Jan Painting and Drawing Lessons

The lull between Xmas and New Year, a time to prepare for the coming months

I have my posters all ready to hand out for the next session  of painting and drawing classes. We will now meet in Greyfriars House, giving us more space!

Anyone interested in coming along, just email or give me a call!

January 2014 Thirty Paintings in Thirty Days Challenge

I am planning to take part in another 30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge this January! I AM mad but honestly it is very rewarding! One thing I don't want to repeat this January, is not knowing from day to day what my subjects will be! The early morning panic - what shall I paint - help.......ahhh..... lunchtime - what shall I paint - help.......I have to start painting!!!!! That's the pressure point!
So, instead of inwardly shouting "help" at that point, I'd love your help - NOW!! PLEASE!!!! Send me suggestions that I could do a series of, maybe 3 or 4 variations or different colour variations of the same subject, anything that comes into your head.... obviously your suggestions need to include items I can get my hands on!

I have been suffering alot of shoulder and upper back pain over the last few months - which began in earnest whilst I was hard at work painting for the Whitehouse Gallery Xmas Exhibition. I presumed that my osteoporosis was worsening - I am delighted to say it has not, in fact, my bone density has improved! So much so, I am now just borderline!!!! So the pain is purely muscular and needs physio and pilates, no medication!

Male Model Two Life Drawing

This male model could only model for us for one evening, as he had hurt his foot. I don't think he was exactly delighted to see the sarong, coolie hat and parasol our artist brought along but he looked great! 

I hope he can come back to model for us in the new year!

New Session Painting and Drawing Classes

My drawing and painting classes recommence on January 31st to April 4th 2014. Fridays 10-1pm, being held at Greyfriars House, Kirkcudbright. A ten week block costing £100
Email for registration - msm.art@btinternet.com

I am now working on Xmas commissions - hope I get finished in time!!

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!