long). As always, I take my mobile art shop, which contains all things oily and wet on wet and also a range of equipment for other media. This always go down well at Art Groups as there's something for everyone. There's something to suit every pocket too, from brushes at just £1 to DVD sets at over £100. The group would like me to return and given them a bespoke oil painting class. Of course, not only am I more than happy to do this, I'm also willing to give a discount. If any readers are members of similar groups in the area - do feel free to drop me a line or give me a call if you'd like a similar service. I'm told I'm great entertainment..........and I might even turn up wearing 'those' boots, which would be a giggle if nothing else!!!

Guest Talks and Live Demos

It's been a little while since I painted 'Peaceful Evening' and I really fell in love with the colours all over again. The strong bright yellows and the rich reds - quite a warming painting to make on cold days like these. I'd been wondering what to paint in my art group demo tomorrow as I know several members have already seen mountain scenes. So, I think, while it's fresh in my mind, I'll spin out another version for them. I hope the bright, warm colours delights the group as much as it has in today's class. If anyone would like me to give a live demonstration for their art group (or any other group for that matter), do contact me by email or give me a call on 01473 311938 / 07950032557.

Easy Access

One of my students made her way to me via public transport from London today. There's a direct train from Liverpool Street Station, leaving at around 8am, arriving just after 9am in Ipswich. It only takes me 10 minutes (at that time of day, traffic permitting) to get to the station so I was able to pick her up and we enjoyed a hot drink and shortbread before the class started. It was Rebeka's first time ever at oil painting and she was amazed at the results she achieved. I'm eagerly waiting to see what her friends and family think of her work. 'They'll never believe I made this all by myself', she kept saying. So I took photos for her on her phone camera, which she eagerly sent to her fiends. Rebeka reeled off all the other paintings she wanted to make, so I think she'll be taking that train journey a few times. I was able to secure her painting and protect it so she could take it home with her. She was guarding it with her life when I dropped her back at the station!

Venetia - a 2 day painting project

I needed to refresh my memory on a little area on the 'Venetia' painting. I'm teaching the second stage of it later this week. I've actually ended up painting the whole thing again, partly to increase my speed and partly to double check the bit I wasn't 100% sure about. (You can see I don't leave anything to chance when it comes to a painting class!) What I'm left with is a completely different colour tone - which just illustrates how colour mixes can change a painting. Probably mood has a big influence too. A bold and fearless student will paint a completely different painting to a quiet and timid person. If you scroll down you'll see the much richer and deeper earlier version of the same composition.

Avatar

WOW - I'm sure many of you have already heard of the rave reviews on the spectacular 3D Film - Avatar........ Yesterday we decided to pop along to the cinema and give it a look for ourselves. It's one of the most fabulously filmed movies I've ever seen and the 3D effects are amazing. But, if you were to ask me what I enjoyed the very best - it's the colours. Psychadelic, very bright and surreal, it's an absolute feast for your eyes. My favourite characters are the little jellyfish floating seeds - I could put up with a few of those floating around me. If you haven't seen it yet, it really is a must, suitable for 12 years and over it will appeal to just about every one, I'm sure.

Art For Sale

I've made some updates to my 'Art For Sale' page. Something I've been meaning to do since before Christmas. I've included a handful of mini oil paintings, with prices ranging from £25 to £35 for these lovely little small sized oils. Some are gallery wrapped (which means the sides of the canvas is painted) and some are not. Being on the small size, they wouldn't break the bank if you had them professionally framed. I've a few more of these tiddlers to add - and some big 'uns too. Details of what's new and on offer can be found HERE

Work in Progress

Here's an update of my portrait. I spent a little more time adding the skin tone, a few highlights and some shadow colour. I'm eager to get those eyes detailed. The solid dark irises make the painting look a little harsh at the moment.

You plonka, Rodney......

What a plonka. I loaded up my motor with my demo gear and various bits and bobs ready to set off to give a talk to the ladies of the Women's Institute. I'm pleased Alan offered to drive as it was a really foggy night. The venue was out in the sticks and the road conditions were sometimes a little hairy. We hit a flood that had my hands covering my eyes. We took 2 wrong turns (thanks to an ill-informed sat nav) but eventually arrived at our destination in one piece. Thing is..................we were 2 weeks early!!! Oh well, it gave the car a good run now it's finally back on the road.

Another portrait project

It's been lovely, to get back into a bit of portraiture again and I'm glad I thought ahead and prepped a canvas in advance. Yesterday afternoon I worked on a close up shot, a little frustrating at first but I soon got in the swing of it. Considering this underpainting stage is made using just one colour, I managed to cover my whole palette with varying tones. This first stage was made using just 3 brushes and of course, I had the lovely Valerie Stewart right beside me. Well..........on screen anyway. I used Valerie's Demo DVD to guide the order of things and to remind me of the different strokes used. One thing that amazes me, Valerie is painting a classic portrait of a girl in her DVD tuition, yet from her tuition we are able to adapt the technique to any subject we choose. You'll be forgiven if you do not recognise the subject at this stage......but if you nail it straight away I know I'm onto a winner. There are still some slots left on the Valerie Stewart 4 day Portrait Seminar in June if anyone is interested in learning this technique with the lady herself....... details can be found HERE.

