Watercolour and pastels on fisher 400

There's nothing quite like trying a new painting technique/ method on a wet grey day. Put the music on and be a little carefree. I decided to have a go at  a watercolour base with pastel on top. I stretched some fisher 400 pastel paper, but could have managed without stretching. Then applied some wet in wet transparent watercolour mixes letting them merge together. You can see that a large bumble bee took the place of St Herberts Island on Derwentwater. But I was feeling carefree so no worries.

Stage two came when the paper was bone dry and back to flat it did lift a little with the watercolour. I wanted to create a pale distance feel to the Lake and back fells with a little more detail for Catbells. I enjoy working with underpainting and find pastels much easier this way. So after painting the background and lake I started on the foreground with much brighter and more detailed shapes and colours. I find squinting does help to paint negative shapes ie the foliage.

So the outcome Watercolour base with Pastels, I really enjoyed working this way the Fisher 4oo paper worked a treat with plenty of tooth, for those who don't like the pastel sandpaper why not try a stretched piece of canson paper.

Watercolour Stage

'Catbells'

Painted in pastels

For Sale at Moot Hall ,Keswick

Thursday 1st, Friday 2nd and Saturday 3rd December 11

Lake Iseo watercolour paintings

Here are some of my Lake Iseo paintings some where painted on location enjoying warm sunshine, beautiful light and enticing smells of Jasmine, and gently lapping turquoise waters. Others were painted in my studio with Italian music playing and good Italian coffee at the ready. I hope you enjoy.

Una vacanza pittura Italiana

Come and paint in the Italian Lakes and stay in one of the most beautiful hotels in Italy

This is one of many reviews about the wonderful Rivalago Hotel, I wanted to share with you ........Tucked away down a narrow road ,off the main thoroughfare in Sulzano,lies an Italian gem. Hotel Rivalago has been lovingly created with flair and imagination by owners Antonella and Gianluca-two of the nicest people you will ever meet.They are proud of their achievement.And rightly so. Crisp,cool,inviting,friendly,restfull-the beautiful interior is very easy on the eye.Floral arrangements are dotted around the hotel creating a freshness and relaxing ambience.Attention to detail is truly amazing.And service has that extra special touch. Ideally positioned on the side of LAKE ISEO-the nicest of the Italian lakes.Relax in the outdoor pool which is just metres away from the lake.Sunbathe on the wood-decked terrace, with the water lapping underneath.You will not find a better view. The beautifully appointed bedrooms are spacious and comfortable and have an airy, intimate feel............. You can see why it makes an ideal location for a 'Lakeland Art Course,do get in touch if you would like a brochure or more details

lakelandart@hotmail.co.uk

http://www.rivalago.it/

Swaledales in the snow

Winter Flock painted in Oils by Jane Ward

Signed Mounted prints £30 + £5 p&p

My fellow artist friend Alan took a fantastic photo of these gorgeous Sheep and he was kind enough to let me have a bash at the Flock so I've Just finished this painting, and I must say I really enjoyed painting it using Oils, I'm going to have a go with watercolours and see how different the outcome is. I used once again a very limited palette and tried to get light into the painting, I think it may be more difficult in watercolours but we'll see, I'll keep you posted.

A wash of Watercolour

Calm Waters Derwentwater painted in Watercolours

It's all go here in Lakeland Studio, with my exhibition looming on Sunday, we have paintings dotted all round the house, I'm really looking forward to seeing it hanging at Moot Hall in Keswick. With Italian scenes amongst Lakeland fells and Scottish dramatic peaks painted in watercolours, pastels and some of my new pochade paintings. If you are passing come in and say hello.

I painted Calm Waters with a very limited palette of 3 colours and with no pencil sketching, just straight in with a wash of colour, I used a 'pentel aqua brush, I find these brushes that come in a pack of three sizes are excellent for tonal paintings, and for quick outdoor colour washes.

Favourite tea room walk in the Lake District.

Walking to Watendlath from Rosthwaite for a cup of tea is a delightful experience. After dropping some leaflets at Scafell Hotel for the painting holiday next year, Bex's and I climbed up the sunny path on Rosthwaite fell.This is my favourite walk to a tea room and sharing it with someone who has never been before is a joy. Dare I say the leaves are just a wonderful colour, the Lakes at this time of the year are amazing. I suggested looking through the pine trees below reminded my of the colours in the south of France!

So up the fell we went and then down into the small picturesque hamlet for a pot of Earl Grey and flapjack, had a look in on some herdwicks.

More bronzed leaves waiting to be painted!

Then back up the fell and down once again into Rosthwaite all for a cup of tea!

Catbells painted in Oils Size 10x 8 inches

I've just mounted this ready for my exhibition next week at

Moot Hall Keswick starting Sun 6th November.

A walk up Latrigg

A quick walk up Latrigg, with the weather sunny and warm I wondered how many more days we might have like this.I wanted to start a painting today but nothing quite caught my attention. Sketchbook and paints were even taken up Latrigg but brought home unused! My excuse was 'the wind at the top was pretty gusty' So today was a taking note of colours, I've noticed that some Autumn leaves are really Opaque especially in the foreground while the transparent ones seem to be in the distance. Might try out this theory!

Love the negative shapes the branches make.

Sparkling Derwentwater in the distance

Storm clouds looming over Derwentwater.