Karl Terry Plein Air painting Blog

Venice

2011-12-14T09:48:00.000-08:00

In the fish market 6 x 8

Venetian statue and mask 10 x 8

Havent posted for ages as Ive had nothing to post..until now! Just returned from 4 wonderful days in Venice where I stayed with 3 friends in Ken Howard RA studio. Its only my second visit to Venice and I think its the most beautiful city Ive ever visted. There is something to paint on every corner and I cant wait to return. I managed to do 24 paintings and have posted some of them below.. Xmas is now nearly upon us and Im crossing my fingers for snow:-)

St Maggiore, Morning 6 x 8

Dusk, by the Salute 8 x 10

Venetian Doorway 16 x 12

gondolas 8 x 6

By the Doges Palace 8 x 6

Painters by the acadamia bridge 8 x 10

Gondolas 12 x 12

Gondola repair yard 12 x 16

On the Grand Canal 12 x 16

school with a name i cant remember 16 x 12:-)

St Maggiore 4 x 12

Gondolas at night 8 x 10

dusk at the Rialto 8 x 6

Venetian nocturne 6 x 8

Tony painting a nocturne 8 x 6

some from Cornwall and the past week

2011-11-04T12:18:00.000-07:00

Just got back from 4 days in Cornwall. Like nearly every other time Ive been there it was wet..very wet. Thanks to the generosity of a kind friend I had a lovely barn conversion to stay in and managed to get a few small pictures done. Ive also been back out a couple of times locally and have posted my efforts below. Next painting trip..Venice on 9th December ..yippee. Hope it snows!

Approaching rain, Bossiney Bay 12 x 16

The road to Roughtor 8 x 10

Autumn Sky, river Rother 12 x 16

The Blue yacht, Porthcunnis 6 x 8

Birches, golden light 16 x 12

The corner of the field 12 x 12

After the rain Bodmin Moor12 x 16

one from today

2011-10-15T09:02:00.000-07:00

It was great to get out and paint today as I havent done much lately. Weather was great so I decided to have another go at Birch trees before the last of the leaves fall off.Not much to say,,Off to Cornwall in a week..cant wait

reaching for the sky 30 x 20

some from Norfolk

2011-10-06T11:03:00.000-07:00

Ive just returned from a few days in Norfolk where I stayed at Burnham Overy and painted with a few mates. We had great weather and got lots of work done. On the way home three of us were invited to lunch at Edward Seagos`Dutch House` by Jane Seymour. It was a fantastic experience and one I wont forget. Below are a few of my paintings from Norfolk and a couple of other local tree paintings that I did the week before I went.

The Corner of the field, Brancaster 12 x 16

Towards the sea, Brancaster 12 x 16

Low tide Brancaster 8 x 10

Early morning sails, Burnham Overy 8 x 10

Tethered trio 8 x 10

The pier Cromer 12 x 16

On the river, Burnham Overy 8 x 10

Cromer 12 x 16

Add captionCley mill sunset 6 x 8

Cromer cliffs 12 x 16

Early morning light, Burnham Overy 8 x 6

Towards Peasmarsh 20 x 30

Peasmarsh oaks 20 x 16

two from this week

2011-09-17T11:45:00.000-07:00

Not much to post as I havent painted much for last couple of weeks..just to busy. Went to Strand on Green with Wapping Group but it took nearly 4 hours to get there because of a horrible traffic jam. Only posting two from the week one of Olivers Island Chiswick and the other of one of my favourite subjects..trees. This is the 8th time Ive painted the same scene using same composition , but its amazing how different its been each time.Im pleased with the latest effort as it was a real struggle..an exercise in greens. thats it for now..Tollesbury this week..another great spot

Olivers Island Chiswick 12 x 16

Sussex trees, September 12 x 16

A few from Cornwall

2011-08-29T11:01:00.000-07:00

Ive been back from Cornwall over a week now. Had a great time but as almost was to be expected it rained most days. I got quite a few paintings done but most were surfers on the beach. What else do you do in Cornwall with two young children except surf:-) . I was also very proud that my friend Tony Dakin sold his first painting! Since my return Ive done very little. Did a couple at Southwark in London but nothing else. This week Im busy at work but have the opening of the first Plein Air Brotherhood show at AK Wilson gallery in Hertford on thursday..which should be interesting. Ive also just found out I had both my entries to The Royal Society of Marine Artists accepted..which was a suprise as I didnt get in last year. Will probably be another couple of weeks before I post again. Thats it for now

Daymer Bay 8 x 12

Polzeath mist 8 x12

rain in the camel estuary 8 x 10

Daymer Bay, morning light 12 x16

polzeath 1 12 x 16

out to sea daymer bay 12 x12

polzeath surfers 6 x 8

polzeath 2 12 x 16

afternoon light polzeath 6 x 8

padstow 8 x 10

surfers 8 x 10

afternoon light in the Borough Market 12 x 16

on the corner of the royal exchange 10 x 8

the end of threadneedle street 10 x8

PLEIN AIR EASTON

2011-07-26T12:47:00.000-07:00

Ive just returned from Maryland where I spent 10 wonderful days as a participant in Plein Air Easton. It was a great event and the first time Ive ever taken part in anything like it. I have so many great experiences that I couldnt possibly write them all down without boring everyone. What I would say is that the organisers and volunteers did a great job and treated all 58 artists like royalty. Plein Air Easton is run like a really well oil machine and I was proud to take part. They provided us with accomodation with host families, food, drink and lots of amazing painting opportunities. Many of the volunteers allowed us to paint at their beautiful houses and hosted bbqs and events which were all beautifully done. To cap it all they put on a great show at The beautiful Academy Museum in town at the end of the week.

I was very fortunate to stay in one of the most beautiful houses in Wittman by the owners Bill and Doris Nielsen and did many of my paintings there. Had no real disasters except a narrow miss with a deer on the Tilman Island road where I swerved, hit a pot hole and had a blow out that took me two hours to repair in the pitch black. The following day I locked myself out and had to break into the guest house as there was no spare key and Bill and Doris were away. Thats it in brief, met some great people, ate too much food and somehow managed to do 25 paintings in the blistering heat.I will definately be going back next year if they will have me....

Chesapeake Pines 12 x 16

St Michaels Crabber 12 x 16

Anyone for tea..Had a great last day at Brunch winners..beautiful brunch at lovely estate whilst the 12 winners did a painting each which were auctioned.Gutted that I couldnt paint. If I had it would have been these great tea pots that no one did

crow brothers 6 x 8

Down River Tillis Mill 12 x 16

Chesapeake sun rise 8 x 10

Grafton Manour

Heritage Duo 8 x 10

Front page news on the Easton Sun:-)

`Redneck` mustang

Rusty Blue..12 x 16 couldnt resist painting this. found it in a back street in Tilghman Island. Sold on collectors evening..paid for my flight and car :-) where theres muck theres brass!

afternoon light tillis Mill 12 x 16

Corn barn Grafton Manour 8 x 10

Can you believe this! people actually order these!!!

Summer reflections 12 x 16

Couldnt believe my eyes when I saw this on the wall of the Troika Gallery.I stood next to Ken Backhaus ayear ago when he painted it a Permaquid point in Maine

Tim Bell painting his skip jacks. He would have liked to have done a larger one but this is the maximum size allowed in competition..He used a huge frame though..love the easel set up too!

