Ready for delivery

Many of my students have been passing remark about my latest WIP that's been sat on an easel in the studio.

Today I put the final strokes on this little fella and he'll be delivered, along with another portrait, tomorrow. I have to say, I'm sad to see this one go.

Some of you might just detect an essence of recognition about those eyes . You won't have known this handsome chap at this young age, but he's a much more familiar 'Edward' to us all, now standing over 6 foot tall, aged 17 and my ever attentive assistant.

Fingers crossed his mum will love her Birthday present.

Green is the colour of the week.

I've been in my element this week as all the classes so far have been green compositions. I could paint in greens and limes all day long, there's just something about the colours that delight me. It's my favourite colour - although you'll rarely find me actually wearing it.

Greens, I think, suit black canvases perfectly. While the black basepaint was out I thought it might be a good idea to get all the canvases prepped for next week's classes too. I like to do these in batches and it saves time for me in the long run.

Here's a snapshot of a small portion of yesterday's painting subject- my old favourite 'Mangrove Oasis'. It was the subject of the first 'big' class I ever taught. I was asked if I ever get tired of painting it - my answer is simple: It's green and it has trees and I could paint this sort of thing 7 days a week. But, interestingly, I do get tired of painting some class subjects. When that happens I simply remove them from the website. It's no good me feeling slightly 'anti' before a class, I have to love what I do or I'm not giving my students the best I possibly can. So - that may answer the mystery of why some subjects seem to come and go.

Exciting Announcement !

Today I took a trip to my framers to collect some paintings. My portrait of daughter number 2 is now all ready to hang in the lounge. It looks a little lonely in the alcove but I hope it will be joined by another couple of portraits fairly soon.

The originals were given as Christmas gifts and I miss them, so prints will have to do. I hope to fill this alcove with a selection of portraits over the year. They do look great hung in a group.

Plus...........while we are on the subject of portraits, here's some exciting news for you all. Valerie Stewart and I have just finalised the dates of her next UK Portrait Seminar. We'll be enjoying her company in May 2012 for another 4 days of Portrait Painting in oils. You can find details of the event HERE.

Not all of the T's have been crossed just yet but I will update the page (and Sue's News) with more details as and when they come through.

But, for now, you have the dates AND plenty of notice.

Excited ?? I am :)

If you would like to spend a few minutes enjoying some brilliant portraits you can CLICK HERE to be taken direct to Valerie's website.