Quotation (28th June 2005)

"The sun will not rise or set without my notice, and thanks"

Winslow Homer
(1836-1910)

Workshop at Sandsend (25th & 26th June 2005)

Although the weather was a little disappointing on Saturday, today certainly made up for it! Thanks to everyone for making the first Workshop of the summer very enjoyable.
Here's the finished demonstration painting

Early Autumn, Helmsley Castle
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Quotation (21st June 2005)

When Edward Burra (1905-1976) was asked by his friend, William Chappell, why he painted his figures transparent, he replied: 'Don't you find when you get older that you start seeing through people?'

A Great Find!

I’ve been looking for an ‘interior’ subject to paint for a long time now, something like an old barn with lots of interest, but just haven’t come across anything.
Then, last Thursday, Liz & I went to the Blackwell Ox at Carlton-in-Cleveland, a lovely village about 3 miles from Stokesley. We arrived early and had a great time wandering around taking advantage of the beautiful evening light for some photographs.

I couldn’t believe my eyes when we came upon the Forge and I was lucky enough to meet Mr Ward, the local Blacksmith, who kindly let me take some photographs of the interior.

This is the resulting watercolour and although I found it quite a difficult one, I really enjoyed painting it!

The finished painting
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The forge, Carlton-in-Cleveland
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Oil Painting Tip Of The Week (21st June 2005)

All of us get 'failures' occasionally!
Instead of throwing them away, re-use them. Just turn the board or canvas upside down or on it's side and paint!
The colour and texture usually produces a wonderful surface to work on.

Watercolour Tip Of The Week (18th June 2005)

A small amount of Gum Arabic will increase the transparency and gloss of the watercolour paint you are using.
Take care not to add too much as this will make your paint slippery and jelly-like!

Pastel Demonstration (June 2005)

Demonstration Page

York Art Society (11th June 2005)

Thanks to all those who attended my demonstration at The York Art Society on Saturday. I hope you found it informative? Here is the completed painting. If you have any questions, please leave a comment, email or phone, I'd be happy to help.

Photograph

Quotation (14th June 2005)

When I pass Doc. Price's tattoo shop, I am often tempted to have one myself: something rather genteel I think - like my paintings.

Beryl Cook (born 1926)
One Man Show

Yorkshire Coast Open Studios (Sunday 12th June 2005)

Many thanks to all those who braved the weather to support the Yorkshire Coast Open Studio weekend!
We hope you enjoyed your visit.
If you couldn't make it this weekend, the studio will be open again next Saturday and Sunday, 10am to 5pm.

Oil Painting Tip Of The Week (12th June 2005)

If your brushes are beginning to lose shape, wrap the bristles in toilet tissue while they are still wet. As the paper dries it will contract and hopefully pull the bristles back into shape.

This Evening's Sunset

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Winsor Being Thoughtful

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Watercolour Tip Of The Week (11th June 2005)

If you feel your watercolour paper is too absorbent, try using Gelatine Size.
You apply the liquid with a large soft brush, leaving to dry for a few minutes.
The size will reduce the absorbency of the paper, making it easier to apply the washes.

Quotation (9th June 2005)

"I dream my painting and then I paint my dream."

Vincent Van Gogh

Selby Watercolour Society 6th June 2005

The completed painting
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It was great to be back for my annual visit to Selby Watercolour Society, it's like being among friends! Thank you for making us so welcome as usual.

This is the photograph and completed painting, as promised
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Yorkshire Coast Open Studios 2005 (Saturday & Sunday 4th & 5th June)

Thanks to all those who have supported the first weekend of the Yorkshire Coast Open Studios.

We’ve had so many interesting visitors, from all over the North Yorkshire area, it really has been a very enjoyable weekend. Lets hope the next two will be as rewarding.

With our special thanks to Rebekah & Emily, for being so wonderfully enthusiastic!

Yorkshire Coast Open Studios

The Gardener's Friend

Although I would like to claim credit for this wonderful photograph, of a bee on the Lithodora, 'Heavenly Blue', it was actually taken by our friend and 'Web Master' Ben, of Eden Productions

Watercolour Tip Of The Week (2nd June 2005)

Laying Out The Watercolour Palette

It is advisable to lay out your palette in a methodical manner.

I use a metal watercolour box & my colours are laid out in groups ranging from blues to reds to yellows.

I keep my most commonly used colours along the top & have occasional colours on the left hand side.

I always use tubes & top them up as necessary each time I paint.

I keep them moist by adding a small amount of water every few days, so they are always fresh & ready for use when required.

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