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.

Happy New Year !!!!

I would like to take this opportunity to wish all my readers, customers and student friends the warmest well wishes for the New Year.

'We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called "Opportunity" and its first chapter is New Year's Day.' Edith Lovejoy Pierce

Back to work.......

The holiday break has been great - and so has the weather, which was a welcome bonus. It's back to business as usual now though. Student Sue and I have kicked off the week by working on her second portrait lesson. All the colours have been added over the underpainting, many facial details have been completed, we've worked the background and started on the clothing. I'm fully confident this can be totally finished off on one more lesson. The portrait lessons are taught in 3 hour blocks and will continue until the painting is complete. Each block is £45 (weekday rate) and the price includes everything you need to make the portrait. It's a great way of working, with classes running (normally) from 10am till 1pm. Other times can be arranged if needed. Next summer I will be running evening classes from 6pm to 9pm to suit those of you who work full time. For more details on portraiture classes CLICK HERE

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.

Summer - isn't it just great

If you've been following Sue's News on my main AyoubArt website, you'll know I've really been enjoying some lovely bike rides. (I received a bike for my birthday a few months ago replacing the one that was stolen from my drive). This morning my friend and I clocked up another 10 miles. We're getting quicker at this bike riding lark and are thinking about adding on a few miles to the circuit. We have several horrible hills to tackle on the route and as we emerge from one we are greeted with a lovely view of wide open fields with woods in the background. The soft greens of corn and barley fields are edged with the bright contrast of the delicate poppies. The vista is a nice reward for the uphill struggle. Just as I get to the top of the hill before turning into my cul-de-sac I saw this little fella fast asleep in the full sunshine - which I expect most of you were doing at that time in the morning. I've just received an e-mail from my daughter who wants me to go on the bike ride this evening when she gets home from work - what have I started? All good fun though and the exercise has been an essential part in maintaining my weight loss. Plus I enjoy it, I really do.

Pop Art - anything can be 'Popped' !

I know some of you couldn't make the Pop Art class at Heartlands for various reasons - but do not fear. We will be rescheduling another class for Pop Art there really soon. I have to think of people I want to paint as my demo subject so I can show you all how to do it - the things to avoid and the things that will make your Pop Arts look great. Yesterday I was looking at some paintings of my all time favourite artist ever - Salvador Dali.......so today I decided to paint him in a Che Guevara pose. He was quick for me to do so I also managed to finish off Eden - a golden labrador. Pop Art really applies to anything and everything. You could paint a landmark, a person, an animal .......whatever you want really. If you'd like to have a go at Pop Art sooner rather than later, you can always book in for a private lesson. I can take groups of up to 4 people in a private session - plus you receive a £5 discount each for 2 or more people.

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.

Valerie Stewart Portrait Seminar

The final details of the Valerie Stewart Portrait Workshop have been organised. There's been much interest in Valerie's unique 4 day seminar, due to take place here in the UK next Spring. The details and timetable will show you exactly what's involved. You can see what is and what isn't included in the classes. A friend of mine, Kim, kindly took some photos during a recent seminar she took with Valerie in March 2009. You'll be able to see a portrait Kim made of her daughter and a double portrait of her son and grandson too. You'll also see Valerie working with a student on another double portrait. The places are limited. I'm really looking forward to this workshop and I'll be taking part along with you all. Now.......I need to select who I'm going to paint. Is it going to be a couple of members from Pink Floyd - or will it be some people a little closer to home. Decisions, decision. Still, I have ample time to decide and I'm sure my mind will change several times. Meanwhile, I'd really like to leave you with this portrait made by Valerie. I think you'll agree she's done the most fantastic job in catching Bob Ross is this friendly pose.

Money Saving Art Supplies

As I pulled off the dual carriageway this morning, heading towards Stowmarket, I was delighted to see the Tesco's roundabout filled with pretty yellow daffodils. In the brilliant sunshine they were a treat and a sure sign that Spring is only just around the corner. The warm sun stayed with us for the best part of the day, and it allowed my students to take their paintings into the courtyard at The Green Room so their black acrylic base coats could dry off rapidly. I had a huge amount of questions at the end of class regarding wet-on-wet oil painting supplies. I'm lucky in that I am not tied in with any particular Company and can pass on details of the many various brands that I personally recommend for this particular technique - all tried and tested and guaranteed to do the job and give brilliant value for money. I was delighted with one particular comment I received from Rob; 'You've saved me £15 already on the thinners alone!'. It's no secret in saying it's my mission to get as many people oil painting as possible - plus - I can show you how you can set yourself up without having to spend a small fortune. In this current economic crisis, the £15 that Rob has saved will easily buy him a couple of brushes, a tube or two of paint and a canvas.

Point me at the sky......

...is the title of this new waterfall painting. It seems that waterfalls in purples and greens are very popular with the students. I've been experimenting with several versions of this painting, before finally being content with this particular one. The waterfalls have been near, far, left, right - we've had cascades, rocks, reflections..........all sorts. I think this particular composition allows for the most light and will be very easy for a beginner to accomplish in just one class. We'll be painting this in Capel St Mary Village Hall on Sunday the 6th of April. The class will start at 12.30pm and will finish around 5.30pm. The cost is just £45 per person and that includes all the equipment and materials (plus refreshments) you will need to make this 16 x 20 inch oil painting. Do call on 01473 311938 or e-mail info@ayoubart.co.uk of you would like to book your place. A £20 deposit will be required and the balance is payable at the class.

Having a play around

Today I've enjoyed playing around with the development of new painting designs for my wet on wet painting classes. I've been working on a mountain/lake scene and a moody river scene, both inspired by Bob Ross. I've also been experimenting with new colours and new tools. Next week I'll be introducing a new painting knife to the class. As you can see from the photos above and below, this knife really makes good work on tree highlights and lowlights.