Monday, 24th November 2025 - One Fifth of a Bunch

For the past few days Fable, our son's handsome dog, has been staying with us. Tom was at a conference in Manchester. I have been walking with Fable on my own, walking with Fable and my sister, walking with Fable and Tim, walking with Fable and friends, walking with Fable and Tim and falling flat on my front - uninjured as it was onto very soft wet grass! What a fool I felt. 

A lovely square canvas was perfect for a portion of Tom's flowers. Five layers later and it is finished. Gorgeous flowers and wonderful buttery oil paint. Delicious.

One Fifth of a Bunch
Oil on Board

Friday, 21st November 2025 - Tom's Flowers

We are looking after our son's dog Fable for a few days. Fable has tripe treats. I have a bunch of flowers. Tim has flour to make me pizzas.

Fable was my downward dog yoga buddy this morning. 

We collected our car from Jon. It will be good to have two again. On our way home with had a very circuitous route home that took us past The Lord Raglan. Having recently had a new landlord we were curious and dropped in for a beer and a coffee. It looks very smart. Another stop to get Christmas cake ingredients for the family to stir and make a wish. I am hoping the grandchildren will do their usual fabulous job of decorating it. 

Last night we watched Mr Burton. I loved it and want an Edwardian house with a stained glass door.

Tonight we are watching a Dan Brown series that is taking all my concentration. At an interval I painted Tom's flowers. It has many layers including charcoal, oil, mineral spirit, brushes, palette knives, and rags. Enjoying this method very much. 

Toms Flowers
Oil on board

Wednesday, 19th November 2025 - Plant in a Pot

The autumn months send me a reprieve from bed and breakfast. I have more time to indulge in yoga, lunch with friends, reading and painting. I did them all today.

It snowed while I was trying to mula bandha in yoga. Not sure I have quite mastered the naval to spine lock yet.

Clive fed The Viridians plus husbands a lovely lunch. His cheeseboard was impressive. The soft one in a box that you scooped out with a spoon was gorgeous. We stayed for hours eating and talking. Apparently socialising with friends is one of the best ways to ward off dementia. Tim and I are taking this advice very seriously. 

Back home I lit the woodburner and read a rather strange book All the Colours of the Dark. I prefer a crime thriller.

This evening I made a cauliflower curry.I thought I had no more room for any food after lunch but managed a second bowl. I finished the evening layering and squidging oil paint about on a canvas.

Plant in a Pot
Oil on board

Tuesday, 18th November 2025 - Cyclamen for Clive

I have had a decadent day. It started with holding a mug of tea looking out onto a frosted garden - so pleased I was inside. Adriene took me through my paces with dogs, pigeons, cats, cows and cobras. Then I set off to meet Sarah in Hawkhurst where we watched The Choral - during the day - it felt very naughty. We discussed the film over tea in The Queens - I was mixed, Sarah more positive in her dislike. Back home I did get around to doing some toilet cleaning and sock folding.

I bought a cyclamen for Clive. I needed to paint it this evening before it departs to its new home.

Cyclamen for Clive
Oil on board

 

Monday, 17th November 2025 - Expressions

We had a delightful weekend spent with our very entertaining grandson. The other Evans were climbing. While playing in the garden with him I felt incredibly blessed to have the time to spend joining his imaginations. Wow they get the old grey cells buzzing. 

Today I spent a few hours with The Viridians painting. I settled this evening in front of the woodburner to eat soup made by my husband and bread fashioned by my grandson. Perfect. I feel loved.

I have been inspired by an art demonstration I saw by Adam de Ville. I have found a wonderful new way of working with oil.

Flowers from Alli
Oil on Board

Orange Roses
Oil on board

Roses and a Squash
Oil on board

Flowers at Weavers Barn
Oil on board

Kath's Dahlias
Oil on Board

Thursday, 2nd October 2025 - Thirty Tiny Pears

A very very happy 38th birthday to Tom - the first one in his new home of St Leonards. I think there will be many happy times ahead. We look forward to exploring with him and Fable.

