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Lidya Endzo Kun iLLa
I have been reading Trudy Friend’s book, “Landscape Problems and Solutions”, to help me do my seascape. So many art instruction books are more about the artist showing off their work than telling you what to do, but Trudy Friend actually guides you through it properly. Her books are always about drawing and watercolours (although this one has some information on gouache). Perhaps one day she will wrote one about how to use oils or mixed media.
I have continued to progress with my Welsh seascape, and have more or less completed the sky. Isn’t it colourful? I’m glad I’ve got a good range of watercolours now. I’ve made a start on the sea, headland and boats but there is more to do, especially on the sea. This picture doesn’t show the whole painting, as I have scanned it in to save time. Once I complete it, I’ll photograph it and show you it properly.
At art group, we have continued to debate a suitable place to visit for a painting day. People have also begun to bring items in to put on display at the forthcoming St John’s church fair, on 13th and 14th August. I am taking my own table in this time, to add to the ones they supply, so that we can have a larger display than last time. The club decided against buying any folding display stands, which would have been helpful in showing our work, because they are so expensive. No one wants to exhibit in this area, other than our once a year exhibition, as they would not expect paintings to sell in the current economic climate.
On a happier note, here is one of my 4 year old son’s paintings “a fairy” – do you think he has inherited any abilities from me? Or should I be learning from him? Answers on a postcard …
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Lidya Endzo Kun iLLa
This week, I decided I needed some new watercolours to do my New Quay painting. I needed a better variety of colours than the basic 10 or so watercolour tubes I already had (plus Naples Yellow), so cue a visit to “A for Art” in Chesterfield. While I was there, I enquired about having a display of my paintings in their window. I have to take some examples of my work in to show them, and then there is a 13 month waiting list, as paintings are exhibited for four weeks at a time. Cotman studio set - 40 different colours and built in pallettes - a bit of luxury for a change.I‘ll probably go again when I’ve completed the painting I’m doing at the moment - by then it’s likely I’ll need to go to Chesterfield anyway for something else. There are certain things you cannot buy in this village, such as shoes, and the chocolate robots my son likes, which come from a specialist shop. Also there’s only one bank. A for Art do craft demo days, listed on their website: http://www.aforart.com/
On Kevin’s advice, I also bought a frame for the painting before starting it, as it is a “wide angle” one, and a suitable frame may be hard to find once it’s completed. It does mean I am forced to complete the little beggar, for better or worse. I have gradually been progressing it today, and the colourwash for the sky, which is several different colours, has blended together nicely, as has the sea. I have been painting the clouds, and will be making them paler. I haven’t painted the headland yet, as you can see.
At art group, a man and a woman from the local council came to present us with a small grant. She took a photo of him presenting it to Maggie, and asked to photograph some other members too. As I’d washed my hair that morning, I agreed to be photographed next to Elizabeth. I tried to put a bit of “lippy” on, but didn’t get much chance, so I ended up with just a bit in the middle, reminiscent of Hilda Ogden on Coronation Street many moons ago. We might be featured in the local papers, so watch this space for a “Fame At Last #3” post.
Posted by
Lidya Endzo Kun iLLa
At last I’m back at art group after a three week absence, and today I’ve been trying out some masking fluid (a Christmas present) to help me do some fluffy clouds for my Welsh sunset (see previous post). We are having a heat wave in the UK at the moment, which didn’t help matters. Right, here goes - masking fluid on for clouds, colour wash applied evenly to create sky, so far so good. Time to remove the fluid now – oops! I have removed the top surface of the paper as well. Ocean going cock up. “Masking fluid doesn’t keep long!” explained Kevin. His preferred method is to lay a colour wash, then use some tissue paper to remove some of the colour. I had another try, and, as he pointed out, the clouds needed a hint of colour – at that time of the day they would not be white any more. I therefore tried Naples yellow – a very pale beige yellow – or the nearest approximation I could mix. Gill had some oil paint in that shade, which I tried to copy, and I hope to buy some proper water colour paint in that shade soon.
Kevin was a great help, as people often are in the group – all have their different strengths, and I do find being in a group beneficial. I think Kevin is talented enough to run his own class. Talking of which, I have been following the local artist Matthew Palmer in his watercolour painting series, in which he teaches a beginner some basics. I was very impressed at how he got a passable landscape from the slightly nervous beginner. He used a simple technique and three colours, to keep things as easy as possible for her. For UK viewers it is on the Sky Painting and Drawing Channel, 4 pm Sundays.
Anyhow, onto my Versatile blogger awards – first of all, seven things you didn’t know about me.
Favourite animal: cat; I passed my driving test at 2nd attempt at the age of 21; favourite colour: lilac; I have lived in three cities, two towns and one village; I have traced my family tree back to 1570 when records began; favourite actor: Jeremy Irons; my left foot is a size bigger than the right one. Favourite film: Shawshank Redemption. Sorry I’m not that interesting. Will that do?
My winning blogs for versatile blogger:
Art and Crafts:
www.justaddwatersilly.com/ - Jennifer McLean has a degree in psychology and a burning desire to paint in watercolour. Follow her progress, whether zentangles or flowers.
http://web.mac.com/johnorsue/ODENHEIMERS_DUSTN_LINT/Blog/Blog.html - woodworking blog.
Erin Basset’s CreativitE: www.erinbassett.com/
http://www.loveimaginecreate.com/
http://itssoverycheri.com/ featuring crafts from many different people.
Humour:
http://stacysays.blogspot.com/
www.ohhonestlyerin.com/ - share her ups and downs.
http://www.nannygoatsinpanties.com/ (yes I know). Interesting articles including goat item every time.
http://gaywarfare.blogspot.com/ - Wry humour, provocative and pretty to look at – not just for gay people. I immediately sympathised with his inability to manage without concealer.
www.cabbagesnkings.net/
Travel:
http://scotlandhereandnow.com/ - a variety of articles from a Scottish correspondent.
Cookery:
www.joythebaker.com/ delicious looking recipes.
Blogging:
http://ideasbubble.com/ - Peter, a 15 year old Australian kid blogger has some impressive blogging knowledge and thoughts to share. Good links too.
General:
http://vivobello.blogspot.com/
http://bloomingonbainbridge.blogspot.com/ - join the delightful Teresa, husband Greg and dog Doogan in her lavishly illustrated blog, enjoy watching her diverse interests and hobbies, described with great enthusiasm.
Bye for now,
Jewel
