A busy weekend

This weekend a distant customer took great advantage of a lift, with friends, to Ipswich. Christin has been wanting to learn portraiture for some time. This timely lift coincided perfectly with my diary and the opportunity was just too good too miss. Christin booked 2 portrait lessons, back to back, for 2 days. Because the portrait lessons are only 3 hours long, it's easy to do this from 10am to 1pm - 30 mins for lunch, then carry on from 1.30pm to 4.30pm.

Christin was lucky enough at Christmas to receive the Valerie Stewart DVD set, brushes and paints so there will be no stopping her when she gets home. Although we were unable to totally complete both portraits (as you really need 3 sessions per painting), Christin made really good headway on both pictures. She'll be back another time to complete them and is already planning to next paint our Queen and Bob Ross.

Christin is a Bob Ross instructor, so you can imagine we had lots to chat about being in the same 'industry'.

I asked Christin if the portrait lessons were how she thought they would be. 'No', she replied, 'they're even better than I imagined'. Isn't that lovely to hear?

If portraiture might be something that would interest you, do give me a call on 01473 311938 or drop me a line.

A bit more space

Taking that office door off (in my studio) was timely. I had some last minute interest in last week's class and was able to squeeze one more person in. I felt a bit like Joyce Ortner .......she likes to sit on a stool and teach from the stand up easel. That's exactly the pose I struck for the class, setting up the free standing easel just inside the office with a stool to one side. The student who was sat closest to the rear exit was the only person who had to leave their chair to see my demo stages, so it's working really well. Tried and tested.

It's about time......literallly :)

The classes I am doing from my home studio are finishing quicker than the larger venue classes used to. The most obvious and logical reason is because the number of students are smaller. But, as I was telling yesterday's students, there's a number of small factors that also chip away at the time. One of the major changes is that it is rare a student ever needs to clean a brush, both during and after a class. I take on that task, easily spending half hour or more in my outside studio washing and conditioning all our brushes. Another factor.....The way I demo in my studio set up means students no longer have to leave their chairs to see my step by step demo. Imagine having to do that about 10 plus times a lesson.....just say it takes a minute to walk to the front of the class and back to your chair - that's already shaved over 10 minutes of the class time.This means, from the time you start your painting lesson with me it's all about painting. And that's just the way I like it. I think the student's are in agreement too :)

Say hello to Naboo and Rinkle

I'd like to introduce readers and students alike to two new members of my family.

I first met this breed of cat over 20 years ago when Pauline, a friend, led me to her daughter Zoe's bedroom. Zoe was tucked up in bed......but she slowly pulled back her bed covers to reveal a pretty little gremlin fast asleep.

From that day I have always wanted one.

Well, my dream came true last week when I collected a pair.

Welcome to Naboo and Rinkle my new Sphynx cats.

At the moment they are a bit poorly but in the week that I've had them they have improved 100%. They've practically spent their first week sleeping - but as soon as they are more active I'll take some shots so you can see their very striking and angular profiles.

Portraits are really proving fun

I know a lot of my customers and students have given portraits (both oils and Pop Art) as Christmas gifts this year.

The feedback from the delighted recipients has been brilliant.

'I can't believe you painted that'

'You did this yourself???' '

It's beautiful, thank you so much'

'Can you do some more'

If you'd like to have a go at portraiture, do have a look at my timetable to see if there are any dates that suit.

If not, just ask.......

Just this minute a distant customer has been in touch about portrait lessons. Her friend is coming to Ipswich for a weekend. Too good an opportunity to miss, she's managed to get herself a lift and we'll be working on 2 portrait projects over the course of 2 days.

Meanwhile.......here's one that went to Mr Andre just before Christmas.

New Class Dates

Today is a catch-up day and I don't mind the rain when I'm stuck in the office all day long. With several supply orders being delivered today I know I'm not going to miss the delivery man too. Catch-up means website work and consequently I've just updated my class timetable page and added a few more dates and a few more painting's. Accounts are the next thing to be brought up to date, then the phone calls for other sundry bits and bobs. I quite like days like this - although I wouldn't want them too often......it reminds me of my full time office days too much.

