Please stay nice......

I do hope this brilliant weather stays like this for the Bank Holiday weekend. It's been nice to have the kitchen door wide open. At the moment I spend a lot of my time sitting in my dining room as I have a lovely little portrait working area that's been set up for quite a while. It's non-invasive and doesn't hardly disrupt the dining room at all and it's been brilliant painting with all this fresh air and country sounds around me. For the past few days I've had another little portrait sitting in the side lines and I've been messing around with him for 5 - 10 minutes at a time. Probably not the sort of character anyone would want to mess with, but I thought he might make a good subject. He's not quite finished yet but now his features have been refined he really does look quite sinister in the semi-darkness of the dining room. Right, I'm off for a game of Quid Pro Quo.......with a nice bottle of Chianti and some fava beans

Bank Holiday weekend Art Demo

At Stowupland Village Hall there will be several stalls open over the Bank Holiday weekend. I have a stall there and I will be giving a live demonstration of the wet on wet technique.....and I hope to have a portrait painting project on the side too (space permitting). I shall have art supplies on display for sale and I shall be selling off some of my paintings, unframed, at bargain prices. I need to make room in my studio once again and this week alone I've sorted out several boxes of paintings that need homes. I'm sharing the stall with another artist, Pauline, and her work will also be available to purchase. Pauline will be manning the stall on all 3 days. I will only be demo-ing on the Saturday (1st May). If you 'd like to pop along and give us a look, say hello, we are in Church Road, Stowupland, Nr Stowmarket, IP14 4BQ.

Here's looking at you

Last week I set to work on a portrait commission. I have another avid fan who also wants a painting of Peter Andre. She is set to move home in May and didn't want the painting before the move. I've practically finished the portrait and although it has a huge amount of similarities as the last one, obviously, it also has some difference too. Which is just what you want really. Here's a close up of Mr Andre's eyes and I'm pleased some people have guessed the character from this shot alone.

A new product

Here's a natty little piece of equipment you might like to add to your art supplies. It's the Alexander Brush Cleaning Screen. It measures just over 4 inches wide and is less than an inch high. This means you don't need much thinners in your pot to get coverage - which is great if you use an expensive variety. Available direct from the UK it's only £5.30 delivered to your door. I used mine for the first time yesterday and it does a great job, even cleaned my delicate liner brush and other soft brushes too. Because of it's size I only need a little cleaner pot. CLICK HERE to be taken to the shopping cart if you'd like one. Remember, price includes postage and packing to any European address.

A new painting subject

A little while ago I received a message from a student of mine. Katie wanted to book a class and asked if it were possible to paint something from the Sue's Gallery selection rather than the Class Subject choices. And from that request we now have a rather pretty - and different - painting subject that is suitable to be taught in a class. I'm putting this new painting ' Feathered Friends ' as the Capel class subject for June, it will probably be the painting subject for July at Heartlands once I sort out some new dates. See HERE for details and if you CLICK HERE you'l find a larger image of the new painting subject.

The sun has got his hat on....

Taking maximum advantage of the recent sunny weather, I decided to prep 3 boxes of canvases. All have been given 2 coats of flesh toned gesso and are ready for any of the June students who wish me to supply their portrait canvas for them. My patio had every sunny inch taken up with lines of canvas drying out. I'll be sending out an announcement to the Valerie Stewart students later this week incase you'd like to order your canvases in advance. Valerie also wants to extend an invitation to anyone who is interested in dropping by when we have the portrait seminar. Drop-ins will be on the 5th & 6th June, afternoons only. It'll give you an idea of what we've been doing and how we are getting along. It might even tempt you to sign up for a 2011 portrait seminar. I still have availablity for this 4 day oil painting portraiture workshop, details can be found HERE.If you are unable to attend the seminar but wish to learn Valerie's technique you might be interested in her DVD's. A single portrait demo DVD is a bargain at just £16; the intensive 6 DVD set is just £145. Details of the DVDs can be found HERE. As I was in a portrait frame of mind I decided to finish off this fella (yes, it IS a fella). I might just keep this guy for myself....... Regular readers will know I've learned to create these portraits simply by following Valerie's DVD tuition. This is my 7th ever oil portrait and the second portrait that I have completed without having to refer to the DVD's. You can find a larger version of this painting by clicking HERE.

A gift for a friend

Thanks to a couple of students (who were armed with camera's on Saturday) I can share a snap taken from a recent class. On the left you can see Hazel. On the right, with her back to us, is her friend Pauline. Pauline decided to book the seascape painting workshop as a total surprise for her friend, who was a first time painter. An unusual birthday gift, yet a gift that will last forever in memory and on canvas.

Pauline paints frequently and recently took part in the Needham Market exhibition. She managed to sell over half of her paintings. Fingers crossed she'll have more sales in another exhibition in May. If you'd like to surprise a friend or loved one with a painting class (or a private lesson) AyoubArt Gift Vouchers can be purchased by clicking HERE

What a star.....