New Class Subject - with a difference

My oil painting, made on last week, has received quite a bit of feedback from visitors, website fans and art forums. And so, for this reason I've decided to make it a new Class Subject. Not only that, I am keeping it exactly as it is - which is small.........measuring 9 x 12 inches. Plus......it's on canvas paper, so I am sticking to that also. This means, when the painting is dry it can be mounted and framed very easily and economically. Because of the differences in size, materials, brushes used and time, compared to a normal class, I am able to offer the lesson at a cheaper rate. So, we'll be painting this on Sunday February 21st in Capel St Mary Village Hall (and also in Heartlands in February - date to be confirmed). The cost of the class will be just £38 per person. You can find class details HERE. A larger image of the painting subject can be found HERE. It's been named 'Contemplation' thanks to the input from one of my dear students.

Change of date

I have rescheduled tomorrow's class 'Woodland's End' to Saturday 6th February. In fairness, I only advertised this class on the website a week ago, which was a little ambitious on my part and very short notice for students too. Details and images of the up coming painting subjects and dates can be found HERE.

2 day workshop

Today saw the first stage of 'Venetia' completed. It's the first time I've taught a single painting subject over 2 seperate classes. There's just too much of 'Venetia' to be done in a single session. Instead of a normal 5 hour class, this is broken down to 2 x 3 hour classes. That way, energy levels stay high. We've re-scheduled the second date for 22nd January by mutual agreement. As this class finished earlier than normal I was able to take advantage of the set up and get to work on a new portrait. I'd already prepped the canvas the previous night, so it was ready for the first shading stage. It's nice to work on a portrait from scratch again.......

Art For Fun

Yesterday was the first meeting of the year for the Art For Fun art group. Many of us turned up to a very frosty hall to spend a couple of hours catching up with news and working on our varying art projects. While we were waiting for the heating to be sorted out I chatted to several members. I was thrilled to hear one member had sold the painting she made in the acrylic workshop I gave the group some months ago. Here's what we painted (shown above). Well done Carol. Another member showed me her version of the same project but using a different colour group. Another member had made a version in watercolour, filled with rich crimsons, blues and purples. All great stuff indeed. I worked on something that will save me a little time during tomorrow's class. If I can mix business with pleasure like this I really don't mind. (Thanks for the lift Angela - looking forward to seeing your finished Guinea Fowl.)

Better late than never

At the weekend, my lady braved the elements to come along to make a Pop Art Portrait. Ronni was previously booked in before Christmas as she wanted to make a unique gift for her partner. However, flu kicked in and she couldn't go ahead with the lesson. Luckily though, her partner's birthday is next week. Ronni was a little nervous at first, with no artistic skills she was certain she wouldn't be able to make this. But, after I assured her she would be leaving with a painting to be proud of, she relaxed and quickly began to enjoy the lesson. She even commented a couple of times 'This is such good therapy'. If you'd like to try this really popular and trendy style of painting you will find all the details HERE

Another Bamburgh Castle......

I have just received this photo from a customer of mine. He had been eager to paint the Bamburgh Castle project and the only thing stopping him was waiting for the panoramic / letterbox canvases to arrive.

Jim used water mixable oils instead of the traditional oils that I use.

By following my step by step tuition on the DVD, this is what he produced. I think it's wonderful. As this is only my second DVD, feedback and results like this really do give us great encouragement to carry on.

Thanks Jim xx

If you'd like a copy of this DVD you can find it by clicking on the words 'Another Bamburgh Castle' at the top of this entry and you'll be taken straight to the shopping cart. It's just £11.75 delivered to your door. If you wanted to paint this in one of my classes it would cost £45 for a standard class and £65 for a private class.

Ice Sculpture???

Artistic expression seems to be running in the family today. I've got a lovely ice sculpture of 'Jezza' in my back garden. Jezza was the name of my daughter's marine crab, named after Jeremy Beadle. (You had to see the size of his pincers for this to make sense!). Her and her boyfriend, Tristan, have spent some time in the garden, wrapped up in many layers, building this unique little snow creature. He's about 6 foot wide. Bless.

By hook or by crook......

.................... I was determined to get some painting done this week. And I made sure that things were in my favour by setting everything up last night. It's been a relaxing day, but the picture has been put together in fits and starts. I've taken time out to make phone calls, do a bit of admin work, got distracted on the net and even had a neighbour over for coffee. But I did keep coming back to it and adding bits. This is what we have so far and I might carry on with it - I might not. It might end up being a new painting subject or I might fiddle it to death and it might not. I already know I shall be framing it and I will enter it into my first exhibition of the year. What shall I call it? any ideas?