Ken Dewaard hard at it

Grafton Manour Pines 12 x 16..a gift to my hosts

across the lawn 8 x 10

finally for those of you who missed me making a pillock of myself on BBC2 earlier in the year ..heres the clip :-)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fjlgmt4tJko

Recent paintings

2011-07-07T13:40:00.000-07:00

I havent been painting much lately..less and less infact as Im finding it difficult to get the time to. Infact Ive only painted twice in the last two weeks. Last wednesday I went with Chris Daynes to Dungeness Beach with 20 A level art students from Our local grammer school...all Im going to say was it was fun and a new experience. Yesterday I made the long drive to Maldon to join the Wapping Group. I was pleasantly suprised as I had low expectations and when I set off it was pouring hard. There were more opportunities than I had imagined and a good turn out from the group.I was in my element as there were lots of boats and after trees , fields and sheep I always like to paint them:-) This will probably be my last post until I return from USA where im off to in a week.

cloud shadows dungeness 12 x 16

fishing boat dungeness 8 x 16

dingy maldon 8 x 10

smack at maldon1 8 x 16

smack at maldon 2 12 x 16

boats at maldon 10 x 8

first post in ages

2011-06-27T09:27:00.000-07:00

I havent posted for ages as my camera broke. Well now I have a new one and will post a few paintings from the past few weeks. I havent done much at all for the last few week as every weekend for the last 3 Ive been doing open studios. Now I will try and post more regularly again:-)
I have still managed a couple of trips with the wapping Group though..one to West Mersea in essex and one to Gillingham Pier. This weekend I painted in Burford in the Cotswolds and London with my friend Paul. On wednesday Im taking 20 A level art students painting on Dungeness Beach. Hopefully I will have some good pictures to post from that trip. Then in 3 weeks Im off to USA again to paint in Plein Air Easton..cant wait:-)

Barge by Slingford Bridge, Cotswolds 12 x 16

Burford High Street, Cotswolds 12 x 16

Door study Burford 10 x 8

Gillingham Pier 12 x 16

Jermyn Street Cafe 6 x 8

Marlborough Gate, St James Park 14 x 12

Smack at West Mersea 6 x 8

Yachts at West Mersea 8 x 10

This weeks work

2011-05-08T04:49:00.000-07:00

Well despite having a very busy day job I have managed to paint 9 or 10 pics this week.Im paying for it now though as Im having to work in my office at the weekend. I painted with Chris Daynes and Andrew Roberts on Sunday, had my first day painting as a `Wapper` on wednesday at Hoo near Rochester and painted at Jeff Becks house late thursday afternoon. Ive also been working on some studio pics in evenings, but spitting my dummy out as I cant do them very well. I really struggle to feel inspired away from the subject and its a completely different experience..one I dont know if I will ever get used to. Next trip St Pauls Cathedral and surrounding are on wednesday. lastly I have my tv debut on wedneday the 11th ( this wednesday) on BBC2 at 5.15 where Im featured on a show called `Show me the Monet`...Im sure to have made a complete prat of myself:-) ..I dont think I can help it !

on the beach camber 6 x8

Watlands Udimore 12 x 16

yacht study rye 12 x16

Thames Barge Grave yard Hoo, Rochester 12 x 16

Towards hooe marina 8 x 10

tug study 8 x 6

tug at Hoo 8 x 10

JBs door 10 x 8..my favourite of week

Up the garden path JBs 10 x 8

Studio pic of Putney ..where im at so far 20 x 30

Good News

2011-04-28T11:53:00.000-07:00

Well I have some good news to post today. Yesterday I was accepted as a member of the Wapping Group of Painters. Its great news for me as not only is it the oldest plein air painting group in the uk but it means I get an excuse to paint every Wednesday during the summer months with a group of friendly like minded painters:-)

I did paint yesterday but not very well and I only did two all day... Then today I went to Jeff and Sandra Becks house to paint the bluebells..had a great time and found so much subject matter that Im really excited about going back. Anyway here are my efforts

afternoon light london Apprentice 8 x10

River Hall Bluebells

Sandra Bs wagon 8 x !0

Isleworth Tug 8 x10

Some from Pinn Mill and Camber

2011-04-23T11:28:00.000-07:00

Had a great couple of days. Went to Pinn Mill in Suffolk yesterday with Chris Daynes. We set off at 6 am and got home at midnight. Its a great painting venue..hard to beat infact but its also been painted alot. I actually started 9 paintings but only ended up with 7. Alot of the same images but at different times. The three sunset ones were painted one after the other i quick succesion. Today I spent a nice afternoon at Camber with my family, friends and pochade box. Did 4 quick small sketches. Now got a week off so should get quite a few paintings done. On Wednesday I hand in to the wapping Group to see if I become a member. Im not holding my breath, but will wait and see. Thats it for now.

Early morning light Pinn Mill 6 x 8

Early morning light 2 6 x 12

Smack at Pinn Mill 6 x 8

Picnic on the banks of the Orwell, Buttermans Bay 12 x 16

boat at Pinn Mill 8 x 10

sunset Pinn Mill 6 x 8

Sunset Pinn Mill 2 6 x 8

Under the Parasol Camber 6 x 8

walking the dog camber 6 x8

watching the yachts go by 6 x 8

busy beach 8 x 10

latest paintings.

2011-04-19T09:38:00.000-07:00

Ive been back from holiday two weeks now. Ive done a few paintings but nowhere near as many as I would have liked to. Had one afternoon in London , a day in Camber and 2 hours in a friends garden..thats it! Have also been struggling to try and paint 3 big studio paintings..Havent uploaded those yet as theyre not finished..I will finish them off one way or another. Off to Pinn Mill on Good friday so hopefully will get something worth posting. In the mean time these are my latest efforts.

Camber 1 6 x 8

camber 2 6 x 8

camber 3 8 x10

camber 4 8 x 16

distant rye 8 x10

from london bridge 12 x 16

Mikes Garden 16 x 12

Seychelles

2011-04-03T12:05:00.000-07:00

Havent posted on my blog for ages, but have just spent two glorious weeks in the Seychelles. Went there to celebrate my wife Joannas 40th birthday and it was the chill pill I needed. I was allowed to take my easel and did 25 paintings in total..two a day more or less. I had some great experiences and snorkelled on th reef with my son Tobias and swam with Turtles, sharks and sting rays. I also met The most famous artist on the Seychelles, Michael Adams and his daughter. I enjoyed their company and hospitality and hope to revisit one day. Below is a selection of my work from the trip

on L`Union Estate La Digue Island 12 x 16

Sunset St Piere Island 8 x 10

Jo looking towards praslin 8 x 10

sunset over Praslin 6 x 12

Jules Juice Bar La Digue 8 x 10

On the Beach Praslin 6 x 12

Praslin Palms 1 12 x 16

Praslin palms 2 12 x 16

Lunch under the badamier tree 8 x 10

Under the trees La digue 12 x 16

Towards Praslin 12 x16

Palm study 12 x 16

St Pierre Island 6 x 8

Anse Lazio 12 x 16

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Praslin sunset 6x 8

Studio Picture

2011-03-09T10:12:00.000-08:00

Thought Id post my most recent work. As any of you who read this blog know im really an outdoor painter, but I was asked by a close friend recently to paint a picture from a small photograph, which im not mad keen on doing. To make it worse the photo was of a small group of trees standing on a hill beside a motorway:-) I nearly gave up before I started. Ive attached the finished or almost finished result..I had fun with it and tried to add some drama but it still looks a bit bland to me ...Thats it for now

The photograph

My picture, Dans trees 20" x 40" oil on canvas( nice Russell and Chappell canvas:-) )

A few days in France and other stuff.

2011-03-03T11:30:00.000-08:00

Its been along time since I posted on my blog but also quite an eventful time. I ve been filmed for BBC2 show called "Show me the Money" which is supposed to be aired on 28th of this month at 5.45pm. I hope I didnt embarrass myself too much and although i did not get selected for the Final Show it was quite enjoyable. I also had 3 of my paintings hung in the Royal society of British Painters Exhibition at the Mall Galleries and two in The Wapping Group Show at the same gallery.I have had a miserable time painting ..mainly because I havent been doing much. Ive had problems at work and the weather has been terrible so going to stay with my friend paul agin in the Cote D Azur was a very welcomed break. My friend Tony Dakin and I just had a long weekend there and although the weather wasnt great we managed to get a fair bit of work done, most of which Ive posted below (warts and all as usual) I was happy with 2 or 3 but there are a couple of real turds:-). Today it felt like Spring and the weather and atmosphere was glorious..alas no painting. Not long until the weekend so I just hope it stays like it! Thats it for now.

