Friday, 23rd December 2022 - Breakfast at Water Lane

What a treat I had today. Tim and I met with friends for breakfast. I had a crispy bacon roll with brown sauce and copious cafetieres of coffee. The beans and greens were delicious, I had a taste from Tim's plate. The baked eggs will hopefully be on the menu for the next time I visit. How very decadent.

I am typing as my son rummages in the fridge for a beer after a long drive from Northampton. It is good to have him and his dog Fable home for Christmas.

Breakfast at Water Lane
Pen and Watercolour

Wednesday, 7th December 2022 - Carols at Canterbury Cathedral

You will be pleased to know that my sourdough starter has revived. I have a loaf rising.

I had a tearful treat today. Hetty was singing in the choir with her school Barton Court Grammar. There was a spare ticket for me. What a glorious service. There were brass and woodwind ensembles, the orchestra playing a Carol of Bells was incredible. I cried singing Once in Royal David's City - my Mum would have loved to have been there. I miss my Mum. I adored the whole hour and fifteen minutes. Harriet and I were privileged to be there. My granddaughter was a delight. It was dark driving home. I couldn't remember ever seeing a Belisha beacon on my journeys home from Wickhambreaux. Whoops wrong turning.

I am really happy to have retrieved my watercolour paints and brushes. It feels good to be painting again.

Carols at Canterbury Cathedral

Pen and Watercolour

Monday, 5th December 2022 - After The Show

I took my sourdough starter out the fridge this morning and told it, "Time to wake up" I am sure I am not the only baker who talks to their bread.

I love these short days with dark mornings and afternoons. I can condense leaf raking to daylight hours and not feel even a tiny bit guilty about having to come inside because I can't see beyond the end of my rake. This is not a daily activity as I can only manage a couple of hours before I am worn out. It does help having an audio book playing in my ears. I am enjoying being frightened by John Sandford books. 

Last Saturday evening we to see A Christmas Carol performed by a travelling theatre company. Harriet, Hetty and Raffy joined us. We took torches, put on waterproof footwear and strode across the fields to the theatre at Benenden Girls School. It was a great production full of wonderful costumes, I love a bit of velvet, frightening characters, Raffy's quiet chatter calmed her nerves, wine and Maltesers during the interval and a wander home back down the fields. I am now beginning to feel a bit festive.

After The Show
Pen and Watercolour

Tuesday, 15th November 2022 - Rety, France

As I type I am waiting for a text from my husband who is returning from a trip to Atlanta and the rain is beating at the windows, sounds like it's trying to get in.

This watercolour is from our Chantilly trip. The MG feels vulnerable on the motorways so we travelled the smaller roads. When it wasn't raining I could gaze at the passing countryside. We passed through so many pretty villages. The roads are really well maintained not like our pot holed horrors in Kent. Rety was on our travels home. Perfect for a watercolour painting with its layers of fields and dotted with red roofed cottages.

Tim's text has arrived ..... I am off for a reunion....

Rety, France

Watercolour

Monday, 14th November 2022 - The Gooseherd

Back in September I, along with a side of Morris and our MGTD, took a long and winding road to Chantilly - yes, sweetened cream at every bar, cafe and restaurant. At the heart of Chantilly there is a beautiful castle. They hold an event which is a bit like Goodwood. An extravagant gathering of vintage and futuristic cars and costumes. The Morris were invited to dance and play throughout the day hence our reason for being there. I don't have much interest in vehicles but there was a gaggle of geese being herded. They were great fun to watch as they were herded by a swimming dog (goosedog?) across an expanse of water. I was particularly taken by one of the herdsmen. I loved painting him, exhibited the painting in Tenterden and now it is sold. 

The Gooseherd
Pen and Watercolour

Saturday, 12th November 2022 - Fog near Wickhambreaux

After two mugs of tea I headed over to Wickhambreaux. My granddaughters were going to a climbing competition chauffeured by their dad. Harriet, Herbie and I ventured into Canterbury via the Park and Ride. We returned with books on mythology for the girls and a glow in the dark Brio train for Herbs. 

Back home I am alone with the woodburner and elderly cat. 

