How to paint Ullswater Daffodils

 

Wordsworth Daffodil poem is 200 years old today, so had to go and see these little beauties on the shores of Ullswater. I love painting this scene and feel it's the start of Spring, even with gale force winds and fresh snow on the tops forecast. I managed a quick sketch of the distant fells and came back to work in the warmth of my studio!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 A limited palette of colours, was used to paint  Ullswater Daffodils in watercolours, a loose wet in wet approach in the distance and warmth hues with more detail in the foreground trees.

 Bright Primary Yellows are used for the Daffodils and Winsor Blue helps give strength and tonal values to the grasses and leaves.

 

 Ullswater Daffodils is the first project painting on my 2nd Online course and it's a wonderful colourful tour around other Lakeland scenes for the six projects 'Tarn Hows and Buttermere in Winter, a walk onto the fells above Windermere in Autumn, down on the shores of Derwentwater and a walk through a Bluebell wood at Grasmere. If you fancy learning a few new techniques in watercolour and would like to sign up for my Online watercolour course.

www.watercolourcourse.co.uk

 

Or if you fancy outdoor painting in the Lake District I have places available on Monday 22nd to Thursday 25th June this course is based at Grasmere and we will be painting Rydal water suitable for beginners and Intermediate

www.lakelandartcourses.co.uk

 

Sharp Edge, Blencathra

 

Sharp Edge, Blencathra Stage One

 

Alfred Wainwright the famous Lakeland walker writes  'Sharp Edge is a rising crest of naked rock of sensational and spectacular appearance a breath taking wave carved in stone' I couldn't agree more!

We walked up Blencathra early in February, I did have my sketch book ready, but the wind was so strong I could barely hold the camera steady. I did spot a lone walker heading his way towards the ridge, a crazy idea on such a wild day.

But what a joy to come back and paint this dramatic spear of rock, with the sunlight accentuating it's ridges and shadows. I love to paint many different scenes that catch my eye, but a ridge like this really gives you something to get you teeth into!!!

 

The pastels have been brought out recently and having a break from them and re kindled my love for them. They are the dirty and messy to work with but can produce some super effects.

I worked on 'Sharp Edge' in quite a methodical approach applying the pastel colour directly on the paper with shapes and marks. With only blending happening in the clouds.

 

Sharp Edge, Blencathra

Painted in Pastels

 Sold

A painting challenge in Keswick

 

I'm enjoying watching Painting Challenge on BBC1 there are some things I find a little harsh and wonder if some of the students will ever paint again. It's fantastic to see people out in the field been challenged even by giant Chess pieces! It's great what you do learn from watching other artists work. I often find myself watching a total beginner with no ideas of rules, apply paint and something magical will happen. Painting is a challenge, it's not just a click of a button and a picture is taken.

A painting can be so simple with just a few marks of beautiful colour.

 

Dusk painted in Watercolours

 

I love the simplicity of this watercolour. Allowing the colours to merge together and using a limited palette to create a harmonizing peaceful scene.

Sitting beside the lake watching the peace!! is important for artists, and such a joy.

 

Just a few steps away another beautiful scene is beckoning to be painted. I love the tree shapes in this view and often sit and watch and listen to the birds on Lords Island. Again I think this shouts 'Get your watercolours at the ready'

 

 

What ingredients do you need to Create a painting

Atmosphere, Harmony, Composition, Light and the need to create!

Simple!!

 

 

Taking a photo, is an art though. I'm not sure I would win any awards, but I love this little fella framed in the tree.

 

If you fancy a day painting beside Derwentwater

either small group or one to one prices from £75.00

Gift vouchers  are available for presents.

Email lakelandart@hotmail.co.uk for more details.

Three paintings of three seasons.

I've had all three painting mediums out this week getting ready for an exhibition at Grasmere over the Easter Week. Monday started with watercolours taking a walk through an Autumn Wood. I used a very limited palette of colours to give the painting more drama and harmony.

 

 

 

Afternoon Stroll

Painted in Watercolours

For sale at Grasmere Exhibition.

 

 

 

Wednesday had me finishing an Oil I've been working on.

A reminder of a Summers day in Italy, quite enjoyable to paint on a lousy wet March day.

I used Williamsberg Oils for this study.

 My main aim was capturing the vivid Red Poppies swaying in the field, light on the trees and distance of the field without too much detail.

 

 

Italian Poppies

Painted in Oils

 

For sale.

 

Finally at the end of the week. The pastels came out and P400 pastel paper which I've not used for at least a year. And it seems like I have painted three seasons in a week!!!

 I've made a bit of a start but with quite a way still to go, on this scary ridge.

 

 

I'm hoping to capture Light, drama and thrilling atmosphere! All with pastels and great faith!!

 

A quick update on courses in Grasmere

May is fully booked

 Monday 22nd to 25th June and Monday 12thto 15th October  both have a few spaces including double or single en suite rooms for more details www.lakelandartcourses.co.uk