My 'other' hobby

I'm at it again. It's been a while since I had a bake up and today was the perfect day for it. With the house to myself all day long I switched on the radio LOUD and had a good look in the cupboards. With eggs beginning to pile up again, first on the menu was 3 large farmhouse fruit cakes, followed by 2 dozen rock buns. Next up, a home made white loaf had the kitchen smelling wonderful combined with 8 pints of rich leek and potato soup. We have quite a lot of apples to use, so they went into 2 family sized apple pies, the rest were stewed up and popped in freezer bags. The customary tray of flap jacks were thrown into the oven, as it was on.....and whie I was on a roll with the pastry I thought I'd do a tray of large cheese scones. Although I sit here with an aching back after nearly 5 hours in the kitchen, it's so rewarding to know the freezer, fridge and cake tins are full of goodies. Aren't Alan and Steffi going to have a nice surprise when they get home?

Well and truly bitten by the bug

It's not unusual to try a wet on wet style oil painting lesson and get bitten by the bug. After, all it's exactly what happened to me a few years ago and look where I am now! However, I don't think I've ever had someone book as many painting lessons as my new best friend, Cassie. Basically, she came along for one session and booked up every single class, with private sessions in between. Today was one of her private sessions - and she brought some friends with her too. What a lovely way to paint. You know everyone else in the class - and that's where the banter kicks in. All of my ladies are American and it was lovely hearing the sunny accent again - the last young lady who spoke it here a month ago was Joyce Ortner. Cassie's friends are total newbies to oil painting and were a little sceptical that they could achieve a masterpiece with their current skill sets and knowledge. Of course, anyone who has tried this technique already knows different....as long as you are shown how, explained why and demonstrated the whats, whos and the wheres, it's 100% possible.

More Class Dates

I've just added some more dates to the painting classes page. There's some special offers on there, there's some shorter and cheaper classes too. Many of you will be interested in another Pop Art class, to be held in the new venue in Stowupland on Tuesday October 12th. Be sure to book in early for that one as I know it will be an opportunity for many of you to produce a very unique portrait in time to give as a Christmas gift. (Ooooops....... did I use that 'C' word a little too early? Only 15 days to go, not that I'm counting.)

Let the sun shine in.....

Recently influenced by the beautiful weather, I was determined to create a new painting class subject and sat browsing through some holiday photos for inspiration. I flung open the double doors of my studio and let the sun and heat stream in - I put my new CD on the player, turned up the volume. I made myself a lovely glass of cold pineapple juice. Out came the paints and off we went. It almost takes me as long to record each stage in my note book as it does to paint it. But - my notes are vital if I want to re-create it as exactly as I can. If any of you are familiar with Joyce Ortner, you'll know that's the way she works too. She even suggests keeping a 'recipe book' for al the colours that you mix, which is a great idea too. Anyways - I leave you with Cor Phew. You can see a larger version of this painting in my class subjects gallery.

My first........

Just to draw your attention to the August 8th painting subject in Capel St Mary - an old 'un but a good 'un. Mangrove Oasis. This painting was the subject of my first ever 'big' class many years ago. Boy, was I nervous that day. It's been painted several times since and each time I introduce little changes to it. I've just updated the class gallery to show a more recent version of the painting, which was made recently in a private lesson - in fact, I made two again, a mini and a maxi version. If you'd like to come along and learn to paint this vivid scene with me in August do drop me a line or give me a call on 01473 311938. If I have your deposit for the class before the end of July I'll give you a complimentary small canvas so you too can paint a mini and maxi version at the same time.

Update on Special Offers

Hi everyone. Are you all making the most of this lovely Summer we've been having so far? It's almost too nice to spend time indoors painting - almost.

Do you know, I've sat here and received about half a dozen emails today from Tescos, M&S, Amazon and various other companies all promoting their various special offers. I tend to send minimal newsletters and updates and rely on folk visitng my Sue's News page for announcements.

Sue's News can be found on this link http://www.ayoubart.co.uk/page_160.html

Not everyone is a reader of Sue's News and as some of my special offers are for a limited period only I thought I'd just update on Blogger so you can have the opportunity to take advantage of some price reductions.

Firstly, I am trying a new venue in Stowupland. I have a shorter 4 hour class booked for Thursday 8th August 10 -2. The introductory price for this venue is just £35 per person. We'll be painting the Northern Lights.

I have a class this Sunday (11th) in Capel Village Hall - Contemplation. 12.30 - 5 There's a couple of spaces left on this class and I am offering a £5 discount to anyone who wants a last minute seat.

I'm currently offering a special on private lessons to the end of September. Private classes are normally £65 per person. If there are 2 or more of you who are interested in a private class between July 12th and 30th September on a weekday, I am offering a massive discount of £20 and can offer the lesson at £45 per person. I can take up to 4 people at a time. The choice of painting subject will be yours.