French Mackerel 12 x 16

Under The Parasol Pine Paloma Beach cap Ferrat 12 x 16

Tree study Cap Dantibes 16 x 12(turd)

The Old House Cap D Antibes 12 x 16

Lunch time on the promenade Nice 12 x 12( turd)

Antique Market Nice 12 x 16

Fountain study Mougins 16 x 12

Cap Ferrat 12 x 16

On the Cap Dantibes 8 x 6

TParasol Pine Cap Dantibes 16 x 12

French fishing boat 8 x 10

Distant Mougins 6 x 8

latest

2011-01-22T12:49:00.000-08:00

Well I havent done much painting at all this week..infact only a couple. I have had a good week though and found out that Ive had 3 pictures accepted for Royal Society of British Artists Show at Mall Galleries in March. I ve also found out that Im a finalist for BBC2 show called "Show me the Monet" which will be on TV in March.. so an exciting week...Thats about it hoping I might get out tomorrow to paint..One from today of a statue outside Buckingham Palace. I think its the busiest place Ive ever painted. I went to London with Chris daynes to collect our RBA rejects and we walked around as much as we painted which was fun.Japanese tourists kept borrowing my brushes to have their photos taken at my easel..it was hilarious..hopefully I will be able to post a photo soon

" A gift from New Zealand 16 x 12 oil on board"

This week

2011-01-16T07:47:00.000-08:00

Well this week the weather was awful to say the least. I did get a few paintings done but not been painting well. Stayed in London on thursday and friday to paint with friends and to hand my work into RBA..wont find out if any of it has been accepted until thursday... I hope so, but who knows. Only posted one from the week, perhaps from that you can gauge how bad the rest were :-)

`Silver Birchs, Beckley 20 x 16`

First efforts of 2011!

2011-01-06T09:06:00.000-08:00

Well a New Year is here and lets hope its a good one! Havent managed to get alot of painting in since it started but have done 3 in the last few days. The first one was on New years day in Epsom with my ggod friend Tony who I have put in my painting. Im amazed at his progress . Hes only been painting 8 months in oils outside and is better tahn alot of people I know who have been painting years. I will post some of his work shortly and see what if any feed back he gets. The other two are from earlier in the week. The weather is so bad at the moment, wet and cold , it really doesnt make you feel like painting. I thought about going in my studio but thats freezing too..Cant wait for it to warm up. Next week I have a couple of days painting in London which Im looking forward to. Thats it for now.

Early New Years morning Epsom Downs 12 x 16

Winter Oak, Budds Lane 12 x 16

Last light, low tide , Rye 12 x 16

more oak trees

2010-12-30T08:49:00.000-08:00

Well for the time being Im still going to continue this blog.I know I change my mind like the wind but there you go. Managed to get out to paint today...at last. But still freezing fog. Continued with my series on the Oak trees . I wasnt going to do them today but was persuaded by a friend. Anyway below is the result. Didnt come without pain today..I forgot my hat and gloves and boy was it cold!

Oaks in the fog 12 x 16

xmas paintings.

2010-12-27T08:23:00.000-08:00

Well as expected Ive not managed to get out alot over xmas. I also got frustrated so much that I didnt get much chance to paint in the snow. Maybe Im one of the few people that wishes it would come back! Im not back at work now until the 4th of January so hopefully I will have some opportunities to paint.Ive posted the last two of my efforts . Ive been doing this blog for almost a year now and am seriously considering not doing it anymore. I only started it to record my painting a day project which I failed and cant see much point in continuing with it. Happy New Year to all

Snowy track by Wittersham Road Station 12 x 16

Field gate, winter 16 x 12

from life or photo?

2010-12-18T02:33:00.000-08:00

This week Ive done very little painting but thought Id post this blog whilst waiting for my van to defrost before venturing out in snow..yippee I love the snow :-) !!

The reason for the title of this post is probably quite obvious. I dont think there are rights or wrongs or goods or bads about how and where people choose to paint. Many of us love painting outside whilst others hate it and cant see the point of standing out in the cold. For my part its just my preference to be outside and to respond as quick as possible to what I see. Yesterday was a prime example. I have a great little 6 x 8 pochade box which was a gift from my friend Mr Rafferty and I carry it everywhere in my truck hoping I might snatch abit of time here and there to paint. Yesterday was so frustrating as the snow started and I was surrounded by so many potential paintings, but too busy to stop.. At the very end of the day nearing home the view of the Rother stopped me in my tracks and I thought even though there was only 15 to 20 minutes light left I would try and get something down. 6x8s are so small so keeping it simple you can do a quick sketch in not much time. Worst of all as quick as I tried to paint I was losing the light and by the last few minutes I really couldnt see what colours I was mixing. I really enjoy the excitement off it , but you never know what youve got until you get back. Ive posted my effort below which took no more than 20 minutes. The colours are perhaps a bit lairy and it is only a sketch, but my question is...would I ever paint anything like it in a studio ? .. I think not. Ive also posted a photograph of the general scene before I started. Im sure if Id only used the photo of the scene for reference |I would have ended up with a laboured copy..who knows..maybe I should give it a go and find out. Anyway thats enough waffling Im going painting.

Photo of The Rother at sun set before I started

My quick oil sketch 6 x 8

Trees

2010-12-09T10:34:00.000-08:00

Today was the first time Ive managed to get out painting since I returned from Venice on Saturday. I worked until lunch time and then took the afternoon off to paint at my present favourite spot in Peasmarsh. Ive painted the same scene once before this Autumn and now have decided to try and paint here once a month for a year as an experiment to see how the scene changes. Whilst painting I thought my god this looks just like the last one I did, but having got it home and compared the two it looks completely different. There is definately a cooler more wintery feel to this one and no where near as much colour as the Autumn one. Ill post both to show the comparison . Think the autumninal one was much better, but interested to see what the scene looks like through the seasons. I was also lucky today to be joined by Rowan Crew. I wish Id taken a picture of his painting. Quite different with a much higher horizon, but very nice:-) ..next excursion Sunday :-)

Winter Oaks Peasmarsh 12 x 16 ( Todays effort)

Autumn Oaks Peasmarsh 12 x 16 ( My first effort and favourite of the two)

Venice

2010-12-04T13:28:00.000-08:00

Just got back from 5 days in Venice. It was a last minute trip and I joined my friends David Bachmann, Roy Connelly and Paul Rafferty. Ive never been to Venice before but loved it..what a city! It deserves its reputation and has to be one of the most beautiful citys in the world, no wonder its been painted so much! On the downside the weather wasnt great and we had the Aqua Alta to contend with on 3 morning..apparently the highest in 4 years at 1.3m. So there was alot of wading to do. That wasnt to bad and it was really dramatic to see the city flooded. However the stench was disgusting and i literally threw up twice. One other highlight of the trip was satying in Ken Howards studio for a couple of days, which was surreal. I painted a couple of interiors but didnt do it justice. We literally worked from dawn to dark ( not dusk) and doing nocturnes was great fun and something I want to explore further. I ended up doing 23 paintings in 5 days as well as scraping of 3 others..not snapping any more :-) Paul did 28! ....

I also had the flight cancelled which caused alot of grief yesterday but enjoyed flying home club class. Below Ive posted a few from the trip

Salute nocturne 1 8 x 6

San Georgio nocturne 6 x 8

Salute nocturne 2 8 x 6

Fish Market 10pm

The interrupted proposal 8 x 10

Misty Afternoon on the Grand Canal 8 x 10

Winter Afternoon Sun St Marks Square 12 x 16

Sculptural colomn study fishmarket 10 x 8

Venetian horse study 12 x 12

Grand Canal from same spot as Monet and Ken Howard 8 x 10

Gondola Study 10 x 8

Salute door 16 x 12

The Grand Canal from Acadamia Bridge 12 x 16

Ken Howards studio 10pm 12 x 16

Salute 10,30pm 16 x 12

Under the arches St Marks Square 10 x 8

studio paintings

2010-11-21T10:45:00.000-08:00

Well Ive just had two whole days manning the old gaol. Its a lovely spave but after spending two boring days there last weekend , I decided to go prepared to paint between talking to visitors. I didnt get that much done, but did a couple of landscapes and a still life of Irises and eucalyptus. Hopefully Ill get out sometime this week. Next week Im off to Venice :-) Hard life...

Purple Irises, Eucalyptus and Chamberlain W/C 20 x 16

Kingston Barges 16 x 20 studio painting

Old Gaol

2010-11-17T00:02:00.000-08:00

Well finally my Old Gaol studio is open. I had the preview on Friday night and we had a great turn out..over 200 people. I didnt really know what to expect but it went well and 9 pictures were sold. Saturday was busy too but sunday was deadly! I sat there from 10 am until 4pm and only had 4 visitors.It was disgusting weather though. Its on for another week and then it will be used mainly as a studio not a gallery. It will be open by appointment if anybody is passing and wants a look. I have posted a couple of pictures of the gaol and of the small 6 x 8 still lifes I did on sunday to eleviate the boredom :-) This weekend I will set up a proper still life and do something more ambitious.

