Monday, 21st April 2025 - Lesson in Oils

I am experimenting with my seedlings. I proudly sent a photo to Hetty of germinating Phlox of Sheep. She was amused by their name when visiting. The next day they had been decapitated. I took a tip from the gardener Anya Lauterbach. My seedlings in their pots are sitting on upturned pots sat in a tray of water. I am hoping the moat will prevent any further beheading.

This evening I tuned out of the TV and did a couple of lessons from an oil painting course that has been sitting on my computer for weeks. The first one was making patches of colour over a grisaille painting, then blending. Great fun and so fortunate to have the time to indulge myself.

Sphere I

Sphere II

Wednesday, 9th April 2025 - Grey Heron

A grey heron has been visiting our garden pond. It is a beautiful creature. They are kind of prehistoric looking especially when flying. Shame for our fish. 

Grey Heron
Indian ink and watercolour

Tuesday, 7th April 2025 - Inky Exploration

Due to changing computers and the sun tempting me to do gardening I haven't painted for a while.

I am mulling over what to paint for the upcoming WOKAS exhibition. I have got as far as the ideas pinging around in my head.

Here are the ink pictures I did a few days ago. We used Indian ink, Quink ink and dilute bleach. Even after many showers and hand washes I still have ink under my finger nails.

Ink I
Indian Ink

Ink II
Quink Ink

Ink III
Quink ink and bleach

Ink IV
Quink ink and bleach

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