My August painting subject in Capel is Mangrove Oasis. For anyone who sends me their deposits for this class before 31st July you will receive a complimentary mini canvas so you can make 2 paintings at the same time - returning home with a 'keeper' and a present.

You can find details of all these special offers on my classes page here: http://www.ayoubart.co.uk/17.html

Right, I think that's just about brought you up to date with these savings and I look forward to seeing some of you very soon. Meanwhile take care and enjoy the sun - we just don't know how long it will last.

Cheeky

Yesterday I caught up with all sorts of bits and bobs, some things arty - some things not. It took up most of my day. I was determined to get some painting time in, if only a few moments. As my WIP work is continually set up now in my new studio, everything is to hand. It makes things so much easier to paint, without disrupting the main house. I knew I only had about an hour, so, I changed the colour of Robbie Williams eyes from blue to green (still loads more to do on him so I won't bore you with a photo just yet). Another project I have on the back burner is a portrait of sorts. I want something very soft and gentle, very feminine. My new lounge doesn't have a single thing hanging on the wall and I want something quite different for an alcove. As you can see, there's loads more to do to this, I've really only laid in the underpainting and just 2 flesh tones. But, it means I did manage to get some painting time in and I'm a few steps further with both paintings' progression.

Have a look

I've also sized, croped and edited quite a few more photos taken at the Valerie Stewart Portrait Seminar. You can now view quite a large selection of works in progress, finished paintings and some extreme close up shots. I think you'll agree - there's some brilliant work there. CLICK HERE to be taken to the portrait class gallery page.

New product

I've uploaded some more photos of the portrait class - there's still many more to be added. From these images you'll be able to see a selection of what was acheived in the first 2 days only! CLICK HERE

Valerie uses a Kopy Kake projector to allow students to speedily and accurately make a very basic tracing of their photo onto the canvas. As Valerie says, she teaches painting, not drawing. These projectors are now available to purchase direct from my website at a cost of only £185 - CLICK HERE for the full details.

There's a 5 year guarantee too. This price includes delivery to any address in mainland UK. (Normal retail price is £255)

Customers Say......

I would like to share with you some testimonials. I asked students if they would write me a quick note to reflect their thoughts on Valerie's portrait seminar.

Brigid: I got on a plane from Ireland to come to Valerie's classes. What a great instructor. Calm, re-assuring and always praising the efforts you make, giving courage to go on. I will be back next year, if she comes back to the UK

Jim: I have completed two portrait paintings of my grandchildren. It is he closest 'likeness' I have managed in the last two years of trying. I am amazed by the wonderful likeness everyone on the course managed.

Helen: Dear Valerie & Sue. I have enjoyed this course better than any other I have been on. You have both made it so enjoyable and welcoming. I shall be taking not only my pictures with me but wonderful memories and a lot more knowledge. Thankyou again.

Edd: Thanks very much, Val. It was great.

Maxine: Valerie, I have been touched by your magic fingers. That has inspired me to look forward and take my own journey that will last a life time. Thankyou so much. Your new best friend.

Mo: WOW. What an experience. I am so glad my husband brought me this course for my birthday. I was so unsure when I started but the end results speak for themselves. WOW. Thanks again.

Pauline: Val & Sue. What a nervous novice I was on day 1. I booked the course and then fretted for days wondering if I'd done the right thing. Now on day 4 I cannot wait to go home and sing your praises to everyone I meet. Thankyou for your hospitality Sue and thankyou Valerie, you are a great tutor. See y'all next year, LUV U xx

Martin: To Val & Sue. What a great 4 Days I had. The company was brilliant. Your teaching is second to none. Hope to see you again very soon.Grace: Really enjoyed myself and I have learned loads.

Marion: Dear Valerie & Sue, Oh WOW. I have really enjoyed myself so much and truely cannot thank you enough. I am thrilled with my self-portrait and my hubbie's portrait and am amazed at Valerie's skill. A brush stroke here and there transforms the look. I take with me the desire to paint even more portraits and to have the confidence to put on colour (especially dark colours). I hope you come next year as I have already cleared the time off from my family if you do. Lots of love to you both.

Not a dry eye in the hall.....

Well, I can safely say all of the students who have taken part in the portraiture seminar have left the class with amazing paintings. We've had a few guests drop by this afternoon to admire the work and their feedback has given the students good reason to smile. I'll pop some images of the actual portraits on the website over the next few days so you can see for yourselves.

I have to take this opportunity to thank my lovely nephew, Edward. He has been ever vigilant in fetching paints, keeping the refreshments on the go, running errands at the drop of a hat, taking photos - the list goes on.

