Top five paintings 2014

 

Here are my top five paintings of 2014, all chosen for different reasons.

 

 

The Green Jersey painted in Watercolours For Sale.

Watching Chris Froome cycle up an Alpine pass was a joy to behold.

 

 

Tarn Hows painted in Watercolours. For  Sale

Thoughts of returning home to the beautiful Lake District  and letting the paintbrush produce beautiful bright Autumn hues

 

Buttercups and Daisies painted in Watercolours.

I've painted numerous flowers in a jam jar, it's such a simple still life, but so difficult to paint the soft petals with varied colour tones. But I like this one!!

 

 

 

 

Derwentwater from the path to Latrigg painted in Oils. For Sale

I've walked this path so many times and it's wonderful to paint a view you do know so well.

 

Two of my favourite scenes, crisp snow and light casting wonderful colourful shadows.

 

 

 

Aiguille Vert and The Dru Painted in Pastels.

 

This is my number one favourite painting of 2014

I spent six months in the Chamonix valley and this spectacular mountain was my view.

 I watched it daily change it moods with the season and weather.

 It never failed to grab my attention and  to sit and stare and enjoy it's glory.

 

I hope you've enjoyed looking back at my favourite work and I can't wait to share with you in 2015 many new paintings. A very Happy New year xx

 

 

 

 

And if you fancy taking up the joy of painting in 2015 why not join my Online Watercolour Course.

www.watercolourcourse.co.uk

 

Top ten paintings from 2014

 

Annecy sunset painted in Oils

For sale 10 x 12 inches

Over a glass of crisp chilled wine I sat and watched this glorious sunset

 

 

I enjoy looking back and seeing what painting I have done over the last year.

 I've picked five of my top ten and will do the top five tomorrow. They are all quite different, I've used all three mediums although Oils seem to be a favourite this year. I do enjoy painting with my pochade box and do recommend using one.

 

Bella Donna painted in Oils

 For Sale 12 x 14 inches

 

I went to paint a boat but 'Bella Donna'  kept catching my eye, and a few locals I'm sure walking by!

 

'Sophie'

Painted in Watercolours

Warm sunshine in the South of France and that magical light

Winter Grazing

Painted in Oils

Size 10 x 12 inches For sale

Every time we went skiing I went over to see these beautiful Horses grazing in cold winter light.

 

 

Skiing into Les Carroz

Watercolour

 

I skied many times down into this pretty village and every time it caught my eye. I was delighted to see it in this months 'Leisure painter magazine'

Lets see what tomorrow brings.

www.watercolourcourse.co.uk

 

Arthur's Pike, Ullswater

Arthur's Pike 1747 feet
Start and Finish Pooley Bridge.

Wainwight quotes  'Above the crags, there is little to excite' On a misty day I would agree, with Blue sky, sunshine on the snow covered fells I disagree. This easy walk on the edge of Ullswater gives stunning views across the lake and behond towards the Helvellyn range, Blencathra and even the top of Lords seat can be seen.  Wainwright does state later in the chapter 'magnificent especially on a day of sunshine and shadows'

A pretty road leads out of Pooley bridge and joins the bridleway heading for Askham fell. We see many  Robins and chaffinches enjoying the last of the berries. An  old stone circle is passed and head up the  boggy fell. Crampons are packed in the rucksac, but Wellingtons would be more useful.

Swampy conditions soon turn to ice and snow. This walk gives such stunning views along the way, Blencathra is showing the ridge of Sharp Edge and Catscam can be seen with bright sunshine lighting up the snowy ridge. Cloud bubbling above Helvellyn gives more drama to Striding Edge.

The summit is still in bright sunshine late in the day, quite unusual for a Lakeland top. With no winds I wishes I'd bought my paints along, a quick sketch would have to do.

Back down the old roman road and head for the warm Sun Inn, appropriately named today.

I've been busy with online watercolour courses, its a perfect time of year to pick up a new interest.
If you fancy joining just get in touch lakelandart@hotmail.co.uk

Derwentwater from Latrigg

Derwentwater fom the path to Latrigg,

Lake District.

 

Painted in Oils

Size 14 x 11 inches approx.

