You never know what’s round the corner

Very wintery conditions here in Norfolk, with quite a bit of snow on the ground. I should have been starting my weekly group at West Norfolk Arts Centre this afternoon, but it has had to be delayed. No not snow, but the health of the unfortunate tutor. I am having to undergo emergency eye surgery to repair a detached retina in my right eye, so I’m going to be out of action for a week or two, maybe more.

painting of heron
The heron waits for his supper. Watercolour on 140lb Arches NOT paper

My apologies to everyone booked on the course, but I promise to back with paintbrush in hand as soon as possible! Meanwhile, here is a small taster of one of the subjects coming up this term – the heron patiently waiting for his supper. I love simple paintings of an interesting shape silhouetted against a sunset. I first painted this scene many years ago and recently found a version of it among some old works in the bottom of a drawer. We’ll put in some trees and more reflections when the group comes to paint it but in the meantime you might find some inspiration here for a composition of your own. Keep practicing!

The New Year begins

A very Happy New Year to all my blog-followers! I’m sorry not to have posted anything lately, but we have been away enjoying the sunshine in Madeira. Watch for one or two Madeira mountain paintings in due course.

Painting of Bawsey Ruins, King's Lynn
A small painting in Indian ink with added watercolour washes

Looking forward to 2013 I will be commencing my final term of weekly watercolour courses at West Norfolk Arts Centre in a couple of weeks, but beyond that I will still be doing plenty of teaching. Weekends and other workshops, plus there will be more opportunities for small groups to join me here at the studio in Dersingham.

Speaking of the studio, the Christmas Open Studio that I held in early December was very successful, and thanks to all those who visited. Here’s a photo of one of the paintings that was sold. It’s a small work in watercolour and Indian ink, only about 6ins x 8ins and shows the ruins of St James church Bawsey, near King’s Lynn. An iconic West Norfolk landmark.