Pages

Sunday 22 July 2012

Sunshine at last!

Moel Fenlli and Moel Famau taken from Moel Gyw

It was such a treat to wake up to blue skies this morning so before it could start raining again we went for a short walk up to Moel Gyw which is one of my favourite spots on the Southern end of the Clwydian Range. There are usually plenty of buzzards around this area and Gary hauled his 500mm lens up the hill to get some flight shots - so of course no buzzards made an appearance!  In fact no birds at all - plenty of cows though! - nice reference for a painting!


We then went to the NEWA exhibtion again - the 3rd time now that I've been - not only to marvel yet again at the fabulous artwork there but to chat to the demonstrating artists. Yesterday at NEWA I chatted to Julie Nash who paints beautiful acrylic wildlife art and today it was a pleasure to meet Robert Cook again who was demonstrating graphite work. Eric Wilson - an amazing pastel artist was also demonstrating and his work just took my breath away - and the lovely Irene Brierton, a detailed watercolour artist.  Here is a photo Gary candidly took of me chatting to her..

Irene Brierton painting red squirrels

So I came home feeling very inspired to try some different mediums again - I had only used pastels on Daley Rowney pastel paper before and found it a bit scratchy and rough but Eric recommended Clariefontaine pastelmat - really anyone who isn't familiar with his art, take a look at his website here.  Julie Nash had me thinking seriously of trying acrylics again - and as I'm on my last sheet of watercolour paper the acrylics may be coming out sooner than you think!!!  In the meantime, this evening I've started a painting on that last sheet of watercolour paper -  here are some works in progress of Charlie, Cali's friend and Gary's mum's other dog (see last post here) - I desperately need a trip to get some more art supplies!!!


happy with the eyes and the nose  I can move on to the rest of the painting

finishing here for tonight as I could feel myself getting tired and sloppy!!


As always I love to read your comments - they mean so much, thank you

13 comments:

  1. I can see you sitting in that chair soon actually giving the demonstrations. It's lovely to see you in that environment where you so rightfully belong. xx

    ReplyDelete
  2. Love this WIP of Charlie...he's amazing so far and look forward to your next post. The reference picture of this cow is really incredible..so clear and hope to see that as a future painting..

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you - I hope to paint the cow but I've got so many ref photos I'd like to paint I just don't know what to do next!!

      Delete
  3. The dog looks great already!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Judy - I was pleased with how he was turning out but then lost my way a bit later and wasn't overly happy with the result but the owner is pleased so that's good!

      Delete
  4. Mum is going to be thrilled when she see's both paintings, cant wait until we go!!!x

    ReplyDelete
  5. Estoy deseando ver terminado el retrato de Charlie!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Hola Sharon. El retrato del perro te esta quedando magnífico¡
    Saludos y hasta pronto. Sonia.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Hermosas fotos, Sharon. Y excelente retrato del perro.
    Saludos

    ReplyDelete

I love hearing from you, thank you so much for leaving a comment - I will always try to leave a reply and pop over to visit your blog if you have one - although sometimes I may be slower than others, have a wonderful day xx