How many of us actually do paint daily?... I'm blushing here, as I fall into the 'non-daily' painters camp! Life just seems to get in the way sometimes and I forget that painting is or should be part of my daily therapy. And boy, do I need therapy! However I do feel terribly guilty if, by the end of the day I haven't picked up a brush or pencil. 2010however does look promising as I find myself with more time on my hands and less daily interruptions.
I have a few commitments this early this year with 2 wonderful workshops coming up so I really need to practice and get my brushes flowing. The first workshop is with Hazel Soan, who will be visiting South Africa soon - Hazel is an internationally renowned artist and is the author of seven books on painting in watercolours. The other 2 exciting workshops I'll attend are in the UK with renowned artist Jean Haines. http://www.jeanhaines.com/ Jean has been my mentor and inspiration for a number of years now, she has a unique loose style of painting which I admire and is in the process of having her first book published.I have had the fortune of meeting Ms Haines last year at a workshop she ran on 'Watercolours with Life' and although, exhausting, enjoyed my self immensely.
Here are a few sketches I was practicing using Hazel Soan's 'African African Watercolours'.
Sketches from Hazel's book...using my moleskin.
And one using my own photo... minus preliminary sketch.
This painting was from a photo I took at the Rhino and Lion Park last year.
This ewe was actually feeding.....hence her looking away from the camera,
I left the young Springbok out of the painting....
I plan to do flowers next.....(Jean style). I have hundreds and hundreds of photos of flower studies.....
so best I get cracking......
Have a lovely weekend all... till next time.....