I always enjoy coming home from a holiday. Even better with coffee and Lindsey to catch up on stories. Our holiday garments are washed and ready for another adventure which was this afternoon at the Ewe and Lamb with Tony and Wendy. They looked after our hens while we were away. They have not produced any eggs yet. Tony and Wendy have two from the same 'batch' that are both laying eggs. We are looking after theirs at the end of the month. Maybe we will do a surreptitious swap. 

A collection of tiny pears. I enjoyed making these little paintings and am now waiting to hear if I have won an easel.

Tuesday, 30th September 2025 - Tiny Pear in Acrylic XXX

 The Paris Metro is great. Tim found a phone app that you buy your tickets in advance then just wave the phone at the barrier. It doesn’t even have to be on. Magic. This morning after a coffee and pain au chocolate in a bar we took the magic metro to Musee D’Orsay. Four hours later we left. Just love it there. It is so inspirational. I have a need to paint a huge canvas. They have a John Singer Sargent exhibition on - wonderful.

We metroed back and collected bread, salads, wine and pastries for a picnic. 

Day 30 #Stradaeasel

Today’s pear and last in my tiny pear series is inspired by a painting called Le Citron by Edouard Manet.

Monday, 29th September 2025 - Half a Tiny Pear in Acrylic XXIX

Happy anniversary to Tim and me. We are celebrating in Paris. Metros, coffee, croissants, walks and sketching around Sacre Coeur, a tour around Notre Dame that is looking incredible after its restoration. A drink in a cafe and more sketching. Back to restore in our apartment with a peach. 

Tim found a restaurant for dinner. Au Bon Coin was a few minutes walk. I had pate then confit of duck. Just what I desired. It was buzzing with atmosphere and red formica topped tables. We are staying in a district that is crammed with boulangeries for cakes and croissant and little supermarkets. I thoroughly recommend a couple of nights here. 

Day 29 #Stradaeasel

Sunday, 28th September 2025 - Half a Tiny Pear in Acrylic XXVIII

 Steve gave a talk and talk to a diminished party of us and four Americans of the EU district in Brussels. Soooo much change some good, some bad. We peeled off to get our train to Paris. A walk through a market provided us with spinach samosas and a huge ring donut for lunch. A few metros and trains later we arrived in our next  apartment. Again on the third floor up a wooden spiral staircase, We are off to explore. I will up date you soon.

Day 28 #Stradaeasel

I packed a Brussels pear for today’s half a pear painting

Saturday, 27th September 2025 -Tiny Pear in Acrylic XXVII

 This morning Steve organised Alan to give our group of 12 a tour of the Horta house. What a thing of beauty. I love the art deco. We wandered the streets with Alan pointing out more Hortaesque architectural buildings 

Tim and I peeled off and had delicious chips for lunch.

Two bars later our group had dwindled to six. We had dinner together and I satiated my craving for moules.

Day 27 #Stradeasel

Tim chose today’s pear. He was charmed by the red patch. 

Friday, 26th September 2025 - Tiny Pear in Acrylic XXVI

A train took us out to Bruges today. We met up with Steve, Kim, six of their American friends and Rudy and Christina from Brussels. What a beautiful city or is it town? I didn’t expect it to be so Flemish. The canals and a boat trip were a charming surprise. The window boxes were overflowing. The plant a rock trumpet is on our list to find and grown at home.

Have you heard of Beguinage. Nope, nor had I until today. There is no direct translation into English. Here comes a bit of history for you. It is a protected and sheltered community for single women where they make lace and look after each other. Associate with a man and you are out! We wandered around the gorgeous tiny village but not a Beguinage in sight.

Tim and I are staying in Saint Gilles - known for its prison we learnt today! We have found it very friendly and full of delightful supermarkets for sparkling water and pears.

Day 26 #Stradaeasel

Second Belgium pear 

Thursday, 25th September 2025 - Tiny Pear in Acrylic XXV

A few train journeys later Tim and I arrived in Brussels. Our apartment is up a very narrow winding staircase that was difficult to negotiate with bags but much better after a couple of beers. We met Steve and Kim ( with our tenet for Bruges tomorrow) in La Becasse. It means The Woodcock and recommend to us by Tony and Wendy while we were drinking in the Iden Green version. A four cheese pizza was a good way to end the day. It is lovely to be away but I do miss my family. 

