Helford River Under a Big Sky

Helford River Under a Big Sky
Large Moleskine sketchbook
Watercolour
21cm x 60cm or 8in x 24in

The maiden voyage of my new boat yesterday and a new large Moleskine, inspiring!
We sailed out of our little creek, round Dennis Head to the mouth of the Helford River.
To see more of the boat visit Watermarks.
The sky seemed so big out at sea, great banks of cloud looming up over the land and the sea was big too, and blue. I am not too sure about weather systems, maybe these big clouds have rain in them because today has been wet, grey and windy.
I have just come back from gig rowing, in the grey rainy wind. It was fabulous but I got soaked as Coco the art hound decided that she didn't want to stay on the beach and swam out to the fast disappearing boat. She, not the smallest of dogs, had to be hauled aboard, where she sat wet but happy while I rowed. I was a bit embarrassed to have such a foolish dog but secretly pleased by her loyalty to her mistress!

Misty Morning Helford River

Misty Morning Helford River

Watercolour

Moleskine Sketchbook

Over on Watermarks, as it is Earth Day we are all trying to mark it in some way. I was late to the plan and so I took my sketchbook out with me this morning when I walked the dog and did this. I walk the coast path beside the River Helford, it is a stunning place and is enough to remind anyone of the need to look after what we have, our beautiful mother.

So pop over to the Watermarks blog to see what everyone is doing for Earth Day

New Leaves

New Leaves
Oil on gesso board
15cm x 15cm or 6in x 6in

New leaves decorate old wood,

moss covered, ancient,

a new head on old shoulders.

Light Breeze.

Light Breeze.

Oil on gesso board

15cm x 15cm or 6in x 6in

Bright skies and shining water,

a light breeze shuffles the colours,

leaves whisper together.

Blackthorn in the Rain.

Blackthorn in the Rain.

Oil on gesso board.

15cm x 15cm or 6in x 6in.

Blackthorn softened by blossom,

swans feeding,

river lost in the rain.

Little Boat, Misty Morning

Little Boat, Misty Morning

Oil on Wooden Panel

15cm x 20cm or 6in x 8in

Still misty morning, the air barely moving, just a breath of damp spring mist rising off the river. Silence, bird calls muffled in the mist, lapping water softened. I think in whispers, the dogs breathing is too loud!

River Tree

River Tree
10cm x 10cm x 3cm or 4in x 4in x 1.5in
Oil on wooden panel

Another tiny study. I love looking through trees to water beyond. The tree becomes a silhouette and breaks the subject beyond into abstract shapes, which, I think, helps with seeing colours and tones and the way the light sparkles.
Again, here it is small, they work well that way.

Cold Shining Water

Cold Shining Water

10cm x 10cm x 3cm or 4in x 4in x 1.5in

Oil on wooden panel

Just starting a series of tiny tree and water studies, all gallery bound, on these beautiful wooden panels that I have vowed to use... forever, they are so good.

These tiny ones are interesting as the further away from them you get the better they look, see here in the smaller image.

I visited the gallery yesterday and was really excited to see one of the triptych's framed, it looks stunning, really good, I was very proud. Framing makes such a huge difference. The only one there is Stones because the other two sold straight away to Portugal but I am inspired to do some more almost just for the pleasure of seeing them framed. The exhibition opens on Friday and I will be interested to see if Stones sells.

Rope & Shadow

Rope & Shadow
15cm x 30cm or 6in x 12in
Oil on Wooden Panel

I couldn't help it, once the sketchbook was in my hand I just carried on, and what a pleasure it is to paint. There is work and life and everything else and then there is painting. For me this is the place where I forget where I begin and end... my breathing space.
This piece was a fine example, wandering through the abstract shapes, lines and colours, seeing how light changes colour, looking at representing textures. Now I feel like a new person, refreshed and full of energy.
Beside the Wave gallery have just put the preview catalogue for the Easter Show on line and I was very happy to see that all three of my paintings have sold already! I had better put my burst of spring energy to good use and get painting.

Masking Tape

Masking Tape
Moleskine Sketchbook.
Watercolour

I cant believe it, it has been nearly a month that I have neglected this sketchbook... shame, shame.
I have been working on a lot of illustration, several commissions and painting my boat... excuses, excuses
One morning, early, I was down by the boat, still, silence, save for the lapping of the water and a few rooks clacking their way into the morning. The sun was promising a very fine day, casting shadows onto freshly painted boats. Masking tape strips hiding crisp lines... boats ready for the unveiling. In the air hangs the scent of daffodils and fresh new leaves. Colours are bright. Spring. Its all so exciting!