My Art Forum - Sue's Arty Party

Some clever bod has found out how to put avatars on their forum posts. It certainly makes the forum look a little more colourful. If you're familiar with my forum you'll know it has a wall image and that's my 'tribute' to one of Roger Water's (Pink Floyd) most splendid pieces of work 'The Wall'. So thanks Steve, you've brightened it up and I hope others follow suit. To jump over to my forum 'Sue's Arty Party' CLICK HERE It's not the busiest in the world, but it's friendly and a fun place to find out things.

Rain.....(or snow) stopped play

With treacherous road (and path) conditions and the forecast of more snow on the way we have to be sensible about private class appointments. I've been contacting students since the snow came in December, giving them the option to cancel and re-book. So for anyone with up-coming classes scheduled, don't worry about last minute cancellations. I'd rather we are all safe than sorry. Although the main road through the village is clear, the pavements are thick ice. My heart was in my mouth several times yesterday as I walked to the Post Office. Quite often, walking in the road was the easiest option. And the few yards I have to walk to my studio, storage unit and chicken run are just as bad. We know it's bad when the chickens won't come out. The amount of times I venture out to crack the ice off their water.............

Pop Art Classes coming soon

As promised, I've added a few more classes to the Class Timetable page (CLICK HERE). As the groups will be smaller, I'll be able to manage to hold a Pop Art Portrait Class. These have really been popular and students have been painting both celebrities and family members alike. The choice of painting subject is entirely up to you. The feedback from students on their portraits has been incredible and I know many of my students are keeping busy making commissions for family and friends. It's addictive and because it's done in acylics it drys quickly - plus, when you paint for yourself at home, you can choose to either set aside a day to complete one or spend just 15 minutes a day working on your pop art until it's finished. Either way, it's a very rewarding painting project to do and you'll never be lost for gift ideas once you know how to do this properly. I'll leave you with this snap of one of my students having fun with their Pop Art Portrait - LOL

New Classes

Unfortunately I am unable to hold classes at the Green Room in Stowmarket until late Spring. So it seems a really good opportunity to introduce some smaller classes to be held at my home in Capel St Mary. The classes will be a maximum of 4 students so it will be quite cosy. It also gives me a chance to bring to you some of the older, yet popular painting subjects. These are subjects that I will not be painting in the main Capel Classes, held at weekends, purely because many of my students are regular and have painted them already. Do have a look at the new additions to the Class Timetable HERE and if you'd like to come along to one of these lessons then drop me a line or give me a call on 07950032557. I'll be adding a few more painting subjects over the next few days.

Your first Bamburgh Castle Painting - just by following the DVD

The first 'Bamburgh' of the year has just been received....... Kim e-mailed me this finished piece earlier today. I really like the very rich reds and I like the addition of the birds in several different groups. I think it works really well. I will pop a larger image in Sue's Forum so you can see better. Well done Kim. I know Kim won't mind me telling you she painted this at an ungodly time in the morning. 'Duty' called at 5.30am and instead of returning to bed afterwards, Kim decided to take brush to hand and paint her readily prepared canvas. If anyone else would like to have a go at this step by step tuitional DVD project, you can find the shopping cart by clicking HERE.

Happy New Year - some words of inspiration

I'm sure on this New Year's Eve you are all looking forward to seeing the old one out and the new one in. As I think of a final note to make on the last entry of 2009, I think Christine Pulsifer puts it all rather well in her inspirational prose:

H appiness depends upon your outlook on life.

A ttitude is just as important as ability.

P assion find yours this year!

P ositive thoughts make everything easier.

Y ou are unique, with special gifts, use them.

N ew beginnings with a new year.

E nthusiasm a true secret of success.

W ishes may they turn into goals.

Y ears go by to quickly, enjoy them.

E nergy may you have lots of it.

A ppreciation of life, don't take it for granted.

R elax take the time to relax in this coming year.

Happy New Year to you all and I hope 2010 exceeds your expectations - Sue xxxx

DVD Number 2 - Bamburgh Castle

I'm pleased to have been in some of your Christmas stockings this year. The Bamburgh Castle DVD, despite being a very British landmark, has proven to be as popular overseas as it is here in the UK. I haven't received any photos of finished paintings just yet, but I'm sure they will start to filter through quite soon. One customer, Irene, writes: I have just sat and watched the dvd and found it excellent, you explain everything in a way that is easy to grasp and found all your tips and method of working very informative.I have learnt loads in the 100 min. it took to view the dvd.
I am new to oil painting and have just started using water mixable oils and I am sure I will be able to follow your instructions using this other type of oils........ If you'd like to add Bamburgh Castle to your tuitional DVD collection you can find the shopping basket for it here. At just £11.75 delivered to your door you can paint this in your own time in the comfort of your own home.