Friday, 31st December 2021 - Pink Into 2022

I am not one for New Years resolutions but each year I make a few whispered ones to myself. I cannot feel guilty about breaking them if no one know what they are. No asking. I am not telling. Just watch me see.

I have signed up for a couple of art courses of course. You will be the first to see what I produce.

I leave 2021 behind with many memories, most happy, a few sad and some things that have changed me. 

I raise a glass of pink Sancerre and wish you all a Happy New Year full of joy and inspiration. 

Pink into 2022

Watercolour

Thursday, 30th December 2021 - Sissinghurst Towers

The weather has been revolting today. I would have happily stayed inside rearranging my easel if Tony and Wendy had not suggested a walk. An hour and a half slipping through mud in wellies around Sissinghurst was surprisingly pleasant. 

We zoomed with friends in France and friends who were meant to be in France with bottle of Crémant de Loire. A good way to spend a Thursday.

Sissinghurst Towers

Watercolour

Wednesday, 29th December 2021 - Winter Woods

This time between Christmas and New Year is always a bit odd. I am ready to take the crispy greenery down but feel it would be miserly to do it just quite yet. They won't make it to twelfth night that's for sure. I am happy to enjoy everyone else's twinkling lights.

It has been wonderful to uncover my paints and paper from under the pile of Christmas wrapping paper and ribbons. Dipping my brush into my watercolours again feels so good. Welcome back my friends.

Winter Woods

Watercolour

Monday, 13th December 2021 - White on White

 It was the last art class for the year this evening. I had totally blotted from my mind, possibly accidentally on purpose, or more concerningly had completely forgotten, that our mission was to paint a white object on a white background. Our tutor was tough. No pre drawing - straight in with the paint. No grey, neutral tint or premixed shadow colour allowed. Our palette was two yellows, two reds and two blues. One warm and one cool. It made for a very quiet session as we had to concentrate. I am unable to talk and paint at the same time. A challenge that would be worth repeating if I ever remember.

White on White
Watercolour on Paper

Sunday, 5th December 2021 - A Band of Trees

Adriene got me on my mat and helped me unfurl my tight shoulders with warriors, mountains and a restorative savasana. 

Art exhibitions may have finished for this year but my mind is planning and preparing for the next pieces of work. 

It has been a quiet day packing pictures away from the Water Lane Christmas Market, working out what to do with my many tiny drypoint pictures and resting my voice which has gone deep and sexy from enthusiastic chatting over the last couple of days.

The autumn air on an afternoon walk felt delightful.

A Band of Trees

Indian Ink and Watercolour

Monday, 22nd November 2021 - A Tonal View

I have been trying to get to grips with getting photos onto my website. I have now got the method. I find it a tedious task. I interspersed computer work with trips to my studio.

This evening I was in my art class. Our tutor is pushing us into new territory. Tonight was preparatory work for a project.

A Tonal View

Quink Ink

Sunday, 21st November 2021 - Driving Home

Grandma-by-the-Seaside, nearly over the cliff, was in good spirits on a visit this afternoon whilst pondering over our latest family photos.

Rye Harbour was stuffed with couples, runners, parents, children, bikes and dogs. The meagre amount of daylight and sunshine seemed to have enticed the south east of England out for the afternoon. We didn't linger long.

A Pop-up Exhibition by Jason Michael proved to be an absolute glory. We now have a beautiful piece of art by Ronald Helen on our wall.

Driving Home

Indian Ink and Watercolour

Saturday, 20th November 2021 - Tim's Violas

I take pleasure in the dark evenings at this time of year. And there is less gardening to do while everything gets ready to rest for the winter. It makes the daylight seem more special when there is so little of it. 

An afternoon tending a massive bonfire in our woods was a great way to purge my exhibition angst. 

Tim's Violas

Pen and Watercolour

Monday, 8th November 2021 - WOKAS Preview

I finished four collagraphs, four paintings and a stack of greetings cards with the support of a very tolerant husband for the Weald of Kent Art Society autumn exhibition. It is in St Mildred's Church, Tenterden. Open all this week 10-5pm and the last day Saturday 13th November 10-4pm. Free entry and a chance to buy a lovely piece of art.

There was a great turnout for the Preview last night. Thank you to all those who came and to those who didn't I am stewarding Friday afternoon. It would be lovely to see you.

I am in the photo behind the bar!!!

WOKAS Preview Night

Monday, 1st November 2021 - Composition, Chiaroscuro and Colour

Yoga with Adriene got me limbered up for an afternoon working on collagraphs in my studio. 

Blimey it is dark early. 

This evening it was back to art class. I hadn't done my homework. Partly because I thought I would fail. I should have done two portraits, one low key and one low key. Sounds difficult doesn't it?

Composition, Chiaroscuro and Colour

Saturday, 30th October 2021 - I Made A Basket

Today I was on the road by 8.30am heading to a course to teach me a new skill. 

