Monday, 31st March 2025 - Near Campton

 It was an unusual day for The Viridians. Our normal inclement weather gave way to warm spring sun. After a coffee we piled our easels, chairs, canvases, paints and brushes into a wheelbarrow down the lane and carted our stuff over a gate. We took a while to settle and find our spot for a composition. After nearly five hours we sat exhausted with mugs of tea in Wendy's living room and contemplated our day.

A continuation with removing our crop of weeds in the garden finished my afternoon.

The masala omelettes I cooked for dinner reminded me of our holiday with friends in India 7 years ago. I would love to go back and explore more.

Near Campton
Oil on board

Thursday, 27th March 2025 - Birthday Wishes

This card is winging its way to my brother for his birthday. Happy birthday Chris. I am enjoying the process of linocuts. The printing ink leaves a very satisfying texture on the paper. This is a bespoke one with a hint of watercolour. 

This evening I spent a very entertaining evening with WOKAS. There was lots of experimenting with Indian ink, Quink ink and bleach. Quite messy. I have a few inky fingers. Lindsey came with me and painted a whippet that turned into a poodle. It is a very difficult medium to control! The way the ink moves and changes is mesmerising. I will post my experiments tomorrow when the ink has dried. 

Birthday Wishes
Linocut and watercolour

Wednesday, 26th March 2025 - Flower Posy

I am thoroughly enjoying my floral gifts. I have a jam jar posy from Astilbe and Sorrel that makes me happy each time I look at them.

Today the sun warmed me while I was extracting weeds from amongst the lupins. Harriet visited in perfect time for a coffee break, then a tea break. So very good to see my daughter.

Flower Posy
Pen and Watercolour

Sunday, 23rd March 2025 - Flowers from The Popes

We had a dinner party last night. There were fourteen of us around the table sharing food and wine with plenty of leftovers to eat today. Si and Lesley gave me a stunning bunch of flowers. I have immortalised them in watercolour.

Flowers from The Popes
Watercolour

Friday, 7th March 2025 - Greetings Cards

This morning I spent printing a batch of linocuts. A chicken, a pair of otters, a bumble bee, a hare and a lucky black cat. 

Printed on recycled paper £3 each with envelopes. DM me if you would like any.

Five Cards

Otters

Lucky Black Cat

March Hare

Bumble Bee

Chicken

Thursday, 6th March 2025 - Birthday Card for David

Sarah and I had another carpark rendezvous. Sarah is giving up bed and breakfast having no longer need for soap, shower caps or sewing kits - my boot got filled with overstock to delight my guests. We had a couple of coffees and compared medical notes on our phones. We are both very healthy according to our latest test results. I was very happy with my purchases from the charity shop, Phillips Mans shop (40% off as they are closing) and ingredients for Raffy's 12th birthday cake. 

After an alfresco lunch I was back clearing weeds while listening to an excellent murder mystery book by Rachel Amphlett. I am delighted that she is a prolific writer and will keep me entertained.

March birthdays are associated with Jonquils. This inspired a linocut that I have made into a birthday card. 

Birthday Card for David
Linocut

 

Monday, 3rd March 2025 - Spring Still Life

 My kitchen was full of art easels and the smell of oil paint. Three out of five of The Viridians were present. Clive set up a still life for us from a plethora of vases, pots, flowers. After an hour or so we took a break. It was lovely to sit outside and have bowls of soup. We went back to our easels to finish our work. 

Spring Still Life
Oil on Board