Fog near Wickhambreaux

Tuesday, 27th September 2022 - Michael's Ceps

We came home from a Morris trip to Chantilly to find eggs and foraged ceps in our fridge. They made a delicious omelette which was perfect for a pair of weary travellers. 

Michael's Ceps
Watercolour

Wednesday, 21st September 2022 - Rising Sun

Tim cleared some trees at the end of garden a few years ago. At this time of year the sun moves into the perfect position for it to beam its rays through the clearing. There was a pheasant, wheelbarrow full of weeds and the robot lawn mower in the photo I took. I didn't paint them in. You can put them in with your imagination if you like.

I dropped in to see my friend Sarah yesterday following a blood test. She rehydrated me with coffee. I came home with a bag full of russet apples for Tim. I was listening to Michael Mosely's Just One Thing on the radio. He was extolling the amazing health benefits of the flavonoids under the skin of apples. I ate one immediately and feel amazing.

Rising Sun

Watercolour

Tuesday, 20th September 2022 - Garden Pears

We have had a pear tree in the garden for many years. This is the first year our pear tree has born fruit worth eating. Usually they drop off before getting to any edible size. I got to them before the wasps and the canker. They are ripening on our window sill. 

We went for a walk with Tony and Wendy on Sunday. I told them of my desire to make ink from oak galls. We passed many an oak tree that were each thoroughly inspected. I pocketed five galls. We stopped for a drink at The Bull. One of the galls in my pocket had an earwig inside that decided to crawl out and up inside my blouse. Not a terribly pleasant experience. I will take a bag for my foraged galls in future.

Garden Pears

Watercolour

Friday, 16th September 2022 - Strike a Pose

My 2023 diary has arrived. I have started filling it with bed and breakfast bookings for next year already. What organised guests I have.

The summer seems to have ended. Our deckchairs have been denuded of their covers that are washed and packed away. We are entering one of my favourite seasons. I have a new pair of fluffy slipper socks in preparation of the cooling days.

New tablets that will prevent me from bursting have made me 'wooly' as my Mum would have said. I have missed her so much these past few days and would have been grateful for the comfort of her being a great listener to a load of words swirling around my mind. Onwards and upwards.

I collected a pot of bread and brownie trimmings for the hens. I took my sketchbook and sat with them while they feasted. They made excellent models. And....two more eggs today.

Strike a Pose

Thursday, 15th September 2022 - Herbie's Sunflower

Herbie planted a sunflower seed at preschool last term. He doesn't have a big enough garden to grow it in at home so he gave it to his Grandma. I have been tending it through drought, fought of slugs and snails, fed and watered it. It now stands proud near my backdoor where I can admire it and think of my grandson. 

Herbie's Sunflower

Wednesday, 14th September 2022 - Eggs in a Blue Bowl

Our new chickens have now totalled a production of three eggs One for each of my grandchildren. Well done hens. They are in my favourite bowl made by my sister.

Inchie Challenge Day 9 - Innovate

Tuesday, 13th September 2022 - Old Priest's Garden

At 7.30ish I was with my mug of tea checking on the new hens. What a lovely way to start the day. They need to grow some feathers on their pink bottoms. But I still love them. The two brown ones are friendly and very efficient at pecking layers pellets out of your hand. The white one seems aloof. I need to get the grandchildren over to soften her up a bit. No eggs today. I guess it takes a while to settle into a new home and start production.

My art society had arranged an en plein air day in Sandhurst. The weather was not excellent. Clive and I sheltered under a pergola. He painted. I drew. We both chatted a lot. Not one other artist turned up. Such a shame as the garden and house were glorious. The company was fun too.

Old Priest's Garden

Pen

After I had eaten the warm and comforting dhal I made I have been catching up with the Inchie Challenge.

Nesting - Herbie calls these 'Rushing Dolls', a much better name.

Mussel - This was very relaxing drawing concentric ovals 

Moth - The little devils have eaten holes in my clothes

.

Monday, 12th September 2022 - Chicken Trio

Last night Si and Lesley came to dinner with three hens which were surplus to their requirements. They were shut in their new home overnight. This morning I took my mug of tea and opened the door the their house. It took a while before one stumbled out, shortly followed by another and one was laying an egg. I love their jolly characters and chatty nature. A great addition to our family. 