The Old Gaol opening night

Fresias 8 x 6

Back in the beautiful Kent Landscape.

2010-11-07T07:46:00.000-08:00

Well in the last month Ive painted all over the inclnuding Maine and London but have not painted the place I love best..home! I live in a truly beautiful area and sometimes it takes me a few trips away to realise Im taking it for granted. I havent painted much the last week but was joined by my friend Roy Connelly for an hour on the river Rother yesterday and today I went to the neighbouring village of Peasmarsh and did two paintings before being rained off. Id hoped to have stayed out all day but stulpidloly I forgot my coat and just got too cold. For a change today I did something I felt reasonably happy with .My first one was really just a tree study, but with the autumn colours it was begging to be painted. As my friend Roy said These autumn colours are natures gift to painters :-) Thats it for now..lets :-)

4pm on the Rother 8 x 10

Afternoon Light Peasmarsh 8 x 16

Autumn Trees Peasmarsh 12 x 16

First post for ages!

2010-10-30T06:26:00.000-07:00

Well since I returned from the states I have had very little time to paint. Infact Ive only done 4 paintings in the last two weeks, which is probably the least productive Ive been in the last 4 years! Ive had so much to do not least trying to get The Old Gaol studios ready for my forthcoming show that statrs on 12th November. I hope its going to be a good event and I have been very well supported by my painting friends. There are going to be some real gems on display. John Stillman, Trevor Chamberlain , David Bachmann and Peter Robson have already delivered their work and now Im just waiting for Roy connelly, Chris Daynes, Mike Richardson and Rowan Crews. Im excited to see what they will bring. Last week I joined Mike Richardson at Strand on the Green where we painted all day and then we visited the Affordable Art Fair at Batterse where we were both exhibiting with Enid Lawson. I had a dissapointing show there this year and only sold one. Compared to the 7 I sold last year it wasnt very good. Worst of all I thought I gave better work this year...maybe Im getting worse not better! Anyway below Ive posted 3 from last sunday and a couple of tasters of whats going to be in the Old Gaol :-)

Strand on the Green 16 x 12

Dusk Battersea Embankment 8 x 10

Morning light, Strand on the Green 12 x 16

Pines at Alatar Seville by David Bachmann...I love this!

Working Tug at Gravesend, watercolour by Trevor Chamberlain

MAINE TRIP

2010-10-11T11:19:00.000-07:00

Well Ive just returned from 8 great days in MAine. The weather was very mixed but managed to paint everyday even in the rain. When it got to bad too stand out Chris and I just sat in the front seat of the Dodge Charger hire car..not a great idea when you are as messy as me. It was fantastic meeting up with my American friends and to have the opportunity to paint with them. As well as meeting Skip Whitcomb, George Strickland, Ken Bachaus, John Budicin and Don Demers that I already know I got to meet and make friends with Stuart Fullerton, Steve Curry, Mark Rittorno, Ray Roberts and Christopher Blossom. It was very interesting to see everybodies different kit and approach , especially choice of subject matter. As usual the week went far to quickly but hopefully this will now be an annual event. Not necessarily in Maine but at different locations throughout the States. Anyway below Ive posted some images of my work and painting friends. I didnt do as much painting as I ordinarily would have as we also spent alot of time sightseeing, eating, drinking and talking :-)

Before the rain, East Boothbay 12 x16

Boat House East Boothbay 12 x 12

Another boat House 12 x 12

Afternoon light Boothbay Harbour 8 x 16

George Strickland, Cosy Harbour

Wet day Ocean Point boothebay 8 x 10

Add captionohn Budicin at Pemaquid Rocks, with Chris Daynes, Skip Whitcomb and George Strickland

Ken Backhaus at Cosy Harbour.

Late Afternoon Light Cosy Harbour 8 x 16

Mark Rittorno at Pemaquid

Morning light, King Phillips Trail, Boothbay 12 x 16

Parked up by the rocks on Southport Island 8 x 10

Towards Monhegan Island 8 x 10

A great new friend..Stuart Fullerton

Cosy harbour fishermans huts 12 x 12

Lobster boat 8 x 10

Pemaquid Rocks 12 x 16

Skip Whitcombs painting of Pemaquid Rocks

Skip at work

finished off my latest studio painting

2010-09-26T05:58:00.000-07:00

Well Ive finally finished off ( Maybe thats te right phrase) my latest studio painting. I enjoyed doing it but its completely different to paint outside on a small scale. In many ways I find it much more difficult especially only using the study for reference. Maybe I should have taken some reference photos to help. Will have to try and remember to take photos of the scene when I finish painting outside. Im definately going to try lots more big ones in the studio especially when the clocks go back in a few weeks time. Anyway here it is.

Udimore Pines 30" x 40" oil on canvas

Some from The past week

2010-09-25T07:20:00.000-07:00

Havent done a huge amount of painting for last two weeks, hence the reason I havent updated this blog. Ive been working on a big studio painting that Im donating to Benenden School Trust which they will auction in November. I missed last weeks Wapping trip but went this week to Richmond which was great. It was a lovely day and well attended with well over half the Wapping Group turning out and at a guess about 6 guests. Next wednesday is the last Wapping day of the year which is at Greenwich when the season is finished with Whitebait Supper. After that Im off to Maine for 8 days on Saturday..I cant wait. Ive just gessoed 30 boards, hope to use them all:-) Also this week my work is in a mixed show of still lives at Avery Contemporary Art in Cranbrook and at The Battle Contemporary Art Fair.Thats it!

Johns view Wittersham 12 x 12

Udimore Pines 30" x 40"...studio worknot yet finished

On the Thames at Richmond 12 x 16

By the Lock Bridge 9 x 12, Richmond...wonky figure need sorting :-)

Late Afternoon Richmond Bridge 12 x 16

Latest work

2010-09-14T00:50:00.000-07:00

Well havent had much time at all to paint lately which is a bit depressing. Last wednesday I went to Hoo Marina near Rochester with the Wapping Group. It was very interesting and despite the weather being very poor to start it ended up as a very nice day. I didnt do as much as usual just 2 16 x 12s. I spent alot of time looking around in particular at the Ships Grave yard. There must be at least 20 redundant Thames Barges in different states of decay, all tethered together on the waters edge. At low tide it was quite a sight but difficult to make work as a painting. There were also a couple ofvery nice barges which I always enjoy painting. On staurday I only managed to get time to do one painting in Rye. I found a great little corner up by the church but alas the idea was better than the execution :-) Supposed to be of to Mortlake Brewery tomorrow with Wapping Group but not so sure I can afford the time this week. Only 2 and half weeks to my trip to Maine, so lots to do.

Thames Barge at Hoo 16 x 12

Barge Graveyard Hoo 12 x 16

St Marys, Rye 16 x 12

latest paintings

2010-09-06T12:46:00.000-07:00

Well Ive had one of those really frustrating periods where Ive honestly felt like giving up. I went painting last week in Faversham for the whole day with firends and for the very first time ever didnt finish a painting . Infact I sneaked off and ad lunch and then had a nap by the river. I wiped one effort out and snapped another and then just watched the others paint whilst waiting to go home. Probably my worst painting day ever. I then decided to go out and paint something Ifelt familiar with to try and make myself feel better and sort of get back on track. I did two paintings , one 12 x 16 of pine trees at Udimore and the other 16 x 12 of an old oak on the corner of a field near Rolvenden. Neither are great but theyre a whole lot better than anything else Ive done for a while..in my opinion anyway. I really enjoyed the corner of the field painting and Have decided I have more of an affinity to this sort of subkject..perhaps I just find it easier to paint :-) Thats it for now. If the weather is okay Im off to Hooe Marina on wedsday.

Udimore Pines 2 12 x 16

A corner of the field 16x 12

A few from the weekend.

2010-08-30T23:16:00.000-07:00

Although it was Bank Holdiday weekend I didnt get much time to paint. Still got a couple of landscapes and a still life done though, so did get my fix. Dont know what if anything Ill manage to get done this week.Dont think Ill get a lot of time or opportunities to paint but will take my pochade box with me incase I get a bit of spare time.

The Old Oak 16 x 12

Walking the dog, Reading Street 10 x 8

Figgs 7 x 9

HeyBridge Basin Essex

2010-08-21T01:49:00.000-07:00

Not much painting this week although I did get to go to Heybridge Basin near Maldon with the Wapping Group. Really enjoyed it and its a nice spot. Its been facscinating discovering the Essex coastline and whilst it was never high on my wish list for venues to paint I have been quite suprised how nice it is. Below are my 4 efforts from the day.