We were particularly touched after lunch today when Valerie, Edward & I were summoned to the dinner table. The lovely Pauline shushed everyone up, pulled a sheet of paper from her notes, stood up and read this:

Dear Sue
Your unassuming attitude
Your generous nature and servitude
Deserve a special mention in all our books
(And so does Robbie Williams' good looks)
For you - no gift - maybe a cup of tea
And a great big thanks for your Company
A special mention though,
About your cake
That recipe, I would like to take
Back home with me - so -
When I get a minuteI can bake, and not paint,
When my heart's not in it.
Please remember to keep in touch
'Cos we all shall miss you so very much

NOW

Dear Valerie,
A bouquet of flowers -We thought of that,
But you've no time to enjoy them -So that fell flat!
We all agreed that
Whatever we choose
'Twould be a waste
'Cos you're off on a cruise.
We all subscribed for this gift -You've not had
Then decided the dosh
Go to Edward instead!

This dear lad has been so good
Making us drinks & offering food
He deserves recognition for all
He has done
And we must say it now
Before we're all gone.
He's waited on us
Hand and foot -
But you, dear Valerie......U CAN KISS MY BUTT !!!
(I love you tho' xxx)

As Pauline read the Edward paragraph she walked around the table towards him and emptied a jug into his lap. The student's had made a secret collection and presented it to a very surprised and stunned teenager. Pauline's poem touched all our hearts having us laughing one minute and welling up the next.

What a lovely lot you are - and what a lovely job I have when it brings folk like this into my life.
I love you all and hope to paint with you again sometime soon.
From the heart - thankyou
xxxxxx

Day 3 and we're painting with friends

Day 3 of our portraiture lessons was so fulfilling to each and every student. These faces are coming alive before our eyes as some finer details are being added. It's been an amazing process. From the end of day one all the paintings looked finished - in a sepia/monochromatic way. From the end of day 2, once the basic skin tones and the eyes were completed - again we seemed to have finished paintings. Today we have been 'pushing and pulling'. That's Valerie's way of describing the enhancement of highlights and shadows. Eyelashes are going in, freckles are being added, the second stage to the background areas are being adjusted, stripes to shirts (well done Marion). All beautiful - really beautiful. If I had a pound (that's a quid to you, Valerie) every time I heard the words 'she's amazing', I'd be taking a sackfull to the bank. It's been an absolute privilege watching this very talented lady at work with her endless supply of positive energy. Many of us have learned plenty already from Valerie's DVD's but we have learned volumes from the extensive visual and verbal demos that are continually being illustrated throughout the last 3 days. With one more day to go we prepare once again to paint with our new friends. For more class photos CLICK HERE.

Another scorcher !

This morning I woke up to another beautiful morning. The house was all still and quiet and I could see the brilliant sunshine through the window, beckoning. So, without thinking, I threw on some clothes, grabbed my sunglasses and set off on my bike. I'd intended a 7 mile route. A 'Road Closed' sign put paid to that......in a good way. I took a diversion, probably adding another 3 or 4 miles to my route. Through the country lanes with rape fields in bloom I pretty much had the roads to myself, apart from a few pheasants, a squirrel and some rabbits. I met a couple of cyclists en route, all geared up in their cycling shorts and streamlined helmets. Me....well I just ambled along with my bottle of water and camera in the shopping basket of my 3 geared bike. Here's a beautiful scene I stumbled upon. I was home by 7.30am and guess what......... The house was all still and quiet - few snores coming from the bedrooms.

Hot Hot Hot

Has it been a hot one where you all are? Yesterday morning at 9.30am Pauline, Alison and I set off headed for Stowupland again. We're organising a ramble for the WI ladies in August. Today we had a second trial run, taking in a different route. Pauline and I decided to cover a walk that we used to enjoy when we were about 10/11 years old. A slightly shorter walk this time led us through a farm, several fields and many country lanes with the occassional little stream. We stumbled upon a farm with an open day event. In we popped and spent a little while looking at the animals and stalls. We sat on a bale in the sun and enjoyed 3 cups of tea and 2 slices of cake for just over £2.50 for the lot ! A familiar face from my past school days served us too. I have to laugh at Pauline as she issued a warning to Alison. 'Be careful what you say and do and watch out when she gets the camera out as it could all end up on Sue's News" she said. Mmmmmm. Would I be so cheeky? I think not. Instead I shall leave you with a photo I took of a couple of cows.