Chicken Trio

Watercolour

Saturday, 10th September 2022 - Yard of Ale

I love an open studio. The Coastal Currents open studios are on. We coordinated a lunch with Tim's mum at The Bale House. The hummus, falafel and beetroot sandwich I had was delicious. I had a wander down to Annie Soudain's studio at her Coastguards cottage. I now have a lovely selection of cards. After tea at Wendletrap we dropped by Anna Wilson-Patterson's studio in Fairlight. More cards were added to our collection. We took a visit to Aldi to stocked up our cupboards and wine rack. A road closure on the way home diverted us through Three Oaks where we popped into the pub for a gin and tonic. I thought I might like to move here. We had a wander about. Before getting home we met Tony and Wendy at a pop-up pub in Northiam. What a great event. The sun shone on my pint of Hairy pig cider.

I have done three landscape Inches inspired by the word 'simple' of my trip to the seaside today.

Friday, 9th September 2022 - The Entertainers

Adriene had me doing pigeons on my yoga mat this morning. I really did try my best but I think there must be something anatomically wrong with me. I cannot go from downward dog to a lunge without hoiking my hand around my ankle to guide it.

I gathered together my weeding bucket, secateurs, fork, put on my gardening gloves and headed out into the garden to sort out the wayward Bear's Breeches. A torrential downpour sent me back inside. I made a sourdough loaf instead.

This afternoon Leelee, Fani and I met at Wendy's house for tea and many varieties of cake. We curated Wendy's paintings for an upcoming exhibition in Tenterden. Sometimes a few hours of talking about and around many subjects is just what is needed. Some of it was serious and some of it was rubbish. It was a therapeutic afternoon of chat.

The Entertainers
Watercolour and graphite

'Splatter' is the prompt for today's inchies. A messy one.

Thursday, 8th September 2022 - Goodbye Your Majesty, Thank you Ma'am

Such sad news today that our Queen has died. What a strange feeling. She has always been there throughout my life and probably yours. I knew no other Queen. I will miss her and her hats.

Goodbye Your Majesty, Thank you Ma'am

Watercolour

Day 3 of Inchies. The prompt was 'ocean'. I cut up some failed homemade ink studies and covered them with little oceans.

Wednesday, 7th September 2022 - Jed and his Red Kohlrabi

 'Stretch' was the theme of Adriene's yoga today. I was naive to believe it would be an easy session. I was assured that side planks and warriors would make me strong. My core is killing me.

Leelee and I had coffee and shared a cinnamon bun at Water Lane. The chef was harvesting vegetables to prepare for lunch service. He was very proud of his produce. I must admit I was impressed by the quality of his kohlrabi. 

Jed and his Red Kohlrabi 

Waitrose sent me a clutch of vouchers. Spend £40 and get £8 off. Using the gun meant no errant maths was needed. I got great satisfaction in totalling £41.36. And I got some reductions in my basket too.

Steve and Ivy came for tea accompanied by cream cakes before heading off a Morris practice.

I spent the remainder of the evening making Inchies with the prompt of Twist. Great fun.

Inchies with a Twist

Tuesday, 6th September 2022 - First Days for The Mill Children

My grandchildren went back to school yesterday. I still can remember those butterflies after the long summer holidays. Two first days. Herbie started primary school and Hetty secondary school. Of course we wanted to meet them after their first days. Herbie came home very happy sporting a large plaster on his knee. Raffy's fears were allayed and she had a great day. Hetty looked shattered but had thoroughly enjoyed her new school. I am so very proud of them. 

I have dusted off my yoga mat and started 30 days with Adriene called 'Move'. Blimey I have stretched bits that I forgot I had. 

I wandered into my studio. Admired my washing line of collagraphs. Came out again as I have got stuck as to where to go next.

First Days for The Mill Children
Pen, Ink and Watercolour

Friday, 2nd September 2022 - Setting the Stage

A bit of a fuzzy head confirmed that I had had a good evening last night wining and dining friends around our kitchen table. Rick Stein's salted cod recipe proved to be a bit on the over salty side. Thank goodness for the politeness of our guests. 