 

For Sale

 

I often get asked which medium I enjoy painting in the most. I can never truly reply. But usually the one I'm working in at the time, or the one I'm thinking  about next! Today the answer would be Oils. I so enjoyed painting this scene, that I have walked many times in all weather, with friends and family. Looking back down to Keswick and Derwentwater with Newlands valley in the background staring Robinson and Causey Pike.

 

If you would like more information or to purchase this Original Oil just send me an email

lakelandart@hotmail.co.uk

Favourite Winter photographs

It's getting to that time of the year. I'm starting to feel festive so thought I would share some of my favourite Winter photo's with you in the run up to Christmas. You can also see them daily on my
Jane Ward facebook page 

 

Grasmere  Winter walk

 

Driving back through a snowstorm from Kendal to Keswick. Suddenly the clouds disappeared and a Winter wonderland appeared. Realizing that I didn't have my trusty camera. I quickly drove back to Keswick and returned to Grasmere. A very quick walk of a few miles hoping that the snow did not disappear. And this photo was worth it. I use it loads for inspiration. Hope you like it too.

 

 

 

Smiley face and  Blencathra.
Castlerigg is one of those places that is stunning any time of the year, but for those that love Snow, totally special covered in fresh snow. I have a few photographer friends and one got straight in touch when he saw this' Is it snowing at Castlerigg' were his words.

 

First stage Oil on paper

 

This was the Castlerigg stone circle sketch, I promised you in the last post.

But with snow falling I couldn't resist painting this scene above Keswick. It's only had it's underpainting and as a little way to go yet.

 

 The Online watercolour course a perfect gift for Christmas for budding artists of all ages

 

Castlerigg Stone Circle, An artists view from the Lakes.

Castlerigg  Stone Circle visited by many artists, photographers and walkers passing by.

I've painted it in all seasons but Autumn and Winter are the most stunning and colourful. It's a perfect painting location if it's not a windy day, there are a few walls that you can shelter behind, or even a stone! The best time of the day to visit is morning and late afternoon or sundown. Parking is easy in the lay by and just a quick stroll over the field and you have 360 degrees views. It is a wonderful walk from Keswick, through Springs Wood, following the signs for the 'Circle.

 

To the west the Coledale Horseshoe with a  few trees to frame the view

North is mighty Blencathra with the ridge up  Doddick Fell and just showing briefly behind Sharp Edge.

Today this is the view that inspired me to get pencil to paper. Helvellyn in the background, the valley of St John in the Vale and the Sheep in the foreground catching the sunlight on their fleece. And no Stones! The medium I've chosen is Oils. I'll keep you posted on how it's coming along.

www.watercolourcourse.co.uk

Cycling prints

 

' Polka Dot Jersey'

 

Won by Pierre Roland Grand depart Annecy

 

Tour de France Tour De France 2013

 

Signed print by Jane Ward

 

Size 12x 8.5 inches

 

Price including P&P in the UK

 

£30.00

 

 

Maglia Rossa won by Mark Cavendish

 

Giro D'Italia 2013

 

Signed print by Jane Ward

 

Size 12 x 8.5 inches

 

Price includes P&P in the UK

 

£30.00

 

 

 

For more details email Jane at
lakelandart@hotmail.co.uk

Tel 01768 86151

Paint the View, Lake District.

 

Jaws of Borrowdale painted in watercolours

 

The Lake District,  I think one of the most beautiful places to paint. Imagine sitting on the shores of Derwentwater  and painting in watercolours the fells of Borrowdale. The views are quite special, listening to the wild life and watching the scene change in front of you. Rays of light sparkling on the lake.  

 

We will wander along the shoreline stopping to capture the wonderful scenes of this stunning Lake. This day is ideal for beginners who have never painted outdoors. To gain confidence to do so or for those who would like to learn a few new watercolour techniques and landscape painting ideas.

 

One day painting days in the Lakes  for Beginners or Intermediates.

Private tuition  or small groups.

Prices from £75.00 per day.

 

 

 

 

 

Loughrigg Fell captured in pastels on the shore of Grasmere. Always fancied painting in pastels why not give it a go.