Yellow yacht Heybridge basin 10 x 8

Rising Tide Heybridge Basin 8 x 10

On the river Heybridge Basin 12 x 16

Yachts Heybridge Basin 16 x 12

Paintings of Bath

2010-08-16T08:20:00.000-07:00

Ive just got back from 3 mainly wet days in Bath. The idea was that Id get 2or 3 whole days painting in but with my lovely family in tow that was not the case. I just managed to do a day and a half and got soaked in the process. Still it was fun apart from the drive.This wednesday Im off to Malden with the Wapping Group. Hope weather improves!

On the Avon 10 x 8

Wet morning, Bath Abbey 16 x 12

Abbey Green 12 x 16

Mozart study,Parade Gardens 10 x 8

Wet day, Quuens Square 8 x 10

Dappled light Queens Square 8 x 10

London Pictures

2010-08-07T03:34:00.000-07:00

Well since I last posted I have done a lot of painting. In fact probably too much and Im exhausted.Wont pick up a brush for a few days now. My friend Paul Rafferty came over for the week from France and although I couldnt get the whole week off I did get 3 days in total.. At short notice that was pretty good, but I will probably pay for it when I go back to work on Monday. I have also been suffering badly from gout,which is annoying especially as I virtually dont drink. Tuesday I was virtually bed ridden it was that bad. Luckily I was invited to stay in the house of one of Pauls friends in Barnes so we had early starts and late finishes but it was an intense and tiring 3 days. We were also lucky to be invited to paint at Sergeants old studio in Tite Street by Julian Barrow.Roy Connelly kindly arranged it so that was fun ..challenging though. Thats about it for now. Next week Im painting on Wednesday with the Wapping Group at Putney and then in Bath at the weekend as Ive entered The Bath Open event.

Trafalger square 16 x 12

Royal Opera Arcade 8 x 6

Path by the Thames Chiswick 16 x 12

Ynder the Rail bridge Strand on the Green 12 x 12

The Pink House Strand on the Green 1 12 x 16

Te pink House Strand on the Green2 12 x 16

The Band Stand St James Park 12 x 16

On The Mall 6 x 8

Early Morning light Putney 12 x 16

Trafalger Square Lion study 1, 12 x 16

Trafalger Square Lion Study, early evening 6 x 8

In Sergeants Studio

Picadilly Statue 16 x 12

Sergeants Studio 16 x 12

On the Corner of Gerrard Street 10 x 8

The house with the yellow door, Chiswick 8 x 6

This weeks efforts

2010-07-25T12:22:00.000-07:00

Well about time I posted a few more paintings as its about a week since I last did. This week I painted at ERotherhythe with The Wapping Group and at Camber and Udimore with my mate Chris Daynes. Its the first time in over a month that I painted with Chris and it was good to get out with him again.Thats it for now , will paint on Wedsneday in Hammesmith so that should be fun

Tower bridge from Rotherhythe 8 x 10

Evening picnic nr Tower Bridge 6 x 8

Towards Fairlight Head 12 x 12

Udimore Pines 12 x 12

Pine Study Udimore 16 x 12

paintings from this week.

2010-07-15T08:02:00.000-07:00

Well it doesnt feel like I ever went to France now that Im back in England and back to work. Its been a difficult week at work but Ive still managed to get quite a bit of painting done. Last Frday I went to London on business and then painted afterwards with my pochade box. I met up with my friend Roy and I also went to a great exhibition...Sergeant and the Sea...What that guy did when he was between 18 and 25 years old is stunning and also depressing :-) On Sunday I went to Bewl water for a family day out and sneaked in a couple of pochade box studies. Finally yeserday I went to Pinn Mill with the Wapping Group which was great..what a fantastic spot!

Summer Afternoon Southbank 6 x 8

Rush Hour Westminster Bridge 6 x 8

Bewl Water 1 8 x 10

Bewl Water 2 8 x 10

Pinn Mill 12 x 16

Thames Barge early evening Pinn Mill 12 x 16

Pictures from the Cote D Azur

2010-07-10T14:21:00.000-07:00

Ive just returned from 5 days painting with my friend Paul Rafferty in the Cote D Azur. We both worked very ard and did more than 15 paintings each...mostly 12 x 16s too which was exhausting, especially as it was so hot. I did a few I was happyish with but mostly dissapointed. Think I was trying too hard and in the company of a much more talented painter. That said I also feel I learned alot and had a great time!

NiceMarket 12 x 16

fountain Nice 12 x 16

Sun set Port d Olivett 8 x 10

Old Church Mougins 12 x16

Fountain St Paul De Vence 12 x 16

Parasol Pine 12 x 16

Towards Antibes 12 x 16

Statue Mougins 12 x 16

Villa Oroshnokov 12 x 12

Under the Parasol Pines 12 x 16

Fort Walls And Cactus Villefrance 12 x 16

On the rocks Villefrance 12 x 16

Beach cannes 1 12 x 16

Beach Cannes 2 8 x 24

Theoule sur Mer 12 x 16

Le Colomb D Or St Paul de Vence 12 x 16

Recent paintings

2010-06-24T01:35:00.000-07:00

Well I seem to be leaving it longer between posting, but hers my latest efforts. Since last posting I havent done anywhere near as much painting as Id have liked as Ive been doing Open Studios.I have had two outings with the Wapping Group, one to Henley on Thames and one to Kingston on Thames yesterday, which were both fun.

Rye Sunset 12 x 16

Boat houses Henley 8 x 10

On the river at Henley 8 x 10

Before the Regatta Henley 12 x 16

Henley 8 x 10

Dappled light, Tethered boats, Kingston 8 x 10

Barges on the Thames, Kingston 12 x 16

Thames boat house 8x 10

On the medway 8 x 10

Painting on my wedding Anniversary

2010-05-31T08:11:00.000-07:00

Well today I have been married 14 years. Its a long tme but its gone in a flash. Never thought Id get to paint today but Jo my wife wanted to go shopping and she knows I hate it so I was let out to paint. Annoyingly I had to be back by 2pm . I got back at 3 thinking Id be in trouble but now its 4pm and shes still not back so I could have spent longer painting. As it was I had a great time. Met up with Rowan and went to Udimore to paint the view at Watlands Farm where my friend Steve Duffy ( The Famous potter..thats for you stebe if you read this!) lives. Its a great spot and I hope to go there a lot more. Steve and his wife Angela made us a nice cup of tea and Im going to be in Jos very good books as Steve also gave me a great jug that hed made.Yesterday I painted briefly at the cricket in Woodchurch and the day before I painted even more briefly at HAstings after visiting my friend Andy Parkers show in Hstings. Thats it for now. Probably post after Wednesdays meeting with the Wappping Group. Off to Spitalfields Market so that should be interesting!

Hastings late afternoon 8 x 10 pochade study

Woodchurch Cricket 5pm 12 x 16

Winchelsea from Watlands Farm 12 x 16

Towards Winchelsea from Watlands Farm 12 x 12

Leigh at Sea with Wapping Group and Rother levels with Rowan Crew

2010-05-27T11:33:00.000-07:00

Still not painting as much as Id like but painted Saturday and yesterday , wednesday. Saturday I went to the Rother Levels . Its close to home and one of my favourite spots.I usually manage to do something that Im happy with there but maybe I was trying to hard. Had alot of fun and good company. I painted with my friend Rowan, who was `on form` and did some lovely work.

Then yesterday I drove to Leigh On Sea to paint with Wapping Group. It is a great spot and really enjoyed myself.About 9 members turned up , would have been nice to see some more, but a long drive for alot of them! Dont know when Ill get out next..tomorrow evening I reckon:-)

On the Levels 12 x 12

On the levels 4 x 12

Red Fishing Boat Leigh on Sea 12 x 12

Leigh on Sea 8 x 16

Fishing boats Leigh on Sea 8 x 16 ( My favourite of bunch)

Trevor Chamberlain at work hiding behind a hedge :-)

Rowans painting of the levels

First post for ages.

