Exhibition up and running

Unable to blog since I realised I needed to concentrate on getting some painting done for the Land air and sea exhibition in the Castle Espie Gallery . This exhibition included both daughters and myself and I didn't want to let the side down! The exhibition was opened on the 2nd May by the most colourful artist we know, yes Paul Walls. He generously gave up his time to come and do the honours! Not only did he wear one of his super colourful shirts but also looked very dapper in a smart tweed jacket! Lots of friends and family and friends of friends turned out for the occasion. The exhibition continues until Sunday 9th June.There are 43 individual pieces of work on show.

Snow gone now strong winds and heavy rain

You can paint snow, photograph it, watch the birds feeding etc. Strong winds and heavy rain does not inspire me to paint! So it's time for more still life painting or a case of trying to find that photo you left somewhere for just that rainy day!Invariably you can't find it and get side tracked by other things! Like tidying up! So here are a couple of photos of still life subjects which may come in handy!

Suggestions only to get the one with the paint and brush going!

Snow damn snow!

Was so looking forward to the Pastel Society of Ireland's first event of 2013.Last night was packed and ready to go for the one day pastel workshop lead by Betty Christie. I love her work and was keen to learn some new techniques using collage with pastel. Unfortunately it had to be cancelled due to the snowy conditions. This also meant that the Annual Poster Competition was also postponed. I had spent yesterday painting a pastel picture for that competition. I had bought some pomegranates

and before we devoured their delicious contents I decided to use them for a still life painting! Should have taken the picture before putting it in the frame sorry!Two pastel pictures in one month that's a record for me!

Where to see over 100 Samuel Peploe paintings!

Just love Peploe's work and hope to get to see over 100 Peploe paintings in the Scottish National Museum of Modern Art in Edinburgh.I am intrigued by the Scottish Colourists who seem bold now in 2013 nevermind when they emerged in the early 1900's . They sadly went out of fashion just before World War II. Fortunately they were 'discovered'in the 1980's. This second still life really shows how Peploe was influenced by French painters such as Cezanne and Manet. Samuel Peploe died in 1935.

New Year and a new me!

I am hoping that this year I will be better organised and more productive art wise! I'm already a week late but at least I've made it to my blogspot.Currently considering what to paint now that I've tidied up the studio. In May Emma and Sarah and I are exhibiting in the Castle Espie Gallery , Co Down on the shores of Strangford Lough in May this year. I need 10+ pieces of work that I'm pleased with that really means painting loads! Have been out with my new camera taking pics of the lough for inspiration here are a couple to let you see what I was looking at!