Standing in Cold Water

Just can’t keep away from the river! This time standing in ice and water near the Pike and Eel, but pleased with the  result .  There are some awkward lines and angles to be resolved later, but I can see this as larger painting. I have warmed the colours up with burnt sienna which might…

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Buildings in Broughton

After Xmas got out to paint some farm buildings – looking for red/oranges against green.  Tried the village of Broughton it is in a deep valley ( for Cambridgeshire). Pleased with the result although a few spotty sky holes in the trees ( becoming a common problem) and perspective rather wonky.  Still prefer the painting…

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Down by the river

Not posted for a while so thought I would show painting from the last day that I considered as Autumn, and one from the following day that was certainly winter. Been inspired by some of Charles Movalli paintings to start trying a chromatic palette – and paint some boats.  I have always considered most if…

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Keeping it Local

Hi, not posted for a while as been either working or painting.  Having seen my paintings hung at recent exhibition I realise that I need to go for more adventurous compositions and complex subjects. Need to mix things up a bit to maintain interest when there are over 50 paintings on show.  That said I…

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Delusions of Degas

Having not done any life drawing for a few months I tried a new venue the other week, in Godmanchester. For the warm up session the model posed as a ballet dancer, prior to the more traditional life sessions. I have posted a couple of sketches below – pleased that I still managed to keep…

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The Challenges of painting on location

Just has a great first weekend of my Cambridge Open Studios, showing people the 70 or so paintings hung round my house.   I kept quiet about some of the frustrations of painting on location.  Last week I had an early morning start at Brancaster Staithe but after an hour look what arrived on the scene! …

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Freezing in Holywell

First really cold day of the winter yesterday, with frost on the ground all day in some places. Forced myself away from the warm fire to catch the late afternoon glow as the sun starts to set.  The painting umbrella was essential to keep the glare of the low winter sun off the painting and…

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Getting used to the Shorter Days

Now we are on the run-up to the shortest day I have been trying to make the best of the daylight. It does mean painting in pretty gloomy conditions.  There are advanges; less problems chasing shadows as the sun moves, and also easier to judge colours without the glare of the sun.  I have posted…

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Painting at Holywell

Hi Been looking for some more paintings spots near home. I want to make more of the Great River Ouse that flows through St Ives   where I live.  I found the meadows near Holywell that have loads of possibilities.  I have painted there before but have only just started to see what is on offer. …

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Loitering in a Hedge

Found a good lane near Conington with view towards the village.  Some sheep wandered into view as I was cleaning up, so may add some of these later.  I scared a few people as they strolled past – they wondered what I was doing at first hiding in the bushes!  I have been working on…

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