The On- line Watercolour Evening Class

Yorkshire Poppy field painted in Oils

by Jane Ward

Here I am sitting in my exhibition at Moot Hall, it's been a real joy hearing what people have to say about my paintings, pastels have been admired which makes me want to get them out. I've had a few people in who have seen the articles in 'Leisure Painter' and it's great hearing feedback about what they thought. I had a lovely lady in who totally suprised me telling me she was 98 years old, I asked her what had helped her live to this ripe old age and how did she manage to look so good ' Cups of Tea' 'Egg and Chips' and best of all I think we should all do this 'Look on the bright side of life dear' she moved me to tears! I so believe in this, so I could be hammering away at a lap top in another 56 years time!!!

On another note check out www.watercolourcourse.co.uk for my new and very exciting venture for 'The Evening Class'

Obstructed viewing

Just a quick hello, after a busy week it's amazing how Friday afternoon can suddenly re energise you, and the thought of a glass of white chilled wine! I received this photo from Helen who joined us in Italy this year, it makes me laugh when I think back to our QUIET painting location. Where we were accompanied with the fruit seller and lots of locals buying fruit and veg. I love the way that two of my students are hunting in the background for a place to sit to see the view obliviously obstructed by strawberries, bananas and pomodori (tomatoes) I am trying not to laugh too much!!

Total Beginners watercolour course

Misty Morning, Ullswater

Watercolour

By Jane Ward

This is one of the paintings for my Total Beginners Watercolour On line course. I really enjoyed painting this. I took my time, used just four colours, changed the water at least 7 times, I wanted to keep the washes very pure with barely any brushstrokes showing. I also stretched my beloved Arches paper for a good ten minutes. Sometimes we do rush in 'where eagles dare' which is good but occasionally really thinking about where you are going to put the wash and what you want the wash to do can help. Anyway if you would like to have a go at this painting do check out my web site www.watercolourcourse.co.uk it's taken me years to figure out how to get the results I want in watercolours but I hope to push you in the right direction a little bit quicker.

How to paint mist in watercolour.

Out of the mist

I've been figuring out how to paint mist for along time in watercolours. I don't like using tissue to take out colour mainly because I think it takes out all of the colour and mist is a colour! So today I was feeling brave and with watercolour in one hand and a water spray in another off we went. I constantly kept changing the water pot ensuring it was always clean. I didn't mix many colours together keeping them pure and letting them mix themselves on the paper. At one point I was concentrating so much I nearly drunk the water pot instead of my cup of tea!!!

Palm trees in Palma

One of the many advantages of Summer is been able to paint later on an evening. Sitting relaxing on the sofa I kept thinking maybe I darkened the windows or lightened the trees, I know, and with that I had a lovely hour painting in daylight until after nine O'clock. I like to creep up on my painting when I think it's nearly finished, a little bit like Inspector Closeau in Pink Panther but without the moustache!! I often put the painting in the middle of the floor in the studio so when I'm passing I can have a quick glance. So a few brushstrokes were added this morning before breakfast and I think it's a wrap!

Painting titles

Well here I am sat in my favourite coffee shop 'Good Taste' due to the Internet still playing games and sulking about been turned off.I haven't quite got back into Lakeland painting, but wanting to paint, I got out some sketches and photo's that I did a couple of years ago in Palma, Majorca I've wanted to paint this for ages but was quite daunted about all the angles, balconies and people. Having gained a little more confidence on this subject in Italy I thought I would give it a whirl. Check out tomorrow for the finished painting!!! that's confidence for you!! oh and by the way I'm thinking of calling it Palm Trees in Palma

Internet blues

Here I am back in Keswick, we had a wonderful time in Italy, the course went well it was great painting with such a nice group of people we had quite a few laughs along the way. Painting around Lake Iseo is a wonderful experience and something that I would truly miss. So this morning I have booked again for next year Sat 19th to 26th June 2010.We are going to keep numbers small again, so if you fancy coming along and experiencing this amazing place just get in touch.

The view above Rivalago towards the twinkling lights of Monta Isola

After the long drive back I was 'drive lagged' yesterday but today I felt more like it until the 'INTERNET' played up! It's amazing how you do come to take it for granted. Anyway it seems to be working now.