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

Sketchbook Saturdays 2015, Broughton House, Kirkcudbright

It's that time again! Come and join me in Hornel's beautiful garden! We sketch from 10-12noon, we have the place to ourselves!

Should the weather be inclement, we can sketch in his studio and main gallery.

the dates are June 27, July 11, August 8, and September 5th

The cost is £10 per Saturday.

Here are some photos from last year

Guten tag and Happy News!

I am staying in Dortmund in Germany this week, I was asked to give a lady pastel lessons in exchange I get stay in a beautiful atelier. So we paint in the morning and I explore in the afternoon.

No painting yesterday, we spent the entire day in Dusseldorf, a wonderful city, full of beautiful architecture and sculpture, old and new, we returned tired but content at 10pm.

On my return to the atelier, I received the news that I have won the Thornhill Art Prize and £300. I am thrilled with the award and the money will help to pay for a trip to Gloucester to see our daughter in the Cotswolds.

Tolbooth Arts Centre Kirkcudbright - "A Slice of Life" Show Now On

At last all my paintings are finished, framed and for sale!
I set up last Wednesday. B helped me lug everything in and up to the second floor where the main gallery is situated (we used the lift). Then I was left in peace to hang the 42 paintings!
Before I even started any painting, I measured the walls of the gallery, noted other places I could place work on table easels, in window ledges etc. I then worked out how many paintings would fill the space. 

All that planning made such a difference when it came to the hanging. I had made a simple wall plan beforehand. It took me all day to get everything lined up etc but I really enjoyed the process.

I had a meet and greet with wine and nibbles on Saturday afternoon, which I have no photos of - it was so busy, no one managed to get their cameras out!

I welcome everyone to come along and view my new work, the exhibition is on till the 25th inclusive.