Day 25 #Stradaeasel

A pear bought in Brussels

Tiny pear in acrylic XXV 

Wednesday, 24th September 2025 - Tiny Pear in Oil XXIV

Some very precious hours were spent with Harriet and Herbie this afternoon. Having a grandchild makes me see the world from an alternative perspective. What a lot of joy from just picking a tomato. It makes the meager crop I have grown fully worth the effort. I hope the seeds we harvested and planted germinate.

We have Mike and Pippa house sitting for us which is very reassuring. I have packed, unpacked and packed my bag for our holiday tomorrow. I will probably wear only half the clothes but better too much choice. It also contains a carefully selected paint kit so I can continue my Strada easel challenge or I won't win my easel. Also some bits for sketching. I am hoping to do some people and places drawing ideally while sitting in a bar.

 Day 24 #Stradaeasel

A horizontal pear.

Tiny Pear in Oil XXIV

Tuesday, 23rd September 2025 - Tiny Pear in Oil XXIII

One of our cars in the garage with an unknown fault. Tim and I have to take it in turns to go out. Sometimes we go together. It does mean we have to communicate about what we are up to. No just nipping out on a whim to deliver a birthday card, go to the bank or visit a friend in hospital. I will be pleased when we are back to two.

The nights are getting chilly. We has reinstalled our electric blanket - it is soooo cosy on chilly bedtime toes.

I needed some roasted nuts to sprinkle on my prawns. The air fryer was perfect for this task.

Day 23 #Stradaeasel

The line of pears are vying for attention on my window cill. This one won out today.

Tiny Pear in Oil XXIII

Monday, 22nd September 2025 - Tiny Pear in Oil XXII

I had a very wonderful time with Anneli #woodstockholistics this morning. She uses Reiki and is a trained master in the art. I wasn't expecting such a long and glorious treatment. She chose oils for my individual needs. Her hands are magic. I feel and smell amazing and very smooth from the oil combinations. Thank you so much Anneli.

Day 22 #Stradaeasel

The third side of the wonky pear. A rather dimpled view.

Tiny Pear in Oil XXII

Sunday, 21st September 2025 - Tiny Pear in Oil XXI

Tea and a sunny morning was a good start to the day.

My guests chose a very very simple breakfast of tea and toast before leaving for another bed and breakfast in Devon.

A fridge freezer from our garage just about squeezed into Tom's car. We followed him down to St Leonards with our car full of garden equipment. Tim and Tom sorted out his overgrown lawn while I did some weeding accompanied by a trio of bees.

This afternoon we walked from Dingleden to The Woodcock with Tony and Wendy. The return route took us through the community apple orchard. The apples were abundant on the trees. An enormous bramley is now waiting to be made into a pie in our fruit bowl.

Day 21 #Stradaeasel

Another side to my wonky pear. 

Tiny Pear in Oil XXI

Saturday, 20th September 2025 - Tiny Pear in Oil XX

A bit of cleaning, clearing - how two people make so much mess - and reading WhapsApp messages from my very happy son who is exploring his new environment in St Leonards and Harriet with very proud results from my granddaughters excellent climbing competition. A first and a fourth. Amazing.

Tim and I went for a walk across the fields. The warm wind reminded me of holidays in France. We came back for the remainder of yesterday’s soup that has turned into stew. We are watching the BBC drama The Guest. It has Eve Myles in whom I love. It is sprinkled with lots of twists and turns.  

 Day 20 #Stradaeasel

A new pear picked from our garden tree. I love the wonky shape but it makes it difficult to paint its contours.

Tiny Pear in oil XX

Friday, 19th September 2025 - Tiny Pear in Oil XIX

I had a tight schedule this morning. I had emails to send out about artists wanting space to sell their art at the Weald of Kent Art Society open day in October. I needed to get my guests breakfasted so I could go over to meet Harriet and Herbie in Canterbury. I did it, and got to Littlebourne to meet Herbie after his morning. We went to my one of my favourite places for a cheese scone and coffee. The Ivy Barn. The cruffins looked amazing but not good enough to forgo a cheese scone. Later we wandered round the back lanes of Littlebourne following a Pokemon route. I am loving sharing this game with Herbie.  The weather was surprisingly hot. We all commented on and took off our jumpers. How English we are! 