 

Afternoon Sail painted in pastels on the shore of Ullswater from Pooley Bridge.

 

 

Catbells, Derwentwater  captured in pastels on a crisp Autumn Day

 

A perfect place to sketch the lake views. One day sketching and watercolour days along the shores of Ullswater and Derwentwater

 

The Famous Ullswater Daffodils painted in watercolours.

 

 

The Online Watercolour course

An ideal painting course for beginners, with lots of instructions, helpful watercolour tips and personal feedback on every project. Join up today and start painting watercolours

www.watercolourcourse.co.uk

 

 

For more details email Jane at lakelandart@hotmail.co.uk or Tel 01768 867151

Personal Gift vouchers can also be provided.

 

 

 

 

Sunset Steamer, Ullswater.

Askham Fell a small little fell on the edge of Ullswater. An easy Sunday Afternoon stroll with gorgeous views all the way down the Lake. With the sun starting to set and misty effects just shouting 'WATERCOLOURS'

A few sheep dotted around the moorland, light catching on their Fleece, warm Autumn hues in the bracken.

A delight when wild ponies are spotted and the backdrop is Blencathra.

Walking back down to the village of Pooley Bridge just in time for the sun setting, what a perfect view. I love painting scenes like this in watercolours.

Sunset Steamer, Ullswater

Painted in Watercolours inspired on a Sunday walk.

Size 19 x 12.5 ins Unframed

 

For sale

For more information or  to purchase this Original watercolour

 just send an email to Jane at

lakelandart@hotmail.co.uk

A walk to Gowbarrow Fell

Gowbarrow Fell 1579 feet

All this talk about Turner made me think a visit to Aira Force could be quite exciting especially after the heavy rain. I had my sketchbook at the ready, but the light conditions were a little flat. So I decided to comeback later in the day. The water was gushing down and under foot was a little squelchy, it's a shame photo's don't have sound because I think this is what gives the drama to a waterfall.Turner did paint at this very spot.

Views of Beautiful Ullswater started to appear, it was a little grey but not raining or windy. Reflections on the lake were stunning, a good excuse to stop and take in the view.

 

This shows the a great panorama, taking in Hallin fell on the left round to the edge of Clough Head on the right. Look at the Autumn colours, the Larch trees are starting to drop the pines and Silver Birches have a soft halo of Crimson

I made my way up the fell, wondering shall I go to the summit top. Dark Grey clouds threatened rain overhead, suddenly a ray of light caught a patch of field. I love moments like this.

The summit was reached with a view down to Dockray and behond to the Blencathra range, on a clearer day this would be a great view point.But still good today.

Down the slippery slope to a dry patch with a view to behold. A quick pen sketch with a watercolour wash. Perfect when time is the essences and not to heavy to heave up the mountain side. I think this would be a super subject to paint in Pastels.

A super varied walk with views to take your breath away.

Fancy learning a few new watercolour techniques, join me with my online course.

www.watercolourcourse.co.uk

Turner in the Lake District

Evening light, Derwentwater

Painted in Watercolours

I'm very excited about going to see the new 'Turner Movie'. I've heard it's got good reviews but I'm not really bothered about these, it will be amazing seeing 'Turners work on the big screen and with a bag of  popcorn thrown in. When we were in Chamonix I figured out nearly where the great master had painted and I'm delighted to find on the Tate web site that he toured the Lake District in 1797 sketching Aira and Lodore Falls, Derwentwater, Buttermere and Patterdale just to name a few scenic spots that he put pencil to paper.

Here is a link to the tate web site that shows Turner painting from just about the same place as 'Evening Light, Derwentwater. It's a fascinating web site showing Turners sketchbook from his visit to the Lakes. I think I may have to try and re-visit some other famous Turner locations.

With the heavy rain and atmospheric grey skies, the Lakeland landscape does shout a Turner approach.

 Ullswater a moody sky. I sat on an old wall, with a strong wind blowing and took in the beauty, while enjoying a hot Chocolate!

After the rain, hours of grey gloom are really worth moments of surreal  light conditions that reveal the delight of the Lakes.

I've sketched in this scene ready for the paint to work some magic, will keep you posted.

www.watercolourcourse.co.uk