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.

Inspiration from a student..........mmmmm

Today's student, Lynne, has given me an amazing idea for a new painting subject and I just hope I get the time to work something out to see if it's viable. Even better if I can get it organsied this side of Christmas (there's that word again!). Today I taught Lynne a seascape using many of Joyces techniques. A more traditional style of painting, but a style where you can really tickle out some lovely details and effects. You do need a light hand for this and Lynn, managed just that with some amazing results, as you can see here. Lynne, always at the end of a painting session will critique her own painting very harshly indeed - always striving to do better and better. After today's lesson all she could fault was that she wished she had put 2 rocks in her painting instead of 3 - so that speaks volumes to me. Well done Lynn and thanks for the marvellous inspiration.

Portraiture for beginners and improvers

Here's a little News Flash that may interest fellow painters. As from July I will be teaching portraiture. It's something Valerie and I have been discussing for a while and, after the recent Portrait Seminar, the time is right. I must stress, portraiture cannot be completed in a single class and cannot really be compared to the wet on wet landscapes. To begin with, portraiture classes will be taught as private lessons or small groups of up to 4 people. If you'd like details about this sooner rather than wait until July, do feel free to contact me. Meanwhile, I leave you with Harry, my latest one.......I can share him with you now that he's been delivered and given the thumbs up by the family.

Anyone lost a chicken?

Late yesterday afternoon I heard words I hadn't heard in a long time. As I opened my front door to my neighbour she said 'Chicken loose........'. Our girls have been pretty well behaved for months so I was surprised to hear they have been going on advewntures. 'It's a red one', said Deb. I was more than curious as a fox took both our red ones a few weeks ago. Sure enough, pecking in a garden a few doors down was the spitting image of Goldie. It wasn't her, I thought it might be too good to be true. She was easy to catch, tempted by a handful of grain. She's scratching away in the back garden as I type and I'm thinking if we can find one more stray we'll have a nice even half-dozen again. But...if anyone knows of any missing chickens in the Capel area do give me a call as we probably have your bird. Meanwhile, we've called her Goldie 2 and we'll look after her until (if ever) she is claimed.

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.

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.