I got home to find Tim had made a large pot of comforting soup. Just what I fancied and needed. We had that after we had poked the bonfire with a few more bit of detritus from the woods. I think I will be having an early night. 

Day 19 #Stradaeasel

This pear has been ripening in the sun on the kitchen window cill along with my other pear models. The colours are lovely to paint.

Tiny Pear in Oil XIX 

Thursday, 18th September 2025 - Tiny Pear in Oil XVIII

 I ask my bnb guests what time and what they would like for breakfast the following morning. I liked to get prepared the night before. This morning I got in a muddle of who was having what and when. Do you have porridge before or after your scrambled eggs? Once that was all sorted and the dishwasher stacked Tim and I went into Cranbrook for a blood test followed by a coffee. I had really noticed how many coffee shops there are until Tim pointed them all out. There are a lot.

This afternoon the wind was blowing away from us and our neighbours. We had a bonfire. I love a bonfire. It was very therapeutic which is what we both needed.

Day 18 #Stradaeasel

Another rendition of the humbug pear that seems to have gained a bit of a leaning attitude.

Tiny Peaar in Oil XVIII

Wednesday, 17th September 2025 - Tiny Pear in Oil XVII

A lovely morning for having coffee at my sister’s while we watched Tim from the kitchen window mending a bird table. With in five minutes of a feeder full of seeds being hung a robin visited. Good result. 

Back home it took me until nearly 3pm to get the rooms ready for guests. Not sure what I was faffing about doing!!! I ticked ironing off my list. Well done me.

I was ready to send a complaint to Tescos about the poor quality of their T bags. Recently they have split in my mug. It was the vigorous stirring with a serrated grapefruit spoon that was the culprit. 

Day 17 #Stadaeasel

I harvested one of two humbug pears from the tree in the garden for today’s painting. What a pretty model.

Tiny Pear in Oil XVII

 

Tuesday, 16th September 2025 - Tiny Pear in Oil XVI

The muddle of a morning sorted itself out. I was meeting up with The Viridians at 10.30. The lorry to empty our septic tank turned up shortly before I was to leave.  The lorry was churning away just outside Tim's studio window while he was holding a Webinar. I got to meet up with Alison at Sissinghurst. We drank coffee while sorting out art society 'stuff' and watching a constant stream of people trooping into the gardens. Two of the Viridians are on holiday. Down to two we sat on a bench in the garden and did some sketching. 

Sketch of Sissinghurst Gardens

The head gasket on our car has been replaced and skimmed. We look forward to many more years of travelling with our little red motor.

Day 16 #Stradaeasel

I need to clean my palette. The oil paints were slipping around my board and brush. I have 16 tiny pears lined up in my studio. They look great together as a team.

Tiny Pear in Oil XVI

Monday, 15th Setpember 2025 - Tiny Pear in Oil XV

My guests had a variety of eggs and pastries this morning that took a lot of concentration to get the right plate to the right guest. I couldn't quite get enough oomph to get the rooms done before heading out for a Weald of Kent Art Society committee meeting. We have lots planned over the next year. The next exhibition is in June. I think I will get a collection of tiny paintings together. I have a collection of those thin scarves that the sophisticated amongst us wear. I put one on today. It didn't get the thumbs up from Tim. I will have to ask Alli. There must be a technique. She always looks good in hers. 

Tony and Wendy came in the dark of night to collect their two chickens we have been caring for. They have been trained to come when we call. I love seeing them run to us for their soaked bread crusts and grapes. One has been laying an egg a day. I wonder if she is still with us or gone to pastures new. 

Day 15 #Stradaeasel

This is the pear from day one is back modelling for me today. 

Tiny Pear in Oil XV

Sunday, 14th September 2025 - Tiny Pear in Oil XIV

As soon as I had breakfasted my guests, cleaned their rooms and put a bottle of Champagne in a coldbag we headed down to St Leonard's. Tom is now installed in his new home. He has lots of boxes but it feels lovely already. Harriet, Brett and Herbie were already there with a van load of very charming furniture. So very kind of them. Tom, Caroline and Fable walked us to the sea and Goat Ledge. A favourite hang out of theirs. I am looking forward to exploring the environs with him. So happy for him.

