Spring watercolour flowers in the Lake District

So wonderful to be back in Grasmere this week. Four days of watercolour flowers, Spring does produce some beauties. A  big bunch of pink, purple and white Tulips, a spray of muted pink Roses, sweet  scented blue Hyacinths and ruby red Anemones that didn't enjoy the Kirkstone pass car journey.

My fellow artists inspired every day, tried new techniques with glee never lost the way or muttered negative murmurs. We enjoyed many hours in the brightly lit studio nestled in the gardens. Plenty of tea and coffee on hand, and lots of kind support, when flowers didn't behave appropriately on the paper .

An afternoon spent in peaceful tranquillity in the famous Dora's field, with softly singing  Bluetits and Robins. English daffodills sitting proudly together, gently bending and all looking towards Rydal lake.

No great masterpiece by myself, but lots of experimenting and totally enjoying the feel of paint heavy on the sable brush. My fellow artists painted some inspiring pieces that were greatly admired. Thank you for a truly wonderful watercolour time.

My next four day course based at the Glenthorne Hotel in Grasmere will star 'Bluebells ' painting on location around Rydal water and also plenty of demonstrations in the studio. I do have a couple of spaces still available, if you fancy coming along www.lakelandartcourses.co.uk  or send me an email for more information.

Dora's  daffodils 

Daffodil magic

Snowdrops

Spring Tulips

Finding the perfect Yellow watercolour

I do find Landscape painting easier than expressing myself with Flowers. But it is all about the challenge and Flowers really get you thinking especially in watercolours. I often think how I would approach the subject in pastels, and I'm sure it could be easier, but do we as artists want easy???

That is the question, do we want to paint atmospheric, soft yet stunning Flowers, I'm sure we do.

Those that know me, will know I have a thing about colours, the ingredients, translucency, staining, flow and the special numbers that make them what they are.

Who said been an artist was easy or boring!!

Today I've been sat thinking about Yellow and doing some research, my friends would laugh if they knew, it's not just a yellow.

Cool, Mid or Warm. Pure, Opaque or tinged with another shade.

So with this in mind, we do need to choose the right colours for our palette, it will make a difference and most importantly give confidence.

I've organised a Fabulous Flower watercolour course in Grasmere staying at the very special Glenthorne with a super studio in the Gardens. It's going to be just a small group, but I promise at the end we will have learnt so much and tried different techniques and had a wonderful time.
If you would like to come along either on the course just send me an email there are a couple of single or twin ensuite rooms left. Or if you live nearby and just would like to come on the course, just let me know.

 Email lakelandart@hotmail.co.uk

A new year a new Hobby

 

 

 

A great big Happy Inspiring New Year to you.

 

How's the painting going? It's quite hard to get back into it after a short break.  I want to paint so much but at times find it difficult to focus on exactly what!! So the other day I had a play and painted one of my online projects

 

Windermere Sunset

This is the third project of the first course

 

 I've a few new students all starting the course and this is what one of them had to say after completing the first painting.

 

Thanks for the encouraging comments! 

I found the project gave me lots of new things to think about, especially the use of water to soften colour once it was applied to the paper. Also, I have commandeered my daughters hair dryer, which she is so far being understanding about. :)

The next project looks like another step up so looking forward to getting started. I might take your advice and do a couple of versions before sending back to you.

I can't wait to see his next painting. If you fancy joining and stating a new hobby for 2016. I love painting and see things so differently because of this. Definitely recommend it


Online Watercolour course is £55.00 for six projects, including sketches, colour tags and material list. With feedback and more helpful tips after each project is completed.

 

Get Inspired to paint watercolours

 

Winter stream.

 

This beautiful scene caught my eye and I think it will make an interesting subject to paint.

Where to start? The background a wet in wet wash, maybe a touch of masking fluid in the stream to help to show the direction of the water. Trees painted with a sponge and rigger brush. Lemon Yellow could work for the cool winter grass!!!

 

Do you start the New Year wondering what to paint, is the blank canvas still blank?

 Grey January days don't always help gain inspiration.

Would you like to paint a view like this but no idea where to start.

No evening or day classes nearby.

 

Why not join my Online Watercolour course

Six projects in each course with step by step instructions and lots of personal feedback when you get stuck or just have any watercolour questions.

 

The price is £55.00 which includes sketches,

colour tags for each project and a material list to get you started.

 

Course One Ideal for Beginners or those getting back into painting.

Price £55.00

 

 

 

 

Windermere Sunset Course One

 

 

Course Two More challenging subjects and new tips along the way.

Price £55.00

 

 

Buttermere Course Two

  

 

Course Three Ideal  if you are wanting to paint colourful Mediterranean

or Alpine scenes suitable for Intermediate Price £75.00

 

French Doorway Course Three

 

Some recent reviews from Online students

 

Only one more project and I will have completed the course. I have enjoyed it and I have found the techniques and information very helpful. The Sistine chapel next !!! Chris

 

I do feel through doing these tutorials I am learning things I may not have persevered with so much if I didn't have to send them to you for comment!

Many thanks for you help. Barbara

 

Yes this course I like very much because every single picture is a challenge on its own and stretches me a bit further.  Maria

 

 This is going to be a real challenge, all those reflections, masking fluid and Winsor blue also painting from a photo will be great, makes me feel I'm progressing and will soon be able to paint better pictures. Thanks again Margaret

 

I must admit that I am very impressed with your courses; they are far superior to other courses Keith

 

Thanks Jane!  I've gotten many nice comments on facebook from my friends.  I think I've inspired several to take up the brush - especially since we are all retirement age. They say "wish I could do that" and of course I reply "you absolutely could!".. I feel more confident and less scared of the white paper. 

I feel that your course has given me some skills/tips I can build on - with lots of practice!  I've been very pleased with your course and I think it is great value for the fee. Susan

 

 Determined to have a go at painting the sheep but, as you can see, I need to practice more!!  That's one of  the really good things about your course, each project provides something new to tackle and practice with determination to get better.  I added a few birds to compensate for the not so brilliant sheep! Neil