Monday, 26th April 2021 - Garden Flowers

 I got my sewing machine out to take up some curtains. It has been sitting unused for many years. We zoomed along the hems together like old friends.

Tonight my online art class was glass and flowers. Our tutor did not allow any pre drawing. Wow it made me concentrate before planting my brush on the paper. This is inspired by a birthday card Sarah gave me. 

Garden Flowers

Watercolour

Thursday, 22nd April 2021 - Primula auricula

The postman delivered me my order of a packet of heavy gorgeous cotton rag paper. It is not the best choice for a watercolour artist as it is very absorbent but I love it. It gave me a challenge. I found this little beauty tucked in a corner by my greenhouse.

Primula auricula

Watercolour

Wednesday, 21st April 2021 - Walking Home From School

Today I went to see my grandchildren and daughter. I filled my heart while I was there. We explored the walk to and from the primary school. It was delightful beside the river and across fields. The children played in the park while Harriet and I fueled ourselves with coffee. It has been a day of serendipity.

Walking Home From School

Pen and Watercolour

Tuesday, 20th April 2021 - Stubby Beer

While grinding the coffee beans this morning I found I could also do half a mountain pose. That is excellent multitasking. Firm core and coffee ready for the cafeteria. 

After an hour or so of undercoating a beer or two cold from the fridge was very delicious. They remind me of holidays in France. One day I tell myself.

Stubby Beer

Watercolour

Monday, 19th April 2021 - Back to Class

I am back in my studio in the evening zooming with my art class. Tonight we were studying glass and water. No drawing in pencil allowed. Straight in with the paint. I know how to live on the edge. Fantastic to get lost in learning for a couple of hours.

Back to Class

Watercolour

Sunday, 18th April 2021 - Static

It was lovely to see Alice our niece, her husband Dave and two children, Ethan and Frances this afternoon. They came to play in the garden while the sun shone and before the frost descended. Ethan was thrilled that his sister's hair got wild with static on the trampoline. Frances was not amused.

Static

Pen and Watercolour

Saturday, 17th April 2021 - Door Wreath

After a day of decorating we settled down with bowls of thick and comforting vegetable stew and watch a charming film about Tuscany. For a while I wanted to move to the charms of Italy. Now just a holiday would do!!!

On my birthday, nine days ago, Sophie of Astilbe and Sorrel, arrived on my doorstep and presented me with the most stunning wreath to hang on my door. Harriet and Tom ordered as a gift. Each night I bring it inside and give it a drink. It is still looking amazing over a week later.

Door Wreath

Pen and Watercolour

Wednesday, 14th April 2021 - Brief Encounter

My watercolour brush has been replaced with a decorating brush. Hence my absence. My yearning to get my palette out was too strong to ignore any longer. 

I made a pile of pizzas in preparation for my grandchildren visiting. They came with sunshine. What a delight to see them all playing in the garden. I miss them so much.

This was a difficult picture to paint of my grandchildren. My heart was a little heavy.

Brief Encounter

Pen and Watercolour

Thursday, 8th April 2021 - Clive's Garden

It is my 57th birthday today. Blimey that seemed old when I was young. 

There has been ribbon wrapped rhubarb left on the garden table, posies of flowers in jam jars, thorn repelling gloves, Moringa skin softening balm, fragrant candles, bombs to explode in the bath and tubes of granulating paints. 

I met up with four other artists and we painted, drank coffee, ate cake and because it was my birthday, drank wine. What a glorious way to while away the first day being 57. 

Facebook notified me that people had written on my timeline. It took me a while to find out where they were. In my Archive. I never knew I had one. Thank you for all my birthday wishes.

Clive's Garden

Pen and Watercolour

Wednesday, 7th April 2021 - Birthday senetti

I have an early birthday gift from Harriet. I tried painting it but cannot get the amazing glow it exudes. What an beautiful plant.

Birthday senetti

Pen and Watercolour

Saturday, 3rd April 2021 - Easter Tree

Happy Happy Birthday to my gorgeous daughter Harriet. Our plans got changed today but hopefully we will be able to celebrate tomorrow. It is good to spread birthdays out.

We are looking at what colours to paint our walls. I have colour charts from June that have totally flummoxed me now. There are some many gorgeous colours and only a limited number of walls.

I felt cold today. I had a heavy duty hoovering session to warm up. 

Easter Tree

Pen and Watercolour

Thursday, 1st April 2021 - Just Because....

For the last six years and three months we have had The Evans family as neighbours. Many precious memories have been forged. They have now moved into their new home (I visited today and it is looking wonderful). Our house is very quiet. 

I came home to find flowers, cider and a card from the lovely Sarah. I was extremely touched. I had managed to keep my tears from falling until then.

Tony and Wendy came for a walk across the fields. Blimey the wind was nasty. We drank tea and beer in the garden. Woohoo. It is so good to be able to see friends again.

Just Because....

Pen and Watercolour