Day 14 #Stradaeasel

My pear paintings are becoming a very enjoyable part of my day.

Tiny Pear in Oil XIV

Saturday, 13th September 2025 - Tiny Pear in Oil XIII

We are home after a lovely late lunch at Nick and Alli's. I am full of delicious food. There were many stories to be told around the dinner table with Si, Lesley, Mick, Lu, Nick and Suzy. I am interested to hear what other people get up to. Or am I just nosey. I did learn that the lime tucked into my Corona bottle should have been pushed inside. Then you drink from the bottle. I may try it at home but not sure it is etiquettely correct in a restaurant.

Day 13 #Stradeasel

The other side of yesterday's pear. 

Tiny Pear in Oil XIII

Friday, 12th September 2025 - Tiny Pear in Oil XII

I had a disturbed night. Why don't pyjamas all have their bottoms label at the back. Mine was on the side. I had them on the wrong way round with no room for my bottom. No wonder my night was uncomfortable. Note to oneself:- label to the left.

I found a sunny spell in the day and took my tiny boards outside to sand their rough edges. It was very therapeutic. Back in my studio they now have a first layer of gesso drying. I have so many ideas what to paint. Mostly a series that I will put together as one.

Tom today became the proud owner of a home in St Leonards. I am looking forward to taking him to Bayte's for a coffee and a stroll along the beach. Many adventures to come. 

Day 12 #Stradaeasel

A new pear to paint. This one is off another one of our pear trees. I might eat this one. It looks ripe.

Tiny Pear in Oil XII

Thursday, 11th September 2025 - Tiny Pear in Oil XI

I have a lovely returning guest who wanted a simple breakfast of poached eggs. I was very happy to serve him a delightfully perky pair.

One car is in the garage having a new head gasket. Tim needed the other. I was stranded at home so Lindsey came and took me for coffee to Benenden's the village cafe. Outside in the sun we drank coffee with Fritha combing the ground for crumbs. A shared cheese scone and a fruit scone is perfect for lunch. I have taken my sisters advice and have them cold so the butter sticks. The cheese one is our main and the fruit one pudding.

Tim returned with bags of provisions from Aldi. The non alcoholic lager has rave reviews via Which. I now have two types to sample and compare. They are in the fridge chilling.

We are watching a series called Invasion. It has got lots of tense moments. Totally unrealistic but I love a bit of science fiction at the end of the day.

Day 11 #Stradaeasel

Today's little pear is a very round one off the tree. Not handsome looking but a charming model to paint.

Tiny Pear in Oil XI

Wednesday, 10th September 2025 - Tiny Pear in Oil X

The commission I was working on is done and posted. 

Our new hens now come when we call them. 

I made bread and brownies for my guests.

I read that eating off a smaller plate is good for portion control. I found a smaller one for my dinner. I started dishing out our dinner. I had to get myself a bigger plate. 

When we were out at the pub I asked for a Corona. It came in the bottle with a wedge of lime stuck in the top. I wasn't sure how to approach it. I poured it into a glass and squeezed some lime on top. Anyone know the correct protocol let me know. 

Day 10 #Stradaeasel

I am enjoying my pear project. Here is number ten.

Tiny Pear in Oil X

Tuesday, 9th September 2025 - Tiny Pear in Oil IX

Sarah and I met in Cranbrook for a flat white followed by an Americano in Willow and Sage. Now a preferred venue along with the Hospice in the Weald charity shop. I found myself a charming blue tunic and a blouse that on closer inspection at home turns out to be a very nice light jacket. We had lots to chat about after being apart for a few weeks. We are both find a lot of joy from our grandchildren. I am only slightly jealous that hers live next door. 

Arriving back home a sudden downpour drenched me just walking (I don't do running very often) from the car to my back door. Lindsey was standing under the porch ready for tea. We needed two mugs this afternoon to calm our motherly nerves and worries.

Day 9 #Stradaeasel

The second painting of the pear with the long stalk.

Tiny Pear in Oil IX

Monday, 8th September 2025 - Tiny Pear in Oil VIII

I took coffee break after clearing out the shower traps (yuk) and sat near the chicken run to watch our new hens. They decided to stay inside their house. I drank my coffee alone.

