Monkshood

Monkshood

Watercolour

11.75" x 8.25"

Also known as aconite and wolf's bane, this is a poisonous herb, belonging to the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae).

In the past it has had medicinal uses, in very small doses.

This has been painted in artist quality watercolours on 140lb. watercolour paper.

It is available to bid for on my ebay page.

Canterbury Bells

Canterbury Bells

Watercolour

11.75" x 8.25"

Painted in artist quality watercolours on 140lb watercolour paper. It is available to bid for on my ebay page.

Prairie Lily

Prairie Lily

Watercolour

11.75" x 8.25"

Painted in artist quality watercolours on 140lb watercolour paper. It is available to bid for on my ebay page.

Rosebay Willowherb

Rosebay Willowherb

Watercolour

8.25" x 11.75"

This is my latest painting. It has been painted in artist quality watercolours on 140lb watercolour paper.

 If you wish to purchase it go to my ebay page



It's been a long, long time

Beach Huts at Wells-Next-The-Sea
Acrylics on stretched canvas
12" x 10"

Well, here, at last, is my new posting. It has been such a long time since my last (four months!!! ). I've started a new job since then, so not so much time for painting, but I am gradually getting back into producing work on a regular basis.
This one was done for a friend's 70th birthday. I'm glad to say she was really happy with it. The beach huts at Wells are such interesting structures to draw and paint.

March 'Win an original painting!' competition

It's the 1st of March so it's time to begin the second monthly competition to win one of my original paintings. This month I am offering a snowy painting.

Too cold to rest
Artist quality watercolour on watercolour paper
11.7" x 8.3"

This painting was included in a previous post and was so well received that I thought someone would like the opportunity to win it.

In addition five other lucky people will win one of five signed limited edition prints of the painting.

This time, there are only a couple of things you need to do to qualify:

1. Subscribe to my email posts.
2. Comment on this posting, mentioning your intention to enter the competition.
******Also please tell me your subscription email address (you may email it to me if you don't want it to appear in the comments), but no need to do this if you entered the February competition.******

......and that's it!

This is a great opportunity to own an original artwork.

Please note:
One entry per person
The painting and prints will be unframed and unmounted.
The prints of the artwork will be printed on A4 paper and will have a small white border on all edges.

The competition will run from the first of the month to the last day of the month.
The winner and runner-up prizes will be determined by a draw from all qualifying names and will be announced during the first week of April.

Please don't hesitate to get in touch if you have any inquiries about the competition and Good Luck!!

**The results of February's competition will be announced on Tuesday 3rd March**

All Routes South

All Routes South
Artist quality watercolours on watercolour paper
11.7" x 8.3"

In this watercolour, I have tried to capture the almost magical, softening effects that a snowfall can have on an otherwise ordinary street scene. The location is Mansfield Road, Nottingham, just up from the Victoria Centre. The snow was being blown around by strong winds, and I was wet and cold. How wonderful it would have been to be able to follow sign's directions, to the South and the warm sun!
For those of you who are interested here is the original photo I used as a reference for the painting.


You can see the changes I have made in interpreting the photo as a painting. For instance, I decided to leave out the main lamppost. I just didn't like the way it divided up the painting. As the snow was being blown around rather ferociously by the wind the camera wasn't really able to capture the falling snow effectively. Also a photo can never quite capture the mood that a scene like this imparts. This can only come from the artist's genuine interpretation of the scene.
If you are interested in purchasing this work, please take a look at my Etsy shop.

Reviews

I must acknowledge two wonderful blogs that have recently reviewed my work.
The first is Fran Caldwell at Home .In her blog, Fran does a marvelous job reviewing artwork by Etsy sellers. She has found some fantastic artists on Etsy and has produced some very insightful comments on their work. You really must take a look at Frans blog and of course at her review of my work. Also take a look at Fran's Etsy shop. She produces the most colourful and whimsical paintings.
The second is Mel Avila Alarilla's 'Literatti - An Artistic Blog'. Mel reviews work by the great artists of the past such as Van Gogh, Matisse, Raphael - and now me. I feel so honoured to be included with these great masters!! Take a look at Mels blog (he also maintains several other blogs) and at the review he did of my work.
I am really grateful to Fran and to Mel.