2010-05-20T09:47:00.000-07:00

Well Ive been very busy ..too busy for painting unfortunately . Since I last posted I really havent done much painting and its been pretty depressing. I painted a week ago with the Wapping Group at Chatham Historic DockYards, but had what was almost certainly my worst painting day for a year! I did a little painting on Sunday in Tunbridge Wells and then had the afternoon painting in Cambridge. All hopeless efforts. I think Ive been trying too hard.Then yesterday evening I painted at Leigh on Sea in Essex which is a marvellous spot. Thankfully I painted something I was reasonably happy with. I think I may just stick to landscapes boats and cows!Will try posting again more regularly, but thats it for now

Market Day in the Pan Tiles, Tunbridge Wells 8 x 10

The Endeavour at Leigh On Sea 8 x 16

Some new paintings

2010-04-29T09:20:00.000-07:00

About time I added to my blog..not quite a painting a day! I have had a few fun painting days lately including an afternoon on the Beach at Camber and yesterday in London as my first day as a candidate with the Wapping Group. Went to Isleworth but despite being beautifully sunny when I left home it was grey and overcast all day in London. The company was good but didnt find it the most inspiring place to paint. Finished off with the traditional whitebait supper that starts and ends the painting season for the Wappers. Most embarrased to be painting badly with Trevor Chamberlain looking over my shoulder. I expect even he has bad days..just less of them!

Camber 12 x 16

Towards Fairlight from the Dunes 10 x 20

The River to Rye 12 x 12

Rising Tide Isleworth 8 x 10

Te Tames at Isleworth 8 x 10

Latest

2010-04-21T11:53:00.000-07:00

Well havent posted anything this week but have done a few small paintings or sketchs:-)
Yesterday had to go to London on business but met up with Roy Connelly and did a couple of pochade box studies.Waslucky to bump into Ken Howard RA painting on Hungerford bridge. Not only is he a great painter he is a nice guy !

Today I painted with Chris Daynes and Rowan Crew on the Romney Marsh. Had a great time but have painted better ! Cant imagine Ill get any more done to post until te weekend and thats a bit doubtful as Im doing East Sussex Contemporary Art Fair.

Late Afternoon light, Hungerford Bridge 8 x 10

Tattershall Castle 6pm 8 x 10

me , my belly and Ken!

Towards Warehorne 10 x 20

Towards Wrehorne 2 12 x 12 Painted over an old painting, a mistake in this instance

Te edge of the field 8 x 10

A Day at the Beach

2010-04-18T10:14:00.000-07:00

Well oday spent most of day on beach at Camber and then Hastings..absolutely heaving it could have been high summer. Really trying to work on my figures but its so difficult with so many people about and with them always moving. Did 3 little studies at Camber then moved on to Hastings and did one 8 x 18. Also had fish and chips by the sea which was pleasant.
No painting now until Wednesday ..unless I manage to get ahead of my work load.

1st of day at Camber , building sandcastles( cricket match in background:-)) 8 x 10

Last one 8 x 16 Hastings

latest work

2010-04-17T10:31:00.000-07:00

Well Im not doing any where near a painting a day anymore, but did do 4 today and a couple on Wednesday. Have tommorrow painting too so maybe I will get 7 or 8 done this week..

One from Wednesday looking from Udimore to Winchelsea 12 x 16..love painting those pines.

On the Rother..glad to see the cows back. Ive done this scene a few times before but its better when the Lillies are out!

Didnt do tis completely today. Started it last year biut done another 20 minutes on it as weather almost the same and cows back!

First of te day from Point Hill House, Rye Stunning location and privaledged to paint there although it cost me this painting..apologies for poor photo!

Its been a while!

2010-04-11T05:37:00.000-07:00

Well its been quite a while since I posted on my blog. Have been busy at work and paly but not much painting. Went to Redrag Gallery in the Cotswolds which was good and will be showing work with them from June onwards. Had no time to paint there except a small sketch in a National Trust property thats name I cant for the life of me remember. Then on the following Wednesday took mine and Paul Raffertys work to hand in at RA and painted badly in London. This week Ive been at Centre Parcs in Holland with my family .. Again virtually no painted. Did two crap sketches there , didnt find anything to inspire me. On way back stopped in great Town of Gent , painted one scene of River that I was fairly happy with and did a nocturne at midnite with my might light..thats really sad isnt it! No rude comments please!

National Trust House Chipping Norton 6 x 8

Centre parks Holland. 8 x 10 not much there to paint!

"nd one in Centre parks..much a do about nothing ! 6 x8

Nocturne Gent . Painted at midnite with regular disturbance from drunks, but as much fun as Ive ever had painting!

The New Bridge Gent..what a wonderful town..painting oppurtunities at every corner. 8 x 10 with pochade box..got building upright for a change!

24t March 2010

2010-03-24T12:26:00.000-07:00

Well had the day off work today. Was going to paint alone but had the pleasure to paint with my friend Rowan Crew, which was great. We ended up going to Hastings before heading back to Rye and had a very enjoyable day! Was realtively happy with a couple and should have left it there. I will post all 4 but the last was a very lacklustre effort at the end of the day where I just experimented with using much thicker paint than normal and got in a mess :-) Next trip Stow on Wold on Saturday!

Hastings Boats 12 x 16

Yacht Rock Channel 6 x 8 over old painting

6 x 8 towards Rye Harbour

Awful Mess:-)

23rd March

2010-03-23T10:15:00.000-07:00

Well its been too long since I posted. So much for my painting a day! Not been very good and its proved impossible to do something everyday and run my life and business. I think when the nights draw out next week Ill have more of a chance to keep on track. I have been out a few times over te last few days and will post some of the results below. Not pleased with anything Ive done of late, but thats how it goes. Still enjoying painting but struggling with it at the moment.
On Sunday I joined some friends on Cheyne Walk in Chelsea and had access to the house boats to paint. A very kind lady that lived opposite also showed us her house which belonged to SIr Phillip Wilson Steer! She also opened a bottle of 1972 port for us and told us not to tell her husband:-) Got tomorrow of work and will paint all day somewhere ..cant wait!

House boats at Cheyne Walk Chelsea 12 x 16

Lots Road Power station from Cheyne Walk 8 x 10

Pochade box study Camber 8 x 10

15min study at Carshalton pond whilst waiting for John Stillman!

Hopefully I will paint better tomorrow!

day 71

2010-03-12T09:39:00.000-08:00

Well again a few days of no posting , but in fairness I havent been at home. Have had most of the week off painting in London with friends and went to the private view of RBA Show at Mall Galleries where myself and my friends Paul Rafferty and Roy Connelly all had work. I was suprised to win the Red Rag Award which is great news as the Red Rag Gallery in Stow on the Wold has now offered to show my work.

Didnt do a huge amount of painting and what I did was only average, but some really challenging subjects!

Wittersham Road Station 6 x 8

Hammersmith Bridge 8 x 10

Camber 10 x 20

Picadilly Gallery 8 x 10

Early Evening in the traffic Island outside Harrods

Day 66

2010-03-07T10:53:00.000-08:00

Well its been a while. My painting a day plan has definately gone out of the window. Running a busy business and having a family have made it impossible for me to keep to my self imposed schedule. I did have every good intention and am frustrated to say te least that I havent managed to find time each day. Last week was crazy at work and although I took my box every day I got nothing done. This weekend was beautiful but I had visitors all weekend and only managed to get out for a couple of hours this afternoon. Had a great time and really enjoyed my much neede `fix` although painted quite badly. I joined Chris Daynes at my friend Steve Duffys House in Udimore.He has what must be some of the finest views in East Sussex from his elevated position.My god it was cold and windy though . Within 10 minutes of starting I couldnt feel my finger tips or toes. I should have joined Chris in the comfort of my van with a pochade box. This is one painting that I might touch up abit as the paint was just so sticky I couldnt do any more. Anyway Monday tomorrow and Im going to attempt to start doing something every day again!

