Female Model 1 Life Drawing

This lady is such a character and will try anything for us, so wearing high heels and nothing else, didn't phase her at all.
I love the way she holds her head as she poses and try to get the head done first. As I said in a previous post, the variety of props has been interesting! I took a fit of the giggles when the tennis racquet was brandished by our model! She took no offence but said if she had had a ball, it might have came in my direction!

This lady of "a certain  age" is so vivacious, she does her own modelling slots and when one of the other models can't make it for any reason, she always helps us out! You may notice a little tail on one of the sketches..... Tony was in charge of the poses that evening and requested, "think mermaid" which I duly did, hence the tail! Great fun....

Male Model One - Life Drawing

I have found this last block of life drawing sessions, have become my favourite so far. Nearly all the artists have been posing the models - bringing along props for them to use, sit on or wear. My next few posts will consist of collages made from my sketches, model by model.

This particular model is of Eastern European descent which is very obvious in his facial features - though as you can see I haven't managed to catch that, this time round. He has been modelling with us since the beginnings of our group, almost 3 years ago.
I use a good quality cartridge paper and water soluble pen or pencil - I found the blue pencil last Wednesday and thought I would try it out that evening - not keen, I think I will leave it at home from now on!

Oil Painting Workshop Review

What a great group of artists attended my one day oil painting workshop yesterday! Three were Life Drawing Group devotees plus three new faces!I set up the hall on Friday evening - it was like moving house! I had to write a HUGE list, then tick off as I loaded the car. It only took an hour to set up - at least 3 times that to gather everything together and get the car ready!

I supplied everything, they just had to turn up! Then the hard work began! We were using Winsor and Newton Artisan Water Mixable Oils with their Quick Drying Medium, painting small still life pieces! Commencing with a simple subject in the morning, the lad and lassies chose from a selection of still life items I had brought along.

We had a warming lunch, interspersed with stories and laughter. The mood was more serious in the afternoon, deep in concentration, most having started a second piece. Colour mixing with a limited palette was new to all but they were keen to learn as much as they could. I really appreciated everyone's help, clearing up at the end of the day. See the gang above. I couldn't have asked for a nicer bunch!

Exhibition Going Well

I seemed to have neglecting my blog of late, sorry to all my followers. There just doesn't seem to be enough hours in the day and even when there is, I don't have any energy left.......
Only 2 more weeks of life drawing sessions, I love it, but it is something else to think about.
Along with 8 other artists I attended a Kevan McGinty workshop on Saturday. Kevan works very freely and in acrylics - the very opposite from the way I work. I had NEVER painted in acrylic in my life till that day! All I used them for was tinting my gesso for my oil panels!
We used them like watercolours, we dripped them on, we ladled on gesso, we washed over that. We cling filmed, scraped back.... after feeling completely lost in the morning - as well as covering my face and specs in spatters of bright green paint, I began to really enjoy myself. Kevan is such a nice man, he made the day very special!

Today I sold another painting at the Whitehouse Gallery's in their "Little Wonders" exhibition - that makes four pieces sold in total, so far. The exhibition closes in early Jan, so get yourself along and see all the paintings, sculpture, jewerelly, ceramics, glassware, woodwork, and so much more! This is the work I sold today.

This coming Saturday, I have my own workshop "Oil Painting in a Day" so am using every spare minute to get my self organised as well as working on portrait commissions. Xmas is going to creep up on me again, at the last minute, like it does every year lately!
Anyone interested in attending my future workshops, send me an email through my website or a message on Facebook

One Day Workshop 23rd November

I have a one day workshop on Sat 23rd November 10-4pm - Oil Painting in a Day - £50, all materials supplied. Being held in Ringford Village Hall, just off the A75. Tea, coffee, biscuits and lunch all provided - spaces still available

This little painting sold at the Whitehouse Gallery this week - "Crabby Apples"

Go to their website, click on "paintings" then on "Margaret S Milligan" and see what is on show in the gallery

Successful First Day!

After running to the loo umpteen times before going down to the gallery for my opening, I realised I was early - as usual! I went into a local dress shop and chatted for 10 mins so I wouldn't walk into the gallery early - I still ended up the first one there!!
Lots of friends came along, it was so lovely that they came to see my work - the champagne and chocolates might have helped too!!
I sold TWO paintings, I am thrilled to bits!
This is one of the works sold - go to my facebook page to see the other - please like my page if you haven't already!

Little Wonders Exhibition Opening Sat 2nd Nov

I am so excited and a little nervous! My first showing in the Whitehouse Gallery, Kirkcudbright!!! Please come along, lots to see -  there will be a large range of craftmakers and artists' work on display and for sale! There will be yummy chocolates and champagne too, just to add to the experience! Tomorrow SAT 2nd NOV from 11am!!!
Here is a little preview!