Tim and I had a bonding afternoon. The paintwork on our back door is cracked and faded from the onslaught of sun, wind and rain. It was taken off its hinges, placed on some trestles in the garden, Tim sanded and I undercoated. Another undercoat was done this evening ready for a top coat tomorrow. A very satisfying afternoon.

Day 8 #Stradaeasel

A new pear to paint with a slight smaller stature but a very fine stalk.

Tiny Pear in Oil VIII

Sunday, 7th September 2025 - Tiny Pear in Oil VII

 It's been a quiet Sunday. We have been home pottering.

Day 7 #Stradaeasel

This is the third painting of this pear. I have many models waiting in the wings for their place in the spotlight.

Tiny Pear in Oil VII

Saturday, 6th September 2025 - Tiny Pear in Oil VI

Our meal at The Great House was great. The food was delicious. I had lamb kofta, steak and chips followed by creme brulee. My perfect meal. Lindsey, Tim, Tony and Wendy were excellent company. My sleep was garlic infused.

This morning I drank coffee and ate a cinnamon bun in Lindsey's sunny garden while Tim reconstructed a bird table.

Back home I planted hundreds of bulbs into pots ready for a floriferous spring. My tomato plants have not been performing up to my expectations. So far we have had one tomato. 

My reward for finishing my ironing pile was an early evening drink at The Halfway House with Si, Lesley, Nick and Alli to catch up with news of an engagement, teaser rams, families and holidays.

Day 6 #Stradaeasel

I turned yesterday's pear 180 degrees for a different view to paint. I like the simplicity of these little paintings.

Tiny Pear in Oil VI

Friday, 5th September 2025 - Tiny Pear in Oil V

I hefted myself out of bed. Looking out the bedroom windown I was greeted with the sun shining through the gap in the trees. It looked like a light had been turned on. It made getting up early possibly worth the effort.

Our bnb guests left shortly after their fried eggs. I challenged myself to get the room turned around before Leelee arrived with Akira. I was so close to accomplishment. Akira is nearly two. I have not got around to putting the Duplo back in the loft. Yes, I am holding onto it 'just in case'. Today was a  perfect 'just in case' opportunity for it to be played with.

Our new chickens have been brought up in a barn. They were very brave chancing outside their house then back in again. And out again. They are ISA browns and have white tips to their tails. I am very fond of them already.

We are off to The Great House for dinner with friends. I will report back tomorrow.

Day 5 #Stradaeasel

Tim cut me many little boards for my tiny oil paintings. This afternoon I sanded and applied two coats of gesso. They are now ready and waiting. Today's pear is another one from our ripeneing window cill crop. I must admit it is very similar to it's partner.

Tiny Pear in Oil V

Thursday, 4th September 2025 - Tiny Pear in Oil IV

 This morning while making guests fruit salad I made some for Tim and I to have after dinner this evening. That is excellent planning.

Harriet and Herbie arrived late morning. I found some tiny pasta stars in the supermarket. Adding butter and grated cheese they were the perfect snack for a 7 year old before going on Pokemon adventures. We dropped by the farm shop in Cranbrook to see Sophie and her flowers. Her little ones were with her. They took Herbie, Harriet and I tagged along, to feed some goats windfall apples. They were a feisty bunch. In preparation for the arrival of our new chickens we stopped at Hartley farm shop for layers pellets, a couple of coffees and a bowl of pasta with cheese for Herbie. A different version to the one I made him this morning with pesto and chickpeas. 

After Herbie had entertained his grandmother they left. Tim and I collected six hens. They are now tucked up in their new house. Hopefully it wont be too long before they are happy and settled. They are great recyclers. We given them scraps of bread and they give us eggs. Wonderful exchange.

Day 4 #Stradaeasel

Another tiny oil painting to add to my growing collection.

Tiny Pear in Oil IV

Wednesday, 3rd September 2025 - Tiny Pear in Oil III

I am proud of how my poached eggs came out this morning. Carefully dropped into gently bubbling water. Beautifully pert. Lucky guests.

