Some New Work

This week I've scheduled my agenda so that I have some time to spend in my studio. With nothing but a wide open vista and my free-range chickens pecking around me, I'm in my element. I've completed some new paintings which will be suitable for classes aimed at beginners, no previous art skill required (YES REALLY). You'll find the new subjects here: http://www.ayoubart.co.uk/15.html

On top of that, I've also found time to indulge myself in creating some artwork just for me. With an exhibition coming up in July I really wanted to submit something a little different.

With just one more day of painting indulgence to go, I have no idea what I will paint or where my mood will take me.

The painting shown here 'The Peaceful Evening' started out with nothing more than a colour selection. I had no pre-set ideas with this, I just shook the painting right out of my brush.

Lap work

Today I really wanted to have another day in my studio but unfortunately the very wet weather and a severe power cut put paid to that idea. But all was not lost...............I have several Pop Art projects on the go at the moment. With half finished celebrity faces laying all around the house, they are a great thing to pick up and work on in fits and starts. As these portraits are made using acrylics, I can work on my lap. So, although I wanted to work on a rather special oil painting project, instead I've completed 2 Pop Arts. Hopefully, fingers crossed, I'll be able to work in oils tomorrow, while the creative mood is still with me.

Incidentally..........................I am able to teach these Pop Art Portraits to beginners. If you're interested in painting your own idol's portrait this way please contact me on 01473 311938 for details. Alternatively you can view other student's work on my website HERE

The Crossing

This Bank Holiday weekend has been spent painting. On Saturday I enjoyed the day in my studio and worked on this bridge scene 'The Crossing'. I got quite carried away with this and took a lot of time tickling in some really fine details. It's put me in good stead for including a bridge in future painting projects, which was the main aim of the exercise. Now I need to develop a painting, with this stone bridge, that can be taught in an oil painting class in the 5 hour time slot.

All work and no play.......

I recently joined a Leisure Centre at the nearby Belstead Brook Hotel. It's my little peice of paradise - although I do share it with friends and family when I can. The Leisure Centre consists of a very well equiped gym with an excellent team of instructors - but best of all it has a tropical Spa. The Spa has the warmest ever swimming pool, complete with palm trees, a little island and even a coffee bar! I can take a guest along for just £10. The jacuzzi is hot and the jets pummel the stresses and strains away in seconds - and if that doesn't work you can always unwind in the Sauna or Steam Room.
................so, after the second painting day, Kathleen, my current student and Apollo Studio guest, accompanied me to the Spa for a well earned hour of pure indulgence.
We didn't need a lot of rocking that evening..........

No rest for the wicked........

AyoubArt was straight back to business on January 2nd. With a guest flying into Stanstead airport for a stay in the Apollo Studio - http://www.apollostudio.co.uk/ I had some shopping to do and an apartment to prepare.

The Apollo Studio is an on-site accommodation, self contained from just £35 per night. It's really handy for long distance students. This snug apartment has a wet room, fitted and equiped kitchen, relaxation area with TV/DVD/Stereo and bedroom. To date we've had guests from Norway, France, Spain, Portugal, US, Ireland and all over England, Scotland and Wales. Some guests have been from just up the road, simply wanting to make a long weekend of it.
Whether you chose to stay just the one night, a weekend or a week - the village has just about everything you could wish for, including some really nice woodland strolls. For just £10 a welcome pack can be ready for your arrival, containing essentials like milk, bread, butter, coffee, tea, sugar, eggs, juice, biscuits and marmalade. If you want to be really lavish, we can arrange for champagne and belgium chocolates to be chilling in your fridge - just incase you were celebrating something special.