Towards the sea from Watlands Farm, Udiimore 12 x 16 oil on board

Day 58

2010-02-28T07:42:00.000-08:00

Well since returning from Antibes Im dissapointed to say until today I havent painted. Thats at least 3 if not 4 days in total. That said if you add all the paintings Ive done up in the last 59 days I think Ive still managed almost 1 a day :-) The weather has been awful since my return and also Ive just been so busy. Today I have spent a few hours sorting things out in my studio . Touching up paintings that have been damaged and I started a 20 x 30 studio painting of a parasol pine based on one of my studies from the past week. Have spent 2 hours on it so far but probably need one or two more hits another day. Im hoping this week to get back on schedule and start doing one painting a day. Perhaps I should have called my blog 1 painting every other day or so :-)

1st hit Parasol Pine Cap D Antibes 20 x 30

Larger painting wit study.I havent copied it exactly but just using it as reference. When its done Im going to attempt more ambitious one about 6ft x 4ft

My studio 1

My studio from above

Days 43 to 54

2010-02-24T05:37:00.000-08:00

Well I havent posted anything for several days as I have been away. First I went to Suffolk for four dayswith my family.Had hoped to do a few paintings but poured hard the whole time. So just did 2 pictures outside and a couple of crappy still lifes. Then I went back to work for a day before heading out to South of France . Met up and painted with my friend Paul eah day. Had a wonderful time, but again the weather wasnt fantastic apart from on the Saturday. Have posted most of what Ive been up to but have a few more to photograph. Back to normal now will try again to do something most days, but for sure its going to prove difficult :-)

The Beach at Dunwich Suffolk 12 x 16

Still life of lemons 6 x 8

Still life of mushrooms 6 x 8

Woodbridge from Sutton Hoo, Suffolk 12 x 16

Parasol Pine Cap D'Antibes 12 x 16

Sunlit Rocks Juan Les Pins 11 x 16

Parasol Pines 2 Cap D'Antibes

The Rail Crossing Mougines 8 x 10

Beautiful Villa Mougines 12 x 16

still life of 'Dorades' Casa Rafferty, Mougines 12 x 16

Wet Afternoon St Paul de Vence 12 x16

On the Road to Grasse 8 x 10

Towards Monaco from St John Cap Ferrat

Away for 12 days

2010-02-12T08:23:00.000-08:00

Im afraid I wont be posting anything for next 12 days as I will be away on holiday. When I get back I will hopefully have lots to add. Good news on Wapping Group front as today I found out that I have been accepted as a candidate. This means I can paint with them all season and apply for full membership in Feb 2010.. Just have to paint well :-)

day 42

2010-02-11T15:17:00.000-08:00

Had a great day today. Had to go to London and couldnt have worked if Id wanted to as I woke up to 7 inches of snow. Treacherous drive for 1st half hour and then amazingly at Maidstone no sign of any snow.
Got to London at 1pm only to find that Id left my tripod at home. Fortunately I had my little pochade box with me, so was able to do two little studys. Sat in Trafalgar square and painted with David Bachmann and Roy Connelly, and it was SO cold I couldnt feel my fingers. At 6pm had to hand my work in for viewing by selection committe of Wapping Group in the amazing rooms of the London Sketch Clubon Dilke Street. No idea how it went, probably wont find out for a few days. Whislt waiting the two hours for the committe to look, David kindly took me to the studio of his Lebanese painter friend in Tite Street called Romanos Moukarzel. ..a lovely guy and good painter.I felt a bit out of my depth as both he and David have done alot of portrait painting and Ive done absolutely none! The model was lovely but I felt awkward sitting on a little stool in the corner with my 6 x 8 pochade box. Would have felt much more comfortable standing at an easel. Anyhow I did my very first portrait..not a complete disater e=seeing as I only had a little over an hour on it, but lots to learn. I dont think Ill make a portrait painter though. The photo quality is awful as taken on my Blackberry again!

Into the sun through Marble Arch 6 x 8

Trafalgar square 6 x8

My first ever oil portrait 8 x 10

Day 41

2010-02-10T09:41:00.000-08:00

Well had busy morning at work although interrupted by several phone calls :-)
Snowed a little bit tis afternoon but didnt settle . Drove down to The River Rother at about 3.30 and did little pochade study with Chris. When we finished it started snowing very heavily. Tomorrow if weather is not to bad Im going to London all day to paint and then handing my paintings into the selection committe of the Wapping Group for which I am applying for canditure.I doubt very much that I will post anything tomorrow as it will be a very late night. Ive got some reasonable pictures to hand in but not holding by breath :-)

The Rother from Iden Lock 6 x 8

PD 40

2010-02-09T14:20:00.000-08:00

No painting during the day, but came home to find my wife Jo had set up a still life of pomegranates and Denby plate for me! How nice of her. By god pomegranates are hard to paint though..give me a fish anyday. All good experience I guess. I think the pomegrantaes could do with another hit when the paints a bit dry..abit splodgy at the moment.I was quite pleased with my knife though :-)

Pomegranates and Denby plate 12 x 12 oil on board

Day 39

2010-02-08T11:33:00.000-08:00

Well had a busy morning at work and then the weather turned bad. Had hoped to find some snow on the North Downs and ended up painting small pochade study in van at Bredgar ducik ponds with Chris. Really enjoyable and something I wouldnt have painted, but Chris fancied it. Very dark and close tond and my oor photo with blackberry doesnt help:-)

Bredgar Duckpond, winter 6 x 8

Day 38

2010-02-07T10:38:00.000-08:00

Didnt get out to paint today..had a family day, went for a walk in woods and had nice sunday lunch and shandy in pub. Got back and spent last two hours doing mediocre still life. Chris lent me his lustre jug to paint.. I know why now, setting me a challenge..what a difficult subject! I just stuck it on the table with my new book ..The biography of William Nicholson by his third wfe/partner Margeurite Stein. Well results are below. Hopefully paint outside tomorrow!

Chis's lustre jug and Nicholson 12 x 16 oil on board

PD 37 Bad painting day :-)

2010-02-06T09:55:00.000-08:00

Having had the day offf yesterday I was very happy to get out painting this afternoon. Whilst I really enjoyed myself I just couldnt get in the groove today and it was one of those days where painting feels impossible. I went to Rock Channel in Rye and spent nearly 2 hours labouring a way on a painting I should have given up on after half an hour..complete rubbish. I then drove back to the levels and started an 8 x 10 of the sun going down which I scrubbed out after 25 mins. Finally I did alittel 15 m 6 x 8 study..again not my best! I did say it was a warts and all blog so I will post both, but not proud :-) Maybe tomorrow I will do better. Certainly hope so.

12 x 16 Red & blue boat Rock Channel

15min study on the levels 6 x 8

Day 36

2010-02-06T01:02:00.000-08:00

Well for the first time since New Years Day I didnt paint..failure:-)
I had all good intentions, had my box ready, but just didnt find the time. I could have cheated and held back paintings when I have done more than one a day but it doesnt really matter does it. Hopefully Ill get something done today after I have done all my chores. Lots of DIY to do for my wife:-) Thats it for now

Day 35

2010-02-04T09:14:00.000-08:00

Just a very quick sketch today. Small 6 x 8 of Rye Fish market. Nearly lost the light before I even started but that in a way makes things easier as it simplifies everything. Only one more day and then the weekend. Then a week at work and then a week off split between Suffolk and South of France. Cant wait!

Last Light Rye Fish Market 6 x 8

Day 34

2010-02-03T11:59:00.000-08:00

Well went to Dungeness after work and bought some fish for tea. Ive been reading a fantastic book about the life of William Nicholson..boy was he a good painter. He was a master at still life and its not until you have a go at something as simple as a fish that realise just how good he was! Inspired by Nicholson I bought the most exotic fish on display a Jon Dory and some half a dozen fresh Rye Bay scallops that my 7 year old son adores. I painted this 12 x 16 study before eating it ..yum!
Thanks for everybodys comments greatly appreciated. I understand your message Rene, but I love painting and if I sound frustrated its because I cant do more of it. I dont think Im doing any harm or diminshing my enthusiasm for trying todo something everyday. I dont see it as any different to someone carrying a sketch book!
Thats it for today hope weater is better tommorrow oterwise I will have to think of another still life subject.

Jon Dory and Scallop 12 x 16 oil on board

Day 33

2010-02-02T14:57:00.000-08:00

Well as much as I really want to paint one a day its really proving difficult! Im so busy at work its proving nearly impossible to find the time every day, and Ive been getting up early. Yesterday doesnt really count although I did post an apple! Tonight I spent an hour on a small 6 x 8 study of wallnuts and a nut cracker. Not very good but actually very challenging as I just layed them out randomly on my oak table. Everything very close in colour and tone, which made it a real struggle! Painting isnt supposed to be easy so I guess it was good practice. No laughing or rude comments please. Lets hope Ican paint in the landscape somewhere tomorrow. Apologies for poor photo tonight taken on my blackberry and emailed to computer. I really couldnt be bothered to go to hassle of photographing with camera and uploading to computer!

day 32

2010-02-01T13:00:00.000-08:00

Well today i just about failed .. I tried to make time but was just too busy to paint. I got home had my dinner and just wasnt in the mood. I set up a still life, spent an hour painting which I enjoyed but it looked like crap..so I scrubbed it all out.. i was going to try again but have had enough and am going to watch telly..so that I can post something I did a sketch which sums it up today.. lets hope I can do something tomorrow!

