'Sun Worshipper'

Here's a demo painting from my workshop at the Watershed Studio on 14th/15th July. An exercise in painting loosely. It's the shape and character that's important, rather than detail.
Many thanks to Allison for providing me with some great lunches and lots of cake.
I'll be back again next year for another 2-day workshop: 'Watercolour Landscapes in 3 Washes' (2nd/3rd August).

'Dartmouth'

I had my first workshop at the Butterfly Art & Craft Studio, for Art & Craft Days, on the 13th July. 'Villages and Town Landscapes' was the theme, and here's one of my demo's from the day. It's a town scene in Dartmouth, which I chose to illustrate a few tips on perspective.
Many thanks to Brian and Julie for making me feel welcome, and providing me with a wonderful lunch (and lots of tea and coffee). I'll be back next year!

Recent Watercolour Demonstrations

I've been away quite a bit on painting courses lately, particularly at Art Holidays in Dorset. As such, I've accumulated several demonstration pieces, which I have posted here...

Above 'At the Foot of the Castle, Christchurch'

Above 'Bayard's Cove, Dartmouth'

Above 'Cod Rock and Mew Stone from Berry Head'

Above 'The Guildhall, Totnes'

Above 'Iford Bridge'

Above 'River Stour at Tuckton'

I'll be tutoring another 5-night course at Boscombe again from tomorrow.

'The Guildhall, Totnes'

I painted this view of the Guildhall this morning. I took a photo after completing the mid-tone wash, to give an idea of how the painting is put together. Once this was dry, I put all the darks in, which pull the painting together.

'Roquefixade, France'

This is Roquefixade, in the Ariege region of France. We were here a couple of years ago. The weather wasn't great for that week but, on this day, it was fine. 
My painting is of the village at the foot of the cliffs. At the top though, is the Chateau de Roquefixade, a ruined castle.

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'View from Berry Head, Torbay'

This is a view I know pretty well. Berry Head, which is what I'm standing on, is a headland at the southern tip of Torbay. It is a national nature reserve and a Site of Special Scientific Interest. It's also a nice place to paint.

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'Horse's Head, from Elgin Marbles'

Last year we spent some time in London and decided to visit the British Museum. Initially, we went there for the Viking exhibition. However, the Elgin Marbles were also on show, so we also had a look at these impressive historic pieces. I thought this one would make a good study of light and shade.

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'Catch Me If You Can'

I spotted this little dog on the local beach one morning, running rings around its owner. In this painting I wanted to capture the movement as it dashed across the sand, and its lively character.

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'Durle Stone from Berry Head'

This scene is just a few miles south from us, Berry Head being at the southern tip of Torbay. It is a very rugged part of the coastline here, with tall cliffs and lots of hidden coves. There are many views worth painting along here. I've even brought painting groups here.

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'Bridge at Rieux Volvestre'

Another bridge, but this time in SW France in the Haute-Garonne department. I like the colours of the buildings in this area.
An interesting fact: Rieux Volvestre was the site of the trial of Martin Guerre, in 1560. The original Martin Guerre left his wife and child but, several years later, a man claiming to be him reappeared and took his place for three years.

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'African Elephant'

I've never been to Africa, but I do live walking distance from the zoo. This is 'Duchess' and she makes a good subject for watercolour. I've concentrated on the shape, and the way the light and shade creates the solid form. I think getting the character of the subject is more important than rendering every wrinkle... I'm sure Duchess would agree.

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'St Swithun's Church, Brookthorpe, Gloucestershire'

This little church is in Brookthorpe, Gloucestershire. I have stayed in this area several times to run a summer painting school and, once I found it, thought it would be worth a visit. After finishing my days work I popped in on the way to the pub (for my dinner) and saw the sunlight coming through one of the windows. I had my paints and sketchbook with me and was able to do a small colour sketch. The painting you see here was painted from that sketch.

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'Sgwd Isaf Clyn-Gwyn'

In the late 80's I lived in south Wales for a couple of years. One of my favourite areas for walking was the Brecon Beacons National Park. In particular, the 'Waterfall Country'. The area around Ystradfellte contains a great many waterfalls and this one, 'Sgwd Isaf Clyn-Gwyn', is in the Mellte Valley.
It resembles a mini Niagra and here it is shown in the autumn.

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'Pilgrim at Brixham'

​I'm lucky enough to live close to the sea, which means coastal scenes and boats are frequent subjects for me. I often visit Brixham, a small fishing town at the south of the bay. This is 'Pilgrim', a beautifully restored 1895 gaff-rigged sailing trawler. Built by JW and A Uphams, one of Brixham's most famous yards. At the time she was built, there were an estimated 300 similar vessels in the port. Now there are only a handful, but their red sails are a familiar sight in the bay.

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'Totnes High Street'

This view of the clock/bridge in Totnes High Street, Devon, is painted from the top of the hill. It also makes a good subject painted from the bottom of the hill, looking up. The strong sun, coming from the left, bounces light into the shady side of the street and the windows create reflections on the road surface.

'Winter Hens'

A few years back we kept some hens, which came from a charity which re-houses ex-battery hens. When we first got them home they were in a bit of a state, with bald patches all over them. After a change of diet though (virtually everything we gave them), and their next moult, they were transformed. 
They were quite partial to porridge, especially on a cold day, which is how I've shown them here.