Showing posts with label les houches. Show all posts
Showing posts with label les houches. Show all posts

Monday, 29 September 2014

A walk to see Mont Blanc.



A walk up to Bellevue. Just a mere gallop up the ski slopes for a few hours on a glorious sunny day. Or so I thought! Orange and Red Autumn leaves looked great next to the bright blue sky.



Pots and baskets full of flowers sitting pretty at the chalet halfway up the slopes.




Washing day at this chalet perched on the slope, warm socks and jumpers on the line drying ready for Winter to begin.


Bellevue was reached and then we decided to head a bit further up the hill looking for a nice picnic spot. I was hoping for a pretty cafe, a cold glass of Coke, maybe with a red chequered tablecloth. It's funny what runs through the mind tramping up hills.


Up the road we have skied down many times. Looking back towards the mighty Blanc


Late Summer and Autumn flowers Purple Heather, Pansies and Giant Mushrooms basking in the sunshine.


No mushrooms were hurt in taking this photo.



The picnic spot was finally found. Perched high on the top of Prailon a mere 1969 metres high. What a vista. Sandwiches were quickly eaten, so that a sketch of this fabulous view would be remembered. To walk up here is something special, the views and light were incredible. Funny that I never considered the descent at this point.My head was full of paintings, flowers and pretty walking!





So now I find myself sitting perched on an edge staring at the abyss below. Number One Art Critic is ahead checking out the path for a frightened Mountain artist who's not good with heights!
We took the path one step at a time, clinging to the wire rope that was there for added drama. No photo's were taken as I could only look at the ground beneath my feet. Thank goodness for Number One Art Critic with a good head for heights.

And so safely down, and aching thighs but a wonderful hike that filled me with inspiration to paint a stunning scene.

Have no fear I will never venture up the Mighty Mont Blanc, just admire from below.

www.watercolourcourse.co.uk

Friday, 4 April 2014

The joy of Watercolor


 Pointe Percee from the Grand Massif
Painted in Watercolours
For sale

Things have been a bit hectic over the last week but before I tell you my exciting news.
Here is 'Pointe Percee' I'm pleased with my latest watercolour and feel that I have learned a few lessons over the last couple of months painting here in the Alps. It's a brave thing saying 'I'm pleased'

The lessons I learned

1. Keep it simple, leave out detail have beautiful colourful washes, this is the joy of watercolour
2. Soften with misty areas.
3. Cobalt Turquoise is a wonderful colour but can be very opaque and creates muddy shades, use neat to give Zap
4.Use the brush!! Not just loaded with paint softly painting, sometimes dry and aggressive.varied brushstrokes
5. Use  lots of  tonal values.

I've had some fantastic comments lately from students doing the online watercolour course. It's so good to see paintings from students who have barely painted before or had a gap from painting, hearing there comments and most of all seeing them improve with confidence and new skills.
Giving personal feedback and helpful tips on each individual painting in the six projects is one of important factors.
For me been inspired daily by amazing scenery and light is something I love to share and sitting here today writing this blog I have a new view to show  you.



Fantastic.
 The view from Les Houches to Chamonix valley, my new home for a few month if you would like 
 
If you would like to join the online watercolor course
just send me an email and we can get painting straight away