Lindsey came and picked me up. We spent a happy - was it really three hours?  with Mercedes having coffee and catching up. What a lovely way to spend the morning. Three girls together with lots of stories.

This afternoon the garden was deluged.... again. I stayed at my kitchen table working on a commission that is causing my frown lines to deepen.

Day 3 #Stradaeasel

Another tiny oil painting.

Tiny Pear in Oil III

Tuesday, 2nd November 2025 - Tiny Pear in Oil II

After working on my root Chakra with Adriene I had coffee in readiness for preparing our twin room for the arrival of bed and breakfast guests. I tweaked my chocolate brownie recipe - bit of a mistake. The chocolate drops sank to the bottom. My guests ate it. I ate it. Tim ate it. It wasn't that bad but I will stick to the recipe for the next batch.

Day 2 #stradaeasel

Another painting of the same pair from a different side. I have loads of paint left on my palette for another view tomorrow. I love doing these little paintings. 

Tiny Pear in Oil II

Monday, 1st September - Tiny Pear in Oil

I have been away from my paints for far too long. Give me a deadline or a challenge and I pick up my brushes. The Strada Easel Challenge is running again for September. I didn't win an easel last time so I am trying again.

Every time I went into the garden I got caught in a heavy downpour. The garden is appreciating the rain even if my frizzy hair isn't.

Day 1 #stradaeasel 

Today's painting is in oil. We have fruit trees in the garden that are not terribly productive. This year we have pears. There are five ripening on our warm kitchen window cill. A lovely subject for a tiny 2 inch square painting. I did do a video but filmed it in slow mo - silly twit. It took me longer to mix the colours than do the painting.

Tiny Pear in Oil

Monday, 4th August 2025 - Seven Apples on Seven Papers

 I was very pleased to have my sister visit this afternoon. After cleaning umpteen toilets, showers basins, stripping beds Lindsey came and helped finish my final bed making. She had been at the local community orchard and gathered apples for Tim who has a taste for a particular type of apple. They were perfect for testing my variety of papers with watercolour. It was the perfect way to end the day with my paints while listening to a crime/thriller of an audio book. I hope Harriet will be proud of me.

Seven Apples on Seven Papers

Sunday, 3rd August 2025 - Koffielikeur

For many years Dutch guests have been staying with us. They are back this week and with a bag of dutch delights including a 24% liqueur to have in coffee and packet of stroopwafels. We have eaten a few waffles but not added the liqueur to our coffee yet. So kind and thoughtful.

We met Tony and Wendy in the village this afternoon and wandered along Walkhurst Lane to an open garden. There were six acres. It was a very busy garden. Lots of eclectic areas that made me frown with amount of work that had been done and was needed. We rested at The Bull to recover from the myriad of plants and curios.

I have been inspired by my daughter who has a hectic life with a husband, three children and a dog. Even with very little time to herself she is making some beautiful art most days. I have many more free hours in my day then Harriet so if she can do a bit of art so can I. I have a pack of seven books with different types of paper in that I will be filling with picures. The paper was a gift from Harriet. How wonderful to have such an inspirational daughter.

Koffielikeur
Parchment

Monday, 21st July 2025 - Bean Preview

My runner beans have had a thoroughly charming time during the rain showers. I have been rewarded with many flowers. I look forward to steamed runner beans with butter and pepper. While our dinner was cooking in the oven I nipped out with my indian ink and drew some winding plants. After our fishy bake I added a touch of watercolour. Just lovely.

My days are peppered with looking after bed and breakfast guests. In between guests today I had a lovely time wrapping presents in preparation my my eldest granddaughters 14th birthday on Wednesday.

We are entertained in our homespun evenings watching Slow Horses - absolutely brilliant. 

Bean Preview
Indian Ink and Watercolour

Friday, 18th July 2025 - Stolen View

My sister and I had a marvellous shopping outing this morning. I needed some peanuts for the woodpeckers and asked if she would like to join me on a trip out. I now have a yellow Lantana and pink Pentas from Bumbles that are sheltering in the porch away from the violence of the approaching storm. We got peanuts and fat balls for the birds from Petsworld along with a cowhide treat for Poppy Harriet's incredibly lively dog. The farm shop provided me with a bag of mixed salad leaves and cucumber to have with prawns for dinner. 3kg of wholemeal flour from Sainsburys are ready for Tim to make into a low GI bread which has an interesting addition of Chia seeds. I am very pleased we have found a use for them. I bought them on a whim that they would fill me up and reduce my snacking. I keep forgetting to eat them and continue to snack. We finished with coffee and vintage scones at the village shop. 