There was a bevy of brocante being set up at King Johns Nursery in readiness for their Potting Shed Brocante sale tomorrow. Linda and I gave Pippa and June a hand unloading their treasures. 

Setting the Stage
Pen and Watercolour

For any enquiries contact Kate by email:- kate@theholt.org  

Thursday, 25th August 2022 - Rain over Balmoral

Yesterday, Harriet brought our glorious grandchildren came to play. The older ones disappeared into the woods with their favourite sticks. Herbie and Mirablle entertained the adults with their escapades in a cardboard box fending of crocodiles and 'hittopotamus'. 

Today we were warned of thunderstorms. I love a bit of lightning and thunder. Instead we got intermittent blasts of rain that delayed me going out to paint with my art buddies. When the skies cleared I joined a stoical group of painters at Charlotte Molesworth's stunning garden in Benenden. 

Rain over Balmoral
Watercolour

For any enquiries contact Kate by email:- kate@theholt.org  

Tuesday, 23rd August 2022 - Varnished Plates

i have been listening to a murder mystery during the day, watching a murder mystery in the evenings and reading a murder mystery at bedtime. Sometimes the different plots get a bit confused which is confusing. I like a murder mystery. 

There are pizzas in the fridge and stewed apples ready for a crumble top in preparation for my grandchildren coming to play tomorrow. I adore being a Grandma.

In between tedious jobs I allowed myself the treat of working in my studio. I have made six plates to test. They have been varnished with button polish ready for printing when dry. A couple on mirror card seem a bit thin. I have been rather enthusiastic with my scalpel in places. A reinforced card back should beef them up in preparation of a squeeze through the press. 

Varnished Plates

Monday, 22nd August 2022 - Preparing Plates

We are back from a short holiday in Fairlight. The Royal Oak at Pett was wonderful but only due to the company of Mike, Pippa, Tony and Wendy. The food was a bit ropey. Tim and I wandered to The Cove for a drink. This looks a better place to eat. I am full of ideas for future works of art after walking the coast. 

I went to see Mr Sweeney. He is going to fix my failing veins. What an unfortunate name!!!

Do you feel the need to keep learning? There is so much to study before my time runs out. I am thrilled to be doing a collagraph course with Sally Hirst. There is loads and loads and loads of content. The videos I find much easier way to understand the process. Of course I have had to order a few bits and pieces to my every growing stock of necessary art equipment. Back to creating....

Preparing Plates

Wednesday, 17th August 2022 - Reading Books

I wonder how many people stood out in the rain today? It was glorious to hear and see rain beating down on the poor parched ground. Our water butts are full again. But for how long?

My gorgeous grandchildren and daughter came to visit today. The girls took their books to the striped deckchairs before the thunderstorms arrived. Herbie found the Tuning and Maintenance of MG Cars Manuel engrossing. Surely an engineer in the making? They have begun the construction of a camp in the woods. They are very thoughtful and found a suitable log for Grandma to rest on. What precious times.

I have started a collagraph course with Sally Hirst. More on that to come.

Reading Books

Charcoal

Wednesday, 20th July 2022 - First Encounter

Wow, that has been a hot couple of days in Kent. I have been trying to keep up with sweat going out and fluid going in. I am pleased that we are cooling down as I found it hard to operate myself. We did have a lovely afternoon yesterday watching, my granddaughter's, Hetty's leavers assembly. As I type she has now finished at primary school. Blimey, where did that time go. I am so proud of her and look forward to hearing and hopefully sharing her future adventures.

I was delighted to meet my grand niece today. She has been in the world for four weeks and has taken our hearts already. The coffee was delicious as was the cinnamon bun where we met at Water Lane. Such a beautiful venue.

This evening I was out again. We took the MG over to The Lord Raglan, I drank rose wine whilst watching the Weald of Kent Morris do some delightful dancing. Ivy and Steve, and a little bit from Tim, sang and played music inside the pub. I love being an audience. 

First Encounter
Watercolour

Wednesday, 13th July 2022 - Buff Tailed Bumblebee

Neglect has killed my sourdough starter. Luckily, my friend Tony, is much more attentive to his and delivered me a rampant jar. I now have a loaf rising.