Eight virgin basket makers arrived at Linda's home. Marianne van Niekerken patiently took us through the basics which got more complicated by the hour. We were given ready made bottoms (mine was a lovely big one) then started slyping and inserting stakes, following weaving the upset to make sure our stakes were in the correct position we chose a weave to make up the sides then there was a bit of wailing before the border. There was a lot of faces contorted in concentration. Quite a lot of foul language as we undid our mistakes. We all came away with the most beautiful crafted pieces of basketware. Some were going to be hung as lights, some filled with bread or fruit, mine is sitting on my kitchen table where I can admire the workmanship and tend to my sore fingers. Thank you Linda for organising the day and keeping us fed with coffee, cake, lunch, cake and tea.

I Made A Basket

Willow

Friday, 29th October 2021 - Honey Bee

I am very thrilled that my print room is now up and running. Tim has been patient and encouraging with decorating and furniture moving. In between cutting my finger making collagraph plates I have been experimenting with drypoint. 

Honey Bee

Drypoint 

Sunday, 24th October 2021 - 'Seek' And You Will Find???

It has been a glorious day to have a birthday. With Si, Lesley, Nick and Alli we went a walk peppered with parasol mushrooms, which Tim identified using Seek. Lesley managed admirably considering the soles of one of her boots followed by the other came adrift. In the garden we drank a bottle of Moet that had been waiting in our fridge for a celebration. A fish pie with peas and eggs being stipulated by the birthday boy was followed by an apple crumble that contained our entire crop of Bramley apples. Thank you for making it a lovely day for a birthday.

'Seek' And You Will Find???

Pen and Watercolour

Sunday, 17th October 2021 - After Lunch at Water Lane

This weekend we had friends to stay. It has been a couple of years since we last saw them. We ate, walked, talked, ate, talked and caught up on many months of news. 

After Lunch at Water Lane

Pen and Watercolour

Tuesday, 12th October 2021 - Shapes and Shadows

I have nearly finished painting the walls in what will become my print room. It is looking excellent. Luckily there is not enough room for an armchair or I would spend all my time sitting pondering and reading books instead of working.

The art class I go to on a Monday evening feeds into my drawing and painting during the week. We have been looking at shapes. I found four vegetables, drew them before deciding which one I was going to use in our monochrome exercise. I decided upon the pepper being the simplest but am fond of the onion.

Shapes and Shadows

Pencil

Retrospective Sunday, 3rd October 2021 - White Cottage Open Studio

Tim and I visited an Open Studio in Playden. Richard Adams (I have adore his paintings) and his partner Jane Beecham opened their home and displayed their works of art along with their ceramicist daughter. We came home with a new piece of a lovely expressive work of art for our wall by Jane. I am thoroughly inspired.

White Cottage Open Studio

Pen and Watercolour

Friday, 1st October 2021 - Pistachio and Marzipan Black Tea

I met with Sarah this morning. Wendy's in Cranbrook does only diminutive coffee. No size option. We could not fathom the reasoning behind this. Subsequently we had pots of tea. 

I had a couple of hours this afternoon sorting out and painting the walls of what will be my print room.

Tim was in the garden taking on the task of hedge cutting. I went to help and was delighted to be in charge of the shredder. A very satisfying job.

We have discovered a new series to watch the Dublin Murders. It takes a lot of concentration. Excellent entertainment so far.

Pistachio and Marzipan Black Tea

Pen and Watercolour 

Thursday, 30th September 2021 - Sunflowers from Pippa

I have planted seeds and bulbs. The house felt cold on my return so I lit the woodburner. Such a glorious smell and the warmth has percolated through the rooms. Just lovely.

Reading art books and listening to ArtJuice podcasts has been taking up my art energy. This evening I tackled my procrastination. 

Sunflowers from Pippa

Pen and Watercolour

Tuesday, 14th September 2021 - Steve and Ange's Damsons

My paints and brushes having been taunting me. At last I get to wet my bristles.

We have a bucket load of damsons to process. The removal of their stones is laborious. I expect excellent culinary results.

Steve and Ange's Damsons

Pen and Watercolour

Wednesday, 8th September 2021 - Ben Harvesting Lunch

Tom and Fable are staying with us for a few days. They go for a brisk morning walk. I have joined them the past couple of days.  Fable waits for me when I lag behind. 

Adriene put me through my paces on the yoga mat.

At Water Lane I met Pippa and June, followed by Lindsey for coffee. The orange, almond and polenta cake was delicious. It is such a glorious place. Nick and Ian have great plans for workshops, a Christmas market and I love the idea of going to watch a play.

Back home and the heat slowed my ability to do anything very productive.

