Lunch on Monday

First day back at work after recovery from my recent operation and I decided to treat myself to lunch at Costas.  Also took along my art journal for a quick sketch... It was lovely making art again, I have missed it so much.

Rainy Night

Oils on Canvas (12" x 24")

A while ago I did a small painting of The Walks which is a park near where I used to live and now I have used the scene together with my recent fascination for rainy scenes.  I am pleased with how this one progressed.

I like to transform what could easily be a bleak scene and using colour lift it to a new level.  To me it represents seeing the positive in difficult times. There is always colour and joy all around us, we just need to learn to see it.

Walking in the Rain

Oils on Canvas (12" x 24")

Being British means that I am well used to rain and I find I am fascinated by the reflections on wet roads.  I really enjoyed painting this one and I like the format of the canvas too. 

Pearl Earring

Oils on Board 18" x 12"

After Vermeer.

One of my favourites so of course I had to paint it.  As usual I have not quite finished, but I'm pleased with how its going. I never thought I would be able to paint it and I always put it off until now. 

This is my first attempt at Girl with the Pearl Earring and it was very hard painting in layers because I am not a patient person and usually paint alla prima.  Quite a learning curve!

I would like to improve the skin tones, but hey, I'm just getting started and still so much to learn!

Iris

Oils on canvas board 12" x 10" (Unfinished)

Still a way to go with this, but it was fun trying - another great weekend!  This is becoming a bit of a habit :) but a good one I'm pleased to say.

I wish I could devote more time to painting, it's so very enjoyable and I would really love to improve.  Improvement comes only with diligent practice and a grim determination to continue the journey no matter what the obstacles.

Orchids

Oils on Canvas board 16" x 12"

Sorry about the glare on this one, I will try to get a better photo soon.  Orchids are so elegant and beautiful they called to me to paint them.  I just wish I could do them justice, but "never give up" is my motto and therefore I will be attempting another painting soon.

I may even go back to work on this one too.  It was not easy, but then nothing good ever is.  I will stand it where I can see it and let my mind work out what needs to be done.

Time spent thinking and dreaming is never time wasted.

Pink Hydrangeas

Oils on canvas board 12" x 10"

Quickly did this little one last night in poor light and alla prima!  Quite pleased with it -  I like elements of it, like the background and the pot.  I think I am learning with backgrounds, but now I would like to improve on painting flowers.

Breaking things down into elements, focussing on one part at a time is much easier than worrying about a large problem.  You just have to nibble away bit by bit until finally there is no problem at all.  When I paint I try to improve one part at a time until I am confident with it, then I focus on another element.  It works for me.