It has been another hot day. The forecast said it was going to be cooler but it didn't happen in Benenden. I am getting a lot of reading done on the kitchen sofa where a breeze passes through. The garden needs attention and apart from some watering and a bit of deadheading the rest will have to wait until I can bear to bare myself outside. Not sure if this sentence is quite correct? 

A bumblebee, which was quite impressive in size, was delighting in my dahlias. What a gorgeous creature.

Buff Tailed Bumblebee
Watercolour

Tuesday, 12th July 2022 - Present from Toronto

A fortnight spent in Toronto was incredible but I am delighted to be home.

Harriet and Herbie made an impromptu visit today. How lovely to seem them. I have missed them terribly. I get to hug and catch up with our granddaughters next week.

Blimey it has been hot today. I found relief by standing in the paddling pool we got out for Herbie even though it made me want to go for a wee. There is something about cold water and feet that does that.

After doing some ironing and giving up because it was really not pleasant I lounged about with an art book. It has inspired me to get my art materials out again so here I am....

Present from Toronto
Pen and Gouache

Saturday, 11th June 2022 - Sibling Watching

The light was really unusual as I left the house this afternoon. It was not a mysterious phenomenon but the tint on my sunglasses. 

Tim and I had a wandered around The Wealden Fair. It was sunny and packed with people buying delights.

Our afternoon was spent watching the grandchildren playing. The pond is now leak proof and repopulated with newts, fish, dragonfly lavae, lily pads and one large black beetle. Michael gave Herbie and Mirabelle a tour of the garden in the every popular transport of a wheelbarrow which was the perfect vantage point to watch the antics of their brother and sisters.

I retreated to my studio to watch the second part of the five day Refresh course I am following with Alice Sheridan. There was a lot to consider. I will be thinking about my creative process and working through a three page worksheet.

The evening has been spent eating chickpea stew and watching series three of Stranger Things.

Sibling Watching
Pen and Watercolour

Friday, 10th June 2022 - First Sweetpeas

I have moved where I grow my sweetpeas. They now have sun most of the day. The move looks like I may have a decent crop to delight my eyes and nose. 

I am doing a five day course with the artist Alice Sheridan to get my art arse (I hope) back into gear. The first session was great. I have been listening to her ArtJuice podcast for a while and then this opportunity came up. Take it I thought. 

As I am venturing into new areas I decided to use gouache to paint my peas. Strange opaque stuff. 

This evening I am looking forward to catching up with friends who have been away over a glass of wine in the sun.

First Sweetpeas
Gouache

Wednesday, 8th June 2022 - The Mill

Herbie and Hetty both had visits to their new schools on the same day. I popped over to cover the crossover and played trains with Herbie, read books and sung about hot cross buns.

The Mill
Pen and Watercolour

Saturday, 4th June 2022 - Jubilee at The Halfway House

Tim spent the morning concreting in the stones around our pond. Hopefully for the last time. I plucked my eyebrows.

This afternoon a depleted side of The Weald of Kent Morris danced superbly at The Halfway House in Brenchley. A choice of 65 beers and 20 ciders made for a very jolly afternoon spent friends who looked very similar to the ones we spent yesterday afternoon with.

Jubilee at The Halfway House
Oil on board

Friday, 3rd June 2022 - BBQ at The Joys

I served breakfast to some rather weary looking wedding bnb guests. They left and after I had loaded the washing machine and cleaned the bathrooms I allowed myself the delight of potting up scarlet geums and large flowering mallows. They are going to be gorgeous.

This afternoon we had a great time eating home grown pork with the most delicious crackling accompanied by salads and the wonderful company of Nick, Alli, Si, Lesley, Alex and Esther. 

BBQ at The Joys
Pen and Watercolour

Wednesday, 1st June 2022 - Meadow Flowers

I have been absent from painting after a recent exhibition. I was thrilled to get my Fritillaria collagraph voted sixth in the peoples vote.

I went to the dentist earlier this week. I had a strange lip trembling experience whilst my teeth were being ultrasonically cleaned. I now have a sparkling teeth and don't have to repeat the trauma for another year.

The field in front of our house was brutally cut earlier in the year. This afternoon I wandered through a beauty of wild flowers and grasses.