Tony and Wendy came for tea a few days ago. They admired the vista that Tim created a few years ago by taking out tree at the end of our garden. We can now see through our woodland onto the field beyond. Wendy said this is known a a 'stolen view'. I dusted off my watercolours and painted it. Stunning view. I love it. Great fun to paint too.

I hope the forecast rain and hail doesn't flatten my hydrangeas.

Stolen View
Watercolour

Thursday, 17th July 2025 - Lake at The Laurels

I have had a marvellous day painting with WOKAS buddies. We gathered at The Laurels nursery in Dingleden. Garden wheelbarrows were very handy for carrying our easels, stools, painting gear and lunch beside a forest of wisteria, past a paddle of Indian runner ducks through a field and down steps between trees to reach a lake. I sat between my mates Leelee and Wendy so we could catch up with news. Silence descended upon us as we concentrated on trying to get the right greens - so many greens. Even the water was green. The weather gave us clouds, followed by rain and ended with humid sunshine. I feel refreshed and inspired.

Lake at The Laurels
Oil on board

Tuesday, 24th June 2025 - Sweetpeas and Pods

I have been back to back with bed and breakfast, meals out, (the Ewe and Lamb does delicious fish and chips), a garden safari in Cranbrook, visits from my charming grandchildren and family, a solstice celebration with girlfriends around Wendy's fire pit and painting with The Viridians. I have been very lapse with my blog. The emergence of some sweetpea flowers in the garden spurred me into opening my paint box. It felt so good. I might do it again.

Linda suggested I meet her for coffee at The Hub in Bodiam. I haven't been there for years. It's only 15 minutes from home. Lovely coffee and a very delicious warm cheese scone made it a good choice. It was lovely to hear all Linda's news - visits to family in Vancouver, friends in Dorset and an imminent move to Devon. I felt very dull in comparison but I love my life as much as she loves hers.

Sweetpeas and Pods
Pen and Watercolour

Wednesday, 11th June 2025 - Morris Hats

My guests came down to breakfast half an hour early. It put me in a flap. Deep breath, apron on and all was ok. Cutting up fruit for breakfast salads I find kiwis are particularly slippery and need a firm hand on the chopping board.

Tim dusted the MG off. I fought my way out from a pile of laundry and ironing. It was an evening of Morris delights at The Milkhouse. 

Morris Hats
Watercolour

Tuesday, 10th June 2025 - Harriet's Roses

Harriet planted three roses when she was living next to us with her family. The roses are glorious this year. I miss them. I miss sitting on the step drinking coffee with Harriet. I am very proud of them. And I do get to drink coffee but just not so often.

The bed and breakfast has been full on. We have many lovely guests passing through. I love listening to their stories. I find them very inspiring. I am tempted to hop into the back seat and go touristing with them. I am not the only one that has been busy. Plants are growing like triffids in the garden. Crows, magpies and jackdaws battle for toast crusts. The garden is bursting with life.

Harriet's Roses
Pen and Watercolour

Thursday, 5th June 2025 - Cards

Yeterday I felt 'flippy'. I couldn't settle to paint or draw. I was saved from my grumps by a visit from Harriet and Herbie. I started watching a film in the evening but couldn't concentrate and ended up watching Dragons Den that needed very little brain power.

Today the rain kept me inside for much of the day. I had another long to-do list. I was very pleased my sister came for tea this afternoon and while we chatted she sewed up the moth holes in her cardigan and an armpit hole on my blouse. I ironed many many shirts and blouses while she kept me company.

An Instagram post was telling me what I needed to eat for a healthy body and mind. Appaentely one brazil nut has 100% of our daily intake need of selenium. Who ever eats ONE brazil nut!!! I lost a small portion of my life listening to drivel. I must curtail my Instagram scrolling. 

I have been painting greetings cards this evening ready to sell.

Cards