Thank heavens for the half-term holidays. Edward is 16 years old, as tall as a house and is more than keen to earn himself a wage. Which is very fortunate for me. I recently hosted a class for a group of Women's Institute ladies. By having Edward along with me he really did save my back and my legs by unloading the car, helping to set up, cleaning brushes, clearing away and re-loading the car. He even managed to snap away and take photos for the website for me. Edward has painted a couple of oils himself so he was also great at giving encouragement and feedback to the ladies. He washed up the tea things, helped adjust some easels to a more workable angle and had his eye scanning the classroom at all times so he was more than aware if anyone was getting low on paint or unsure what brush to use. If I had a pound for every time a student asked to take him home..................... So, a big thanks to my new ladies who all made fabulous paintings - and - a double big thanks to Edward for helping my day along and saving me loads of time before, during and after the workshop. XXX You can just see Edward here, in the blue top, helping a lady turn her painting around on her easel.

Learn to paint by DVD

Let me tell you about Meera. Meera recently came along to a painting class at Heartlands. She drove for approx 3 hours to get to me, sat for 5 hours painting mountains, lakes, pine trees and clouds. She drove home after the class with her first ever oil painting masterpiece. And her painting was beautiful - really beautiful. She was beaming. Meera purchased a Lowell Speers DVD from me, the monochromatic seascape. Recently I received an email from Meera and attached was a photo of her painting which was made just by following the tuitional DVD. I think you'll agree she has made a fabulous version of this tonal seascape. If you'd like to have a go at this painting project you can find the details of the DVD HERE at just £9.50 delivered to your door.

Guaranteed results - anyone can paint

There's going to be a very surprised Dad. Here you can see Jack, just putting the finishing touches to his Pop Art portrait of his father. Jack is just 11 years old and along with his mother they spent half the day having fun with their painting projects. Jack's mum decided to paint an Artic Lorry (long story - but a symbolic and hugely apt choice of painting subject - don't ask!) When I arrived and started to set up, both Jack & Mum were telling me how Dad was in total disbelief that either of them could paint Pop Art Portraits in just half a day. Mum assured him it was possible and even reminded him of my money back guarantee which I offer to any un-satisfied customers. 'She's never had to give a refund yet..........', Mum explained.

Learn to paint in your own home

Recently I held a Pop Art Class with a difference. It was a private lesson - but it was at the customer's house instead of mine. I taught 2 students and took along all the equipment and materials necessary for both students to make their choices of canvas size and shape. If this sort of bespoke lesson would appeal to you, do feel free to drop me a line or give me a call to discuss rates - 01473 311938. One of the benefits of Pop Art portraiture is the fact that we use water based paints, making the brush cleaning process very quick and easy using only the kitchen sink. There is no need for concerns on any mess in your home.

Whilst on the subject of Pop Art - let me mention a lady who visited me for a Pop Arty lesson last month. Bev has been non-stop popping since she left me Her new creations range from family members to celebrities and she is now taking on commissions too. You can see her work on her website: http://bevpryor.blogspot.com/ Bev is currently building her collection of Pop Arts ready for an exhibition this Summer. Isn't that great ?

Bare walls

Well, my dining room walls are looking a little bare. It's the place I like to hang my most recent work. Partly so I can view projects with a critical eye.......often - and also so visitors and students can view the work and give me their feedback. 2 oil portrait commissions and a Pop Art commission are now with their new owners and I'm anxious to fill the gaps on the wall. I've already made a start on the next oil portrait and it sits on my easel ready for the next stage. I'm sure I've said it before, but one of the nice things about these oil portraits is you can start and stop whenever you like, spending as much or as little time as you choose. I'll make a new web page soon for these oil portrait commissions as I hope to take on more of them. I'm really pleased to say both I and my customers so far are more than happy with their paintings. Of course, the hugest thanks goes to Valerie Stewart for adding another string to my bow.

Just toooooooo triangular?

On a recent journey to my Heartlands class, the drive was beautiful. The trees and hedgerows are greening up with buds and baby leaves and Marion has planted some beautiful pansies and primroses to greet you at the entrance of Heartlands. On my regular journey there, one tree in particular has been taking my attention. I've been wanting to stop and take a photo of it for months but the road is narrow and it's on a bend. Every single time I pass this tree I think to myself, 'if I were to paint it exactly the way it looks......it'd be wrong'. It's almost a prefect triangle and it's the tree's natural shape. Today I was well prepared, I had my camera at the ready and I managed to get a good shot without being a danger to other motorists. Can you see what I mean? Can you imagine it in an oil painting, stood on it's own?

Done......