Meadow Flowers
Pen and Watercolour

Tuesday, 24th May 2022 - Rain over Green

During the rain showers I was stewarding this morning for the Weald of Kent Art Society exhibition. Lovely to see all those who dropped in. Pippa, thank you for the coffee and crispy Italian delights. My mum-in-law and sister-in-law came to admire the paintings. We had lunch at Blossom. The food was delicious. I had a salad topped with a flower.

The trees in our garden are cloaked in leaf and looked glorious under the heavy rain clouds.

Rain over Green
Watercolour

Monday, 29th May 2022 - Dungeness Lighthouse

Yesterday, I was helping set up the Weald of Kent Art Society exhibition. I have four pictures entered but have forgotten to take any photos.The preview was fun. If you fancy dropping by it is on all this week in St Mildred's Church, Tenterden. I am stewarding tomorrow, Tuesday, if you get a chance bring me a coffee. I will take photos of my pictures and post them.

This is part of a bigger project that I was working on at my art class. I went along this evening to finish it. We had a tutorial on painting people so I didn't finish it. Will I? Not sure now.

Dungeness Lighthouse

Drypoint

Friday, 20th May 2022 - Copious Cards

Have you missed me? I missed you.

I have had a busy time getting work ready for the exhibition the art society I am a member of. It starts with a preview at St Mildred's in Tenterden 7-9pm on Sunday if you fancy coming along. It runs for the following week. Along with not feeling great it has taken me many hours of work to get four pieces that I am satisfied with. Two are collagraphs. The press Tim gave me for Christmas is a delight now I have removed the rust. Another two are with my homemade inks. They have a unique chameleon quality and have taken a lot of taming.

I have had a lovely evening painting cards while watching The Escape Artist.

Copious Cards

Saturday, 14th May 2022 - Preparatory Work

 Last nights wine has given me a niggly headache today but I have bravely soldered on. 

We had great fun clearing out a pond in the garden. It has a leak which needs fixing. There were flapping fish, newts, many revolting dragonfly larvae, one beetle, and one frog which have all been carefully removed and are in a temporary paddling pool.

This evening I have been working on a collagraph. I have a very tolerant husband as the kitchen table and floor are covered in bits of paper and glue, brushes, paint, and a knife or two.

Preparatory Work

Friday, 13th May 2022 - Committee Meeting

It was a seamless day of events starting with frying eggs for guests, room cleaning, yoga with Zoe, a Weald of Kent Art Society meeting that nearly involved wine, purchasing peanut butter so Tim could make hummus, a trip to the Cellarhead Brewery with Deborah that did involve wine then back home for chilli. 

Committee Meeting
Pen and Watercolour 

Thursday, 12th May 2022 - Phoebe Rose Visits Water Lane

There were eggs in frying pans and saucepans for guests this morning. I got in a slight panic when I realised I was half an hour out on their arrival in the dining room. I mentally congratulated myself on the speed of preparation.

I met Gay, Becky and Phoebe at Water Lane for coffee. They have never been before. It was great to introduce them to somewhere so delightful that is just a few minutes from where they live. I got to have a cuddle with the most adorable Phoebe who I am sure will be bringing her Mum and Dad back soon.

I am off to book group with Alli and Lesley this evening. The book details seem to be evading me as it was weeks and weeks ago that we read it. And I have read it previously. Hopefully they wont notice.

Phoebe Rose Visits Water Lane
Pen and Watercolour

Wednesday, 11th May 2022 - Bread Battle

I threw out some bread crusts. There were very popular.

Bread Battle
Watercolour 

Tuesday, 10th May 2022 - Team Work

We have been invited to a wedding in a couple of weeks. I ordered some dresses that looked lovely on the M&S website. Do you remember Crimplene? I am sure that is what they are made of. They are disgusting and being returned.

Harriet and Herbie came to visit as I had a top and tail day of stuff so couldn't make it to Canterbury. What a lovely treat. Herbie is such a delightful grandson. I feel blessed.

Team Work
Pen and Watercolour

Monday, 9th May 2022 - The Long House

This is part of something I am doing at my Monday night art class. It is always therapeutic to spend time with other artists.

The Long House
Collagraph