Two Days till Kirkcudbright Art and Craft Trail

This afternoon we get the marquees up, this morning I am still framing. My car is loaded with the tent, the sun is shining, for now. It would be great if it could stay like that till we are finished this afternoon!

There are six of us, artists and crafters. 

The close entry is to the right of the Co-op building. Follow the cobbled path to a beautiful secret garden, where we will be showing our wares. I will have some photos soon!

Lemon and Lime

Another painting sold at the Whitehouse Gallery, Kirkcudbright, summer exhibition. This was a new colour combination for me, the blue glass making its first appearance in a painting.

I've just completed a commissioned still life, also a first. I hadn't appreciated the difficulties of placing someone's precious items into a pleasing composition. I couldn't add a little something to pep things up as obviously my things have no place in the mix!

Kirkcudbright Art and Craft Trail commences next Friday 31st July, I have a million and one things to do, to prepare for the four day event. This year I am showing my work , not in my own studio and garden , as in previous years but in my marquee in the centre of town. I'll keep you informed of my progress.....

Summer Workshop and Ballet

This painting is for sale and hanging in the Town Hall Kirkcudbright, peruse my new work as you climb the stairs to the main hall

These are not my ballet shoes, I didn't have dancing lessons as a child, my parents couldn't afford them but I had a cousin who sang beautifully and attended all sorts of dancing and singing classes. I was green with envy as I watched my Auntie sewing on glittery sequins to Maureen's plain old navy gym knickers, transforming them into a thing of beauty!

I used to stuff the toes of my sandshoes (plimsoles to non Scots) with cotton wool and whilst holding onto the bathroom door handle, try and stay on my "points,"that being the nearest I got to ever being a ballerina!

Places still available on my Summer Painting Workshop, please contact me to book, see contact details below

Sketching Selling and Family Time!

It has been a busy weekend. My Sketchbook Saturday at Broughton House on Satuday morning was well attended, we had a fun morning and the weather was kind to us as we enjoyed sketching the beautiful garden. 

Quite a few first time sketchers. Great that they all commented on how they had loved their "maiden voyage" and will certainly be doing it again!

Saturday afternoon I sold this little oil painting which has been on show in The Whitehouse Gallery, Kirkcudbright, in their Summer Exhibition

We had the boys for lunch, the three generation tucking in. I sneaked away with little Logan, we had a super time, coffee out in town too! Sunday B and I walked out to our local yearly Country Fair. 

The Figures Have It !

After spending the last few years painting still life, I feel I am reaching burn out. Painting 50 paintings for two exhibitions, was a tough one!

There were lots of highs and lows in the process but I learnt so much too, added a couple of new colours to my limited palette and I was delighted with the colours I could produce, just with this little tweak, upping the chroma in my work a little.

A few weeks of no painting, a teaching holiday and a short break, I started painting again yesterday.

Figures - my first love! The whole day was a joy! I'm working acrylic on watercolour paper, both challenging in themselves, as I am an oil on board girl!

I have no idea how this piece will pan out, I'm not pushing it, just enjoying the process...I am one lucky woman , to do what I do.

Saturday 11th July - Sketchbook Saturday, Broughton House, Kirkcudbright

Come along and sketch with me, in the beautiful gardens of Broughton House, Kirkcudbright! It's great fun!
Beginners and experienced sketchers all welcome. Should the weather prove inclement, we can sketch in Hornels Studio and the Main Gallery. Refreshments included - the coffee is delicious!
Saturday 11th July - Sketchbook Saturday 10-12noon 
Broughton House, Kirkcudbright - £10
Booking recommended 01557 331313 or email msm.art@btinternet.com