Christmas is coming!

I saw my first Christmas trees lite up last night in a couple of houses in Keswick! I'm one of these people who leave it to the last minute, I quite like that mad rush on Christmas eve!!

One thing I am fairly organised with is ' Christmas card workshop' which is organised for next week and this is what we are going to have a go at painting, it's a bit of a change from painting my usual dramatic landscape, the Robin was a little challenge.

A dream come true

I received a phone call last week about a shop/ gallery in Penrith which was available for a short lease, I couldn't resist, it's a wonderful opportunity to have your own gallery and to show your work, I have another friend Karen that I met through Italian classes, she makes handmade Murano glass and silver jewellery she's joining forces with me. So from Tuesday 18th November Lakeland Gallery and Firefrost Jewellery will be open at 9 Devonshire Arcade, Penrith.

Winter Skies

I saw a lovely winter sky yesterday, a little like this! This was the painting we did for my evening class trying to keep to a limited palette. I have organised my Christmas card workshop for Tuesday 2nd December in Battersby Hall Keswick, Christmas is coming round fast!!

The glorious Lake District

On days like this it's hard to imagine a more beautiful place than the Lakes, this photo was taken from the top of Black Crag, this is the easiest Wainwright I've ever done but what lovely views. We parked at Tarn Hows and walked half way round the Tarn then up to the top of Black Crag with fantastic views across to the Langdales, Bow fell and the snow capped Crinkle Crags, the colours were magical, I'm looking forward to having a go at painting this, I did a few sketches from the top and I think it will make a great pastel painting!

Secrets of watercolour!!

Having been asked many times about workshop weekends in the Lake District, I have organised some for 2009, I love teaching watercolours to beginners and improver's, its fantastic to see how a few techniques or secrets can make a painting come to life. The weekend courses are aimed at these students, staying in quality bed and breakfasts based in Keswick with en suite rooms and been close to the town centre. Workshops will be mainly based inside a spacious light hall with step by step demonstrations and plenty of one to one attention specially designed to meet all students needs.Workshops begin Saturday and Sunday at 10.30am and finishing about 4pm with a break for a light lunch. the price for a weekend is £175 Evening meals are not included.