This recent portrait commission has been getting some lovely comments from visitors to the house and from viewers on Facebook. I've had the thumbs up from my customer and it will be winging it's way to it's new home next week. I'm already wondering who to do next, shall I go for someone popular? someone I particularly like? family member? I dunno just yet. I've emailed the finished piece to my virtual portrait tutor, Valerie Stewart. Her comments were 'AWESOME - CONGRATS'. Her style of portraiture is really incredible and I've enjoyed painting along with her in a virtual fashion by following her DVD's. You will find all the info you need on her basic portrait demo DVD at just £16 delivered to your door (CLICK HERE for details) For a wider range of tuition, her 6 DVD set is available at just £145. This covers all skin types, all ages, a wide range of features and lots lots more. Alternatively - you can paint along with the master herself when she flys to the UK for a 4 day portrait seminar. If you'd like to see my finished portrait just CLICK HERE This painting is only my 7th ever oil portrait project and it's my 2nd commission. I had no need to refer to the DVD's for this painting - Valerie's style is easy to follow and very, very easy to remember too. I am using her portrait brushes - (you only need 5) - and her portrait paints all of which are available direct from the UK.

Fancy learning this technique

Here we have the completed underpainting stage. It's a commission painting and the customer is more than happy with things so far. Portraiture is very different indeed from the normal wet on wet oil painting technique which I teach in my regular classes. If you'd like to learn this portrait technique, I have availability on the Valerie Stewart 4 day portrait seminar which will take place in June. Full details can be found HERE. With less than 6 weeks to go before Valerie flys in to the UK to teach us Europeans her marvelous method, there's still time to take part.

Another portrait project

I'd been itching to get cracking on another celebrity portrait. I took this snap as I broke for a coffee break at the half way stage of the underpainting to get away from the project for 10 minutes. I'd be very surprised indeed if anyone gets it at this stage. Hopefully by the time I've fully finished this stage I'll have a reasonable resemblance. I better not let myself get too distracted as I want to finish the underpainting totally so it's dry to work on tomorrow.

Changes to classes

Over the last few months we've all seen the price of fuel steadily increase. Combine this with increased hall hire rates, delivery charges, canvases, paint and other sundry costs things have been creeping up. In an effort to maintain my current class prices I've decided to cut back on the snacks / nibbles / lunches that are given during classes and private workshops. This will take effect as from 1st April. For anyone who has a Private Class Gift Voucher issued before 31st March, your lunch will still be included when you book your lesson.

Something else to keep my fingers busy

I was recently given the most fabulous acoustic guitar. Now I don't know one guitar from the next, but friends who know about these things tell me my new toy is a proper gem. One of my birthday surprises was a guitar lesson (following an impromptu and delicious tapas lunch). I received a guitar chord and scale book and an essential tuner. All I'll say for now is...........I look at guitar players totally different and with even more admiration than ever before. I don't think I've ever tried to learn something that seems so fiddly and complicated in my life. If I can one day play a tune I'll be very surprised. But, I'll not let it beat me and it's early days. So, if any fellow guitar players out there have any words of encouragement to offer, I'll really love to hear from you. Was it the same for you too at the beginning? Were you also overwhelmed by the many chords, notes and finger positions? Boy does it hurt your finger tips too.

On yer bike.....

I'm mobile again. My bike, which was stolen from my drive last year has been sorely missed. I really used to enjoy my bike rides. I was lucky enough to receive a new bike for my birthday which is practically identical to the old one - apart from the colour. The new one is purple, the old one was green. I have a lock and chain for it and it's nice and secure. If this lovely weather continues you can be sure I'll be out there as often as I can clocking up the miles.

Moment of truth....

If you've been followings Sue's News you'll know I've been working away on an oil painting commission of little Harry. Student's who have visited my house have been watching his progress too and he's become quite a talking point. I've been emailing the various stages to his mum, Lou, who has given me positive feedback at every stage. A few weeks ago I decided to call by Lou's and show her the real thing. I feel the softness and textures are just not being picked up enough in the photos PLUS I wanted to read her face when she saw it as the initial reaction would tell me if I was doing a good, fair or poor job. It was important for me to do this before completing the final stages on the portrait. We settled down with a coffee and a chat before I unveiled the portrait. As I set up the canvas in the best possible light I turned around to see tears in Lou's eyes. 'I have goosebumps too, the hairs on my arms are standing on end', she said. Now THAT'S a reaction, a very fulfilling one too. I'm chuffed. 'It's just like looking at him and his lips are so realistic I could kiss them.......................' she went on. And that's pretty much what my students say about him too. I'm going to have to meet this adorable little chap one day.

Birthday Celebrations with a difference

At an oil painting painting workshop last month we had a party of 5 girls who were celebrating a 40th birthday. All of them were first timers at painting too. As the birthday cake and nibbles were being passed around they easily mastered the various techniques and produced really lovely paintings, as did the rest of the class. If only I had a pound every time someone said 'I can't believe I just made that'. And I wouldn't mind a pound everytime I heard 'No one is going to believe I painted this all by myself'. If anyone is interested in making a group booking to celebrate a special occassion, do give me a call on 079500 32557 or drop me a line so we can negotiate rates, venues and painting subjects.