The Red Dress

Acrylics in watercolour sketchbook 12" x 10"

Seems I am inspired by trees and woods lately. Asked if I could paint fairies I said no, I am no good with fantasy although I wish I were.

Anyhow this is it and I wish I had left off the wings but you live and learn!

I do like the sunlight captured here so all is not lost as I think I may be able to do something in the future with strong contrasts of light and shadow.

That's what sketchbooks are for, isn't it? Playing around and learning through play.

Child in the Woods

Acrylics in watercolour sketchbook 12" x 10"

Just playing around with acrylics, trying to get texture and colour with daubing the brush around.

Turned out much better than expected but failed to capture much light.

I think I am liking figure work even though I am not too good at it. My landscapes just don't seem alive without people in them and I do love people even though they are complicated and complex and at times frustrating, somehow deep down inside we are all very similar.

Reflections

Pencil in sketchbook

When I see reflections on water I always want to sketch... I just wish I were a little better at capturing them, but I'm sure with practice it will all come together.

New Year always seems to be a time for reflection... taking stock of the happenings of the previous year and thinking of the improvements for the future. One of the reasons I love the start of the year.

Positives for today:
1. New doors to replace the old - kind of symbolic I think.
2. Sound of snow melting from trees in sunlight.
3. Watching my dog enjoy the warmth from a blazing fire.

Happy New Year!

Pencil in sketchbook

2010 is here! Yay!!!

I'm still practising the trees. This is the latest and I am hoping that drawing them will help improve my paintings also.

I love New Year with all the new beginnings of hopes and dreams, it's such an exciting time. The whole year stretches before me and I see the things I want to happen, now all I need do is make it so!

Drawing Trees

50 min pencil in sketchbook

Still stuck on trees. I feel that the more I draw and paint them the better they will become or at least I will stop worrying over them.

I really enjoyed drawing this and was surprised at the ease of my return to pencilwork, I find it very relaxing and satisfying.

Note to self: Pick up the pencil more often!

Secret Messages

30 min tree study watercolour in sketchbook

My imagination got the better of me when I spotted this tree.... such a handy place for lovers to leave secret messages. Ah, I'm such a romantic!

Two Trees

15 min sketch in sketchbook

On the drive home I noticed these strange tree shapes and just had to sketch them.

Forever reaching out yet unattainable.

Tree Study

15 min study in watercolour pencils on postcard 6" x 4"

Trying to get to grips with what trees are all about. Solid, alive and wonderfully textured.

Tree Study

25 min ink study of tree

Down to the park during lunch again. It was sunny and warm, and most enjoyable. Still a long way to go before I get these trees right, but I am happy with how things are going.

Trees

25 min watercolour pencil in sketchbook

Decided to spend some time studying trees as my trees in my paintings leave a lot to be desired. 25 minutes of my lunchbreak well spent I think!