Blossom at Chez nous

'Blossom at Chez Nous'

Painted in watercolours

Chez nous, is not our pad, but a lovely little chalet that we passed on the bikes on our 

way up to Morillion Esserts. 

 A blanket of dandelions under the Blossom tree, an old post box at a jaunty angle, a couple of old wooden sheds containing logs and a path that wound it's way to the old farmhouse this is what inspired me to put paint to paper.

The flowers are been a total joy, the dandelions in the lower valley are been replaced by buttercups and forget me nots. But in the higher pastures wild crocus and primroses are still in flower.

Buttercups and forget me not

Lake Iseo A painters dream

 Lake Iseo A painters dream

After a couple of wet years in the Lake District, we took a big plunge and decided to have this Summer painting and gaining inspiration in the French Alps! So here I am in the pretty village of Samoens, it all seems very bizarre but having WIFI makes life much more accessible  I am still providing the Online course and hope soon to have one, just on the French Alps, it is great getting emails back from students who are improving and gaining confidence with each project and it certainly inspires me.

I am organising an Italian Lakes painting holiday from 14th to 21st  September and have some single ladies booked on, with a  couple of ensuite rooms still available. The Rivalago hotel is stunning and situated on the Lakeshore and in the pretty village of Sulzano it really is a painters dream. I like to keep the numbers small ensuring lots of one to one tuition and also a friendly easy going group. If you would like to come Ryanair fly from Bristol, Birmingham and also Stanstead direct to Bergamo airport where we will have a private transfer waiting to take you to the Rivalago. If you have a non painting partner, they are more than welcome and Nigel knows plenty of cycling and walking routes to keep them amused or just chilling out and enjoying the Italian Culture. For more details http://www.watercolourcourse.co.uk/LakelandArtCoursesRemote/Contact.htm

If you would like any further details just email me back. lakelandart@hotmail.co.uk

We have just One double ensuite room available, please get in touch before it goes.

Cirque du Fer Cheval, Sixt

Cirque du Fer Cheval  painted in watercolours.

Size 19 x 12 inches

I enjoyed painting the 'Sixt horseshoe' on a wet damp day here in Samoens. 

Sitting watching the weather change by the hour. The rain pounding on the roof, puddles outside on the terrace.

With the door open and listening to the birds singing.

You might wonder how I painted it? 

Time spent sketching in Sixt Cheval figuring out the shapes.

A cycle ride and gazing at the peaks

Memories

A photo reference

A new Sable Rigger size eight and a dream to paint with.

Market day

Wednesday market in Samoens. These ladies above are buying lettuces. All different varieties, all  fresh and just picked, no little bags like we have in the UK. Pick which ones you want and then just get them weighed.

I did feel inspired to paint a small Oignon study in Oils?

Petunias and Geraniums bright and shiny in the morning sunlight.

Bags for market shopping. I wondered if this could be a bright and colourful watercolour?

www.watercolourcourse.co.uk

Blossom and Sunlight in Pastels

 Ever had that feeling, I want to paint everything, but don't know what to do? I was feeling this yesterday. First the Oils came out, brushes in place and then I thought No, lets get the Pastels out instead.
With a nine inch square P400 paper I blocked in some shapes and colours for the background.

I wanted to capture the Blossom tree, that had caught my eye when we arrived last week.

 I went for a close up look, noted Buttercups and more pink Blossom than you could see at a distance.

Playing around with pastel, getting some background colours, blending and softening in places, using the old toothbrush to take off any excess pastel ready for 'The Tree'

'Blossom' captured in Pastels

Size 9 x 9 inch

As you can see I have simplified the scene! My main aim was Blossom and sunlight.

A bench with a view

Went for a little explore round the back of the chalet, found a little path, made my way up passing wild Strawberry leaves, more Cowslips and buttercups. I could see a pasture and a bench. So I sat on the bench and thought now this would make a gorgeous painting! And I have a bench to put the paints and gear on and the view below to paint, all I need now is Julie Andrews.

Cowslips, Daisies,a wood shed and a very pretty chapel.

I can see these trees from the window, I'm watching to see them turn Green.

 Even the Dandilions are so inspiring.

I took this 'jaw dropping' view from the saddle on the bike, what a view to cycle towards, can't wait to come back with the watercolours.

Gustave's Strawberries

Market day in Samoens, I've been so looking forward to this. I imagined the sun out, colourful stalls selling fresh fruit and vegetables, flowers and herbs, cheeses, meats, bread and eggs.

People milling about buying  and chatting. The smells would entice thoughts of meals to prepare and even a painting inspiration. 

Look what caught my attention, Gustave's Strawberries, nice and juicy and full of flavour.

Back on the balcony, with Strawberries at the ready. I decided on a quick watercolour sketch first, thinking this might lead to a bigger painting. Cadmium Red, Warm Orange, Lemon Yellow and Phlalo Turquoise were the colours chosen.

 Here is the finished sketch, but the strawberries are no more! It got me thinking that Wednesday market should be still life day.