Ben Harvesting Lunch

Pen and Watercolour

Tuesday, 31st August 2021 - Elizabeth's Plants

I got back on my yoga mat today after a few days of negligence. I never knew I would enjoy a downward dog so much. Good to be back with Adriene. 

Tim's sister is a keen gardener. She was away for a few days over the weekend. As we were passing by she put in a request for her pots to be watered. It took a while as she has a vast variety inside the greenhouse, outside the greenhouse, around the house - all four sides, on the porch and some tucked in the flower beds. They look amazing.

Elizabeth's Plants

Indian Ink and Watercolour

Wednesday, 25th August 2021 - Pineapple Lily

I have a pot that most of the year is full of green leaves. In August it produces these weird looking flowers. It has yet to charm me.

Pineapple Lily 

Pen and Watercolour

Tuesday, 24th August 2021 - Nearly Mud Free

I woke to find a message on my phone asking if Harriet and the children could visit. What a lovely surprise. Tim made them pizza. Herbie played with the hose. Hetty and Bella got very smelly and muddy in the stream at the bottom of the garden. They needed to be showered off to remove the smell. It was wonderful to see them all.

Nearly Mud Free

Pen and Watercolour

Monday, 23rd August 2021 - Art Critiques

Lucas Rockwood put me through some bendy stretchy yoga poses. He has a rather gorgeous voice. He tells me to close my eyes and breath deeply from my pelvic floor ... no problem Lucas.

I met up with Wendy, Leelee and Kara at the Pilgrims Way Artists exhibition. We spent a happy couple of hours studying the artists work. There was some gorgeous pieces. I am filled with inspiration. Sadly I spent the afternoon ironing bedding for the bed and breakfast guests instead of exploring with paint.

Our neighbours friendly Jackdaw was pottering in the garden with Tim this afternoon. I took him out some grapes as a treat. He flew round me then adeptly swiped a piece of cheese from my other hand. Clever bird.

Art Critiques

Pen and Watercolour

Sunday, 22nd August 2021 - Waiting for Directions

I laid in bed this morning listening to the thrumming rain. I love that sound.

Then the damn alarm went off. I had to get the toast and croissant ready for bnb guests.

Tony and Wendy met us by the clock in Sandhurst. MapMyWalk told me we took 1 hour 59 minutes and 13 seconds to walk 6.82 km. That included many pauses to study maps. We stopped at the The Swan for beer before heading home. 

I filled my palette with wonderful new watercolours. 

Waiting for Directions

Pen and Watercolour

Thursday, 19th August 2021 - Hibiscus

I am missing my Mum. She was a great listener and would let me talk about everything and anything no matter how trivial. It was all important to her.

There are some glorious flowers in the garden which are brightening up the all the green.

The hibiscus is so beautiful. I looked up the benefits. Not only is it packed with antioxidants it may help lower blood pressure, boost my liver, dissolve my fat, fight any lurking bacteria, and prevent cancer. The tea is easy to make. Anyone fancy making me some?

Hibiscus

Watercolour

Wednesday, 18th August 2021 - Chilli Three Ways

Last night we had friends over for dinner. Si gave us a glorious pot of chilli plants that look full of promise. I like a chilli. 

Chilli Three Ways

Tuesday, 3rd August 2021 - Wandering

I have delivered an elegant full English breakfasts to my bed and breakfast guests. I did wonder if I would remember after 16 months of absence how to bake tomatoes, saute mushrooms and grill bacon. I found my muscle memory was still active. 

The Kent Library provides me with free audio books. I plugged my ear buds in and  found that ironing bedding was nearly enjoyable.

We wandered around the footpaths of Benenden Girls School where they are filming the Junior Bake Off. Loads of tents to peer into. Michael educated us on the use of various plants that could make tea. I think he thought my palate needed educating too as I was derisory, only slightly, about the musty tasting tips. A lifetime of PG has been embedded deeply into my taste buds.

Wandering

Pen and Watercolour

Wednesday, 28th July 2021 - A Colony of Chanterelle

Today was spent preparing for incoming guests. We have delightful new beds in the twin room. The old pine ones I sold through social media. 

Our foraging friend dropped round a bag of the most beautiful fungi. We are going to search for a recipe that will be worthy of their rarity. He took half a loaf of my homemade sourdough bread home in exchange.

A Colony of Chanterelle

Watercolour

Tuesday, 27th July 2021 - Lime Confusion

I was out walking when I stopped by a lovely scent in the air. It took me a while to find the source. An enormous tree with tiny yellow flowers. I think it is a lime tree but it has caused me confusion as the one next to it is a lime tree but has small green fruits. Maybe one is female or they are different varieties. 

Lime Confusion

Pen and Watercolour

Tuesday, 20th July 2021 - Incoming Tide at Wendletrap

It was a beautiful sunny day to celebrate a birthday with coffee and cake in the garden. Happy birthday Suzy. It was the first time I had made a whisked sponge and decorated it with a birthday candle. June and Alli helped eat the cake.

