A few more for Open Studios....

The main batch of paintings are ready for collection from the framers, but trying to get a few more to take over to him - only a couple of weeks before they'll all be hanging in the exhibition....

I loved the head of the crowned crane I did before - so decided to do one of the full bird, in all its colourful glory. They are amazing birds - so flamboyant, so a great subject for me!

"Crowned Crane"
Acrylic inks on Bockingford half imperial NOT 425gsm watercolour paper.

I had missed doing lilies, one of my favourite flowers, so decided to do another one.

"Lily Head"

Acrylic inks and soft pastel on Bockingford half imperial NOT 425gsm watercolour paper.

Not tried dandelion heads before in acrylic inks - only watercolour. Ended up putting soft pastel on top. It is interesting that the birds/animals that I have done work well with just the inks, but the floral work benefits from the soft effect of the pastels on top.

"Dandelion Head"

Acrylic ink and soft pastel on Bockingford half imperial 

NOT 425gsm watercolour paper

Tried another peacock feather on the larger size of paper. Working so big meant that the lines were more defined, rather than a huge wash of ink (otherwise I would be putting most of the bottle on it).

"Peacock Feather II"

Acrylic ink on Bockingford half imperial 

NOT 425gsm watercolour paper

Still got a couple more in the pipeline - hoping I get them finished in time to take to framer. Poor man is up to his eyes with paintings from all the Open Studio exhibitors that know him. Anyway, think I have more than enough including this batch - and found some good ones for the browser as well, so after Tuesday (when I go to the framer) it is going to be admin stuff that is required to put on an exhibition - boring but necessary! Getting close now.... looking forward to being part of such a big event.

One from the garden....

Was over discussing exhibition with Nina last week, when I commented on her beautiful garden. So next thing I know we were outside and she was cutting off fabulous old roses for me and also some nigella, which I said I wanted to paint. I had the seed heads from Sherry - which I have already painted - but never done the actual flowers.

Nigella and bud
(done in acrylic ink and soft pastels on 1/2 imperial Bockingford NOT 300gsm watercolour paper)

Decided not to do the roses - the petals are so close that frankly it would be very difficult to do a good job with my technique - shame, as they are beautiful.... However, they were fabulous in a vase, so not wasted!

Out of Africa

While on safari we came across a group of lions with a magnificent male. We managed to get pretty close and, with the zoom lens, I got a great photo of him looking at us. Always wanted to do this picture - now I have.

Male Lion
(Acrylic ink on half imperial Bockingford watercolour paper)

This was quite scary. Not done an animal before and, with his shaggy mane, the early stages looked like I'd just gone completely mad with the ink. But luckily, after removing the masking fluid and getting detail into the eyes, he started to emerge from the paper.

I often find this. The technique means going mad with the ink and, depending on the preparatory work done before, it either works really well or it has to be thrown away! I thought this was in the latter category initially - just shows that one should persevere as you never know what might happen.

Singing in Verdi's Requiem

OK - it isn't art, but this is something else I do....

I joined the St Ives Choral Society a little while ago - my youngest daughter already being an active member (not only singing, but has been allowed to conduct a couple of times and they sung a carol that she composed).

We have just performed locally with just our choir, but in early July sees us joining forces with the Huntingdon Philhamonic to do Verdi's Requiem, which requires two choirs along with orchestra and solo singers. Didn't think I knew any of the piece when we got the music, but the Dies Irae is a famous piece I have heard on the radio a lot of times. Going to be really dramatic when we sing it - can't wait. Been studying the piece while on the dog walk this morning - Ipod in ears - nothing like wandering through the countryside with the sun shining down and a bit of Verdi!

Anyway - in case any of you live locally - thought I'd post the flyer here, as tickets are on sale now.

Artists in the Carnelian Group exhibiting in July

The flyers are being sent out, Cambridge Open Studio guides being distributed - it is really happening!

We have just over a month before the open studios event, so Nina and I are busy promoting both the general Cambridge Open Studios and also our particular exhibition. Sherry Rea, the other artist in the Carnelians, is exhibiting by herself on the 3rd and 4th weekends in July. Nina and I are open on the 2nd and 3rd weekends of the month - and our flyer is below giving all the information. Still working on some pieces for this event - think the framer is going to be busy....