The view from Latrigg

You don't need to walk many miles or feet to get a stunning view in the Lake District. I walked up Spooney Lane, along the delightful path, through the Woods passing sweet smelling bright Yellow Gorse. The path then opens up onto the fell and circles it's way to the top, you will see the bench sitting proudly on top waiting for passers by to admire the view. 

The bench was free when we walked up, but boy was it a strong wild wind. 

But sitting hunched against the cold, watching the clouds lift and raise over the Catbells range.

Is a wonderful uplifting experience. 

Walking back down the track, a shaft of light  broke through, catching the fields and ridges of the pretty Newlands valley.

With all this in mind. I quickly washed some watercolours over Pastelmat paper, applied pastels.

But something wasn't happening. A brave move was needed. Make or break!

A wash of water over the pastels, gave some interesting marks and more of a feeling to the painting.

A few more thought provoking bright pastel marks were added over the next couple of days.

I'm much happier with the outcome, it reflects more of what I felt when walking down the track from Latrigg.

Newlands from Latrigg painted in Pastels

Will be on show at my Spotlight Exhibition at the Viridian Gallery in Keswick 

from 22nd April to 7th June 2016

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

A sketch from Hallin Fell.

A quick sketch, perched on the edge of Hallin Fell on a cold yet not windy February day.

My trusty Wainwright guide told me the height  of this little fell was 1271 ft.

A beautiful steep little walk from the car park at Martindale Church takes you to a birdseye view over Ullswater, I thought that this is what I would sketch, as I made my way to the top. I admired Striding Edge in the distance, covered in snow, but the light today was fairly flat, so didn't feel the need to go exploring higher. The view down Ullswater is extensive and quite a drop.

What did catch my inspirational eye today, the views down into intimate Martindale with rolling fells turning to grassy fields and a few lonely farms dotted along the valley bottom.

With just a brush, pencil and small watercolour palette, I quickly captured a few lines to get to know this pretty valley. Hot Chocolate kept me warm and a wooly hat, two necessary equipments for the outdoor artist.

I made my way down the fell and spied some cute Herdies in a field. These native Cumbrian Sheep the hardiest of all, look to have such a soft nature, especially when photographed.

The Online watercolour course

Starting in Watercolour

I love painting in watercolours. There is no other medium that is such a joy, when watching paint dry. It creates magic in front of your eyes. Knowing what colours mix well together, and other ingredients you can add is just like a favourite recipe. Picking the subject, you are never stuck for inspiration. I find what you love is what you paint best.

I've being painting in watercolours for over 25 years and learn something new on every painting. I love to pass this knowledge on to people who want to start painting again. I know that it will open eyes to new colours in the sunset sky or the shape and texture of a tree or just the pure beauty of fresh flowers.

My online course is ideal to get you painting again, taking each project slowly with personal feedback, and extra tips on each painting. There are three courses with six projects in all. Each course is £55.00 which includes a material list, sketches, colour tags and easy step by step instructions. Each course has no time limit, so be as quick or slow as you like.

Anybody can paint in watercolours with just a few tips and techniques to get you going and gaining confidence, and it will open up a whole new world of colour.

Spring watercolours at Grasmere

Spring watercolours at Grasmere

Monday 21st to 24th March 2016

I have a couple of places available single or double en suite rooms

With indoor based studio demonstrations and visits to Rydal water and William Wordsworth Dora's field, full of wild Daffodils.

This four day course is suitable for beginners and Intermediates 

Come and be inspired in the beautiful Lake District.

Staying at the Glenthorne hotel, Grasmere

£395.00 Including Dinner, Bed and Breakfast and all tuition 

Email Jane at lakelandart@hotmail.co.uk 

For more details.

Personal Painting critique.

Ullswater Daffodils painted in Watercolours

I love seeing the Daffodils on the shores of Ullswater, I think this year they will be early and probably out in a week or so. They help to bring light, warmth and depth to this pretty scene.

This scene is one of the projects in the second  watercolour online course. The second course leads on naturally from the first, but for those with a little experience in watercolours this course will be ideal. With step by step photographs and instructions covering many techniques colour mixing and the all important personal feedback.

This I feel is the part of the course which is unique. With all of the six projects you get personal feedback and critique to help with techniques, colour mixing or any general questions you have about watercolour painting. 

If you've got a little stale with painting and need a push in the right direction, now that Spring is just round the corner, the online second course could be just what you need.

www.watercolourcourse.co.uk

Send me an email and I'll get the details and we can start painting straight away.

lakelandart@hotmail.co.uk

Keeping pastels clean.

I like a tidy start with pastels. Ten minutes later it looks slightly different!  Here is the set up, with some colours chosen, put together in tones and colour hues. 

I find having white paper is ideal to test colours and also clean pastels. Using the Pastelmat paper I do find any dirt or muddy colours on the pastels does show on the paper. I also wipe them regularly with tissue, or give them a shake in ground rice. Couscous seems to work too!!If you don't like me have ground rice in the cupboard

I often start with the background. Cooler tones, less detail and getting a feel for the place I'm in.

By the way, I forgot to tell you where we are. 

Looking into the Langdale valley from Lingmell fell, a super inspiring place at any time, but with the sun shining it's pure heaven.

This is as far as I've got, the Pastel sticks have had a party. Masking tape has been applied in the foreground,  I want to retain some of the juicy darks for later. And now it's time to stand back and figure out what needs adjusting.

I like to jump into the studio for a few minutes and see what catches my eye.

I'll keep you posted, with the progress.

Here's a link to my pastel course