PD31 Last day of first month

2010-01-31T10:31:00.000-08:00

Well had a great afternoon painting down at Rye with my friends Chris Daynes and Rowan Crew. We parked up and had to walk a mile along the river bank to get to a great spot thats a favourite of mine and Chris`s as we wanted to share it with Rowan. Really beautiful day to finish off my first month. Cant believe January has gone and that Ive managed to do something everyday! Just 11 months left!

Have uploaded both paintings and hopefully a little video which is something new for me. I bought a little flip video for a christmas present to myself..a nifty bit of kit :-) The first picture I have photographed crooked so it hasnt really got a wonky horizon.. Heres to february!

Rye from the Rother 12 x 16

Rye from the Rother No 2 8 x 16.. I was much happier with this one although it took half the time..less than 1 hour

DAY 30

2010-01-30T09:34:00.000-08:00

Got out this afternoon for a couple of hours,really nice weather today. Did one mediocre painting of view from The Old Rectory Small hythe. I have been commissioned to do a large painting of the view from the house, but I think Im going to have to do quite a lot of studies before I work out what and how im going to do it.

Afternoon view from the old Rectory small hythe 12 x 16

day 29

2010-01-29T09:49:00.000-08:00

Had an extremely busy day today and again Im pleased its Friday, althoug I have no idea where this weeks gone.
Stopped off just outside Wittersham the village where I lived and did a quick sky study. As I was packing up I notice the moon rising, so got my box out and did a 6 x 8 study which took abot 10mimutes.Would have done longer but couldnt see properly in my van. I did say this was a warts and all project so I will upload them both. Hopefully some better work over weekend!

Day 28..nearly finished my first month:-)

2010-01-28T09:51:00.000-08:00

Well I did manage to get something done today despite being very busy. Came home through Goudhurst and instead of taking main roads drove throug the country lanes to see if I could see anything interesting to paint. Ran out of light again which was a shame, cant wait for clocks to go forward!
This painting is 8 x 10 oil on board. Thats it for today.Going to chill

Towards Goudhurst Church, Late afternoon

Day 27

2010-01-27T15:36:00.000-08:00

I am still on schedule to do 1 a day. Think its going to be tough! Rene commented that I look like Im painting 2 or 3 a day but its only usually 1 apart from on some of my days off! Didnt get any painting done during te day today, but did a small still life this evening while my wife Jo watched the tv. Nothing on as usual and really enjoyed painting the study of my lead bust!The lead bust was given to me by a very kind gentleman and is one of my most treasured possessions. It was of a little girl and was made by the sculptor Bunny Cinden. It came from the garden of his old house and I assume was a cast off as it has a big crack/fault in the front. Ive always fancied painting it as I thought the greys of the lead were going to be a real challenge. " The famous saying by Velasquez defiunately came to mind, " Look for the coplours in grey and the greys in colour"

Im going to call it " The lead bust, study in greys"

think that sounds poncy enough :-)

off to bed now, got to get up for work in morning :-)

Yesterdays work day 26

2010-01-27T11:53:00.000-08:00

Imposting yesterdays work here as I didnt get home until midnight and didnt feel like uploading. Had the day of work( did saturday instead) and had intended to paint all day in London before going to Seago exhibition. Got stuck in traffic jam for four and half hours so that was really annoying. It was a lovely clear day in London but only did two pictures. Not my best thats for sure , but good fun all the same. First one was 8 x 10 at Regents Canal, looking towards Canary Wharf.Tried a different board. Claussens linen stuck to birch made by Sourcetek in America..did nt enjoy it much..very slippery. 2nd was 12 x 16 at dusk in St James Park. Took on something too big for the time of day and ran out of time and light.This is one occassion where I think I will try and do a bit more to finish it off in studio..thats probably what I will do..finish it off! Its 8pm now and I havent ad time to paint today. Im going to try and do another small still life so that I dont miss a day..but I might have to..Maybe two yesterday will count for 1 a day..who cares :-)

Regents canal 8 x 10

Dusk St JAmes Park 12 x 16

Day 24 & 25

2010-01-25T14:10:00.000-08:00

Well Im sorry I didnt post any pictures yesterday. I did paint in the afternoon with Chris Daynes and Rowan Crew at Rye Harbour..but not very well! Enjoyed it all the same but really didnt feel like uploading the photos in he evening. Today I nearly didnt paint at all and didnt manage to get the time during the day. Rather than being called a woose by my friend Paul for not keeping to my task I spent an hour painting a little still life. Why on earth I chose the most difficult and decorative thing I could find in my house I do not know..The little Royal Worcester Coffe cup was a present that I bought my dad when I was 10..next time I will choose something much more simple! The 1st of Rye is a red fishing boat that was up on the bank. I dont know what happened to me, after what seems like weeks of grey weather the sun came out and I put my technicolour glasses on! The second is almost dusk at Rock Channel. I did the same scene earlier in the week but this time lowered the horizon. They both measire 8 x 10. The coffe cup is 6 x 8.Tomorrow I am in London painting and then going to Seago exhibition so I wont post again until Wednesday when hopefully I will have a London picture or two to upload.Thats it for now.

The Royal Worcester Coffee cup 6 x 8

A slightly different version of same thing I did yesterday or day before 8 x 10 . Lower horizon and 1 hour later.

Red boat 10 x 8 another "turd" that will get painted over

Day 23!

2010-01-23T09:06:00.000-08:00

Cant believe we are nearly trough January. I worked today as Im having tuesday off to go painting in London and to go the the PV of the Centenary exhibition of Edward Seago at Richard Greens. Managed to make time to do another 8 x 10 pochade box painting at Rye just before dusk. Had fun but battled with diminishing light. Hopefully have a proper day painying tomorrow.

Day 22

2010-01-22T10:18:00.000-08:00

Thankgod its Friday! Had a very busy day and pleased its end of the week.Painted an 8 x 10 at Goudhurst ponds today .Miserable and grey but really enjoyed painting the scene and liked the reflections of the house lamps in the water, which is what made me want to paint there.I then came back and had another go at my large studio picture.

DAY 21

2010-01-21T09:07:00.000-08:00

What a relief it was today to see the sun! I dont know if its just me but every one seems happier when the suns out. Did a little sketch this afternoon on the way back from Hastings on the Rye Road, looking towards Udimore. 8 x 10 . Ive painted at tis spoy many times before usually either in the snow or at sunset in the summer. Different experience sitting in front seat of van with pochade box on my knee, but fun all the same!Got a very busy day tomorrow so may leave home really early and do a sketch to start the day of.

Day 20

2010-01-20T10:08:00.000-08:00

Well It turned wet again today and another busy day at work. Stopped on way back in a lane near Wittersham and did small 6 x 8 looking across the fields using my pochade box. Nothing special, but at least I got my daily fix :-) Choice of subject limited by amount of daylight left!

Hopefully get a bit more time tomorrow afternoon to find something more interesting.

Day 19

2010-01-19T10:32:00.000-08:00

Well I didnt get anytime today at all.I had planned to finish at 3.30 and do one painting but alas I didnt finish until 4.30 . So determined to do a painting a day not for anyone else but myself and out of desperation I stopped in Tenterden High Street at 5.30 and spent half an hour painting this nocturne( Turd!) I wouldnt ordinarily show anyone and would definately snap it , but am only doing so to prove I am obssessed and did paint today.I also believe this should be " A warts and all Excercise". Thats it Im sure every painter does his or her share of rubbish and this one will at some stage in the future be painted over or snapped!

Tenterden High Street Nocturne 6 x 8

Day 18

2010-01-18T10:45:00.000-08:00

Had a very busy day at work today and really didnt think Id be able to make the time to paint. However I had to go to Rye so stopped on the way on the bridge that crosses the Rother and painted the picture above. It measures 8 x 10 and took me 30 minutes...I know it probably looks like it! At least Im managing to stick to my guns and paint every day..so far. Apologies for poor photography.