This afternoon we took the remainder of the cake to Fairlight. I had more cake and tea. Brenda and I sat and chatted about families. 

Incoming Tide at Wendletrap

Oil on Board

Monday, 19th July 2021 - A Sense of Place

So much heat followed by so much rain followed by more humid heat that our air quality monitor warned us our air quality is not perfect. I agree.

 My art tutor set us the quest following our topographical painting, I have now done three and dislike each one, was to abstract with feeling. So I did.

A Sense of Place

Watercolour and Ink

Sunday, 18th July 2021 - Honey and Gold

We were given a glorious gift of creamed honey and sungold tomatoes. I have eaten the honey on buttered sourdough bread, thick and sticky it is delicious and nestles in the holes of the bread. The tomatoes didn't make it into a salad before I ate them.

Wow what a stinking hot day. It was a day to appreciate the shade of the trees to read and draw. 

Honey and Gold

Pen and Watercolour

Saturday, 17th July 2021 -

I blame my poor sweet pea production on a bad situation and poor soil. Next year I will plant them where they will have an abundance of sun and glorious soil.

I have not been good company today as my mind has been plagued with self doubt. The weather drew us into the garden which was a good place for dispersal.

Eccentric Sweetpea

Pen and Watercolour 

Wednesday, 14th July 2021 - Pink Hornbeam and Sketchbook Pages

Tim and I spent a couple of decadent hours at Sissinghurst Castle Gardens. We found an empty bench. I sketched, Tim worked. I have been investigating a glorious very tall plant that is in their nuttery. It is Chinese meadow rue. I now have to track down some plants or seeds.

We have a small woodland that was coppiced in the past. The trees are now rather straggly. I like their wayward shapes. At this time of year you enter at persil. The mosquitos are vicious.

Pink Hornbeam

Watercolour

Pages from my sketchbook.

Charcoal and pen on brown cartridge paper.

Tuesday, 13th July 2021 - Angel's Fishing Rods

Some days I get stuck in neutral. I suppose it is better than reverse.

There is a bounteous display of Dierama in my flower bed. Google tells me the corm is a fertility charm. Hopefully the angels are taking advantage.

Angel's Fishing Rods

Pen and Watercolour

Monday, 12th July 2021 - Double Vision

I hunkered down in my studio to do my homework and listened to the rain.

Double Vision

Watercolour/Pen and Ink
 

Wednesday, 30th June 2021 - Seed Pods

I think of seeds heads on plants as an autumn occurrence. A dead heading expedition in the garden proved me wrong. The love-in-a-mist and honesty are being left to populate, proliferate and procreate for next year.

Seed Pods

Pen and Watercolour

Monday, 28th June 2021 - Classwork

Brett came with Herbie. They stayed a short while. My heart hurt as they left.

I had to wear a mask in my own home today as I showed my bnb guest to his room. It was weird.

Monday night = Zoom art class. Our tutor has set the theme of water. Pretty topical with the thunderstorm that descended upon us this afternoon. I have started a large piece of work. I got lost in a world that takes me to a place of utter contentment. 

Classwork

Watercolour 

Friday, 25th June 2021 - Low Tide

We took flowers from the garden and walnuts to Fairlight to celebrate Tim's Mums 92nd birthday. She does also have a delightful wildlife camera so she can watch the badgers at night.

Low Tide

Watercolour

Thursday, 24th June 2021 - Jump

The MG was taken out this afternoon. It didn't get very far before stopping. Steve and Tim tried valiantly to get it going. It was returned home on a low loader. 

Jump

Pen and Watercolour

 

Thursday, 17th June 2021 - Ian and an Owl

Wow what a storm last night. My sister and I were able to find a dry spell in the day for a walk. We swung by Water Lane to check on progress. Ian paused his Dahlia duty to chat with us. His venture with Nick is coming on leaps and bounds. The raised beds are looking glorious. The owl keeps watch over the sweetpeas and has done a fine job of keeping the pigeons at bay. Next month hopefully we will be able to have coffee and cake. Great work.

Ian and an Owl

Pen and Watercolour

Tuesday, 15th June 2021 - Harriet's Roses

When Harriet lived next door she planted a tiny rambling rose against the fence. Over the years it has grown and is now a profusion of bud and flowers. The petals are shaped like tiny hearts. I miss our chats cradling mugs of coffee sitting on the back door step so very much.

Harriet's Rose

Pen and Watercolour

Monday, 14th June 2021 - Next Stage Obliteration

I spent the evening swearing at my canvas. That tree needs taking out.

Next Stage Obliteration

Oil on Canvas

Friday, 11th June 2021 - Feeling Wild

The unmown grass, with it flowers and insects, is just as beautiful at the cultivated garden.

Feeling Wild

Pen and Watercolour