Walk to Watendlath

Stage One Watercolour/ Ink under painting.

With this amazing weather we've been having in the Lakes I felt inspired to get the pastels out.

Working outside with these in warm sunshine could not be better. This was the first pastel outing this year, so I did feel a little in trepidation. On a stretched piece of Murano pastel paper, I blocked in some shapes with watercolour and Acrylic inks. I then came back in with the pastels once the paint was dry. Using the pastels for lighter areas seemed to work a treat. The stone wall was a joy to paint

Stage two Nearly finished I just need to adjust a few more things and then I think I'll call it a wrap!

Not really it's title is 

'Walk to Watendlath' 

I've also a new date to announce at 'The Dalegarth Hotel in Portinscale

Monday 13th to 16th August Watercolours in the Lakes

For beginners and Inspiring artists.

With single rooms still available, I would recommend booking sooner rather than later

Price includes Dinner bed and breakfast and all tuition £440.00

Email me for more information.

A magical time in Samoens

Here are just a tiny few photographs from my recent trip to Samoens, in the French Alps.

We found it to be a gorgeous place full of inspiration, friendly locals and magnificent scenery.

This view shows Le Criou the famous peak that dominates the town taken from Chalet 365 where we will be based in September for a painting holiday www.watercolourcourse.co.uk my web site gives a little more information. I liked Le Criou with the morning sunshine and showing cool blues and also on an evening when it seemed to light up with shades of gold.

We stayed at a beautiful apartment called Chalet anpie it felt like home from home and I could easily have stayed much longer especially with the sunshine shinning everyday on the terrace.It was hard to believe having breakfast outdoors each morning. This was also the time I enjoyed most to paint, watching the view above was memorising, the cool colours of the snowcapped mountains in the distance with warm ochres in the sunlight conifers glowing and basking in the warm sun.

From Samoens to Sixt

Watercolour 

I really loved painting this each morning, figuring out and revealing in its magic.

The inviting Chalet Anpie terrace.

 A break from skiing, took us down to the lake and up to the Botanical gardens

 A sketchbook painting for sure.

 I loved seeing all the early spring flowers

And then more snow fell, 40cm and it just got more magical.

Catching a quick sketch in the sunshine

Skiing at Samoens

What amazing weather we have been having in Samoens hot sunshine and brilliant blue skies.

I did not expect to have breakfast out on the terrace, this is one of the views to watch while having coffee. 

This is just one of the peaks that I need to paint and find out it's name.

Afternoon light from Samoens 1600, the peaks look so beautiful with stronger contrast and even a little Alpine glow. 

Coming down in the cable car at the end of the day.

Just one of the amazing views from Chalet 365 a perfect, luxurious base for a watercolour painting holiday ideal for beginners or those who like to dabble 

30th August to 6th September 2013

For more details Have a look at the website

 Do get in touch if you fancy coming, it will only a small group of  artists.

Edinburgh, Bristol and Heathrow have some great flight deals to Geneva. 

With stunning Alpine scenery Samoens is a super place to be inspired.

Another ski run with over the edge dramatic views.

Chalet Anpie's view from the terrace, where we have been staying this week. A really beautiful apartment to relax in.

How many sketch pads does an artist need

I thought Spring was on it's way, so was pretty surprised to see fresh snow on the mountain tops again.

But the warm sunshine soon melted those white snowy tops away. Here are a few photo's I took on a favourite bike ride around Derwentwater and into Newlands valley having a well earned stop at Grange. The colour of the river here is the most beautiful I have ever seen, and I never go by it without gazing at it's beauty. I'm looking forward to some painting here in April when I have a group of intrepid artists staying not faraway at the Scafell Hotel.

Grange in beautiful Borrowdale

Turning for Newlands valley and missing out Newlands Pass, I left that for Nigel to cycle up in preparation for his eight pass cycle ride in May.

 Dalehead in a distant pale blue.

I've a little trip coming up, so it's a change of scenery on the blog. 

With three sketch pads and two painting palettes and numerous brushes, pens and waterspray packed.

I think an artist can never have too may sketch pads! 

A small one which goes inside a pocket, a large square one for lots of pen and wash and a fabriano hot pressed pad which has Arches loose paper in the back!

I look forward to blogging soon from Samoens

Fancy joining my online watercolour course for more details 

www.watercolourcourse.co.uk

The price is £55.00 for six individual projects with step by step and lots of  tips and techniques to make  watercolour painting easy.