More space

Over the next few weeks there will be some design changes to the studio / classroom. The downstairs office is being emptied which will give a lot more room for a gallery, a few more desks and storage for art supplies. Already the door has been removed and the difference in the light is great. I think that dark door had quite an overpowering effect. It'll take a little while to get completely straight but I do love a re-vamp.

New Class Dates

Now that I'm up and about again I feel confident to add to the class timetable. A few more classes have been added, including portraiture and pop art lessons. The portraits are done, pretty much in 3 sessions. Some students have said to me they can make session 1 and 3 (for example) but are unable to make session 2. Well, that is so easily remedied. If you are unable to make any of the portrait dates I can easily fit you in with a date that's convenient to you. As long as I have a 3 hour window in my diary we can do it.

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 :)

'Can I ask a favour?', said my student.

I spoke often last year about painting on the small side. Today I painted one of the smallest oils I've done so far. One of today's students asked me if I would paint our painting subject for her on a very small scale. She provided me with a tiny little canvas and explained it was to be a part of a project she was working on.

And you know me, I do like a challenge, so I happily gave it a go. The only difficulty I had was the canvas was extremely absorbant, drying the oil out in seconds, making the blending awkward. But I have a few tricks that sorted that out quite easily. What do you think of the micro version of 'Peach Dawn'? Quite cute, isn't it.

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.

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