Paul Apps - Tales from the easel

New Blogs on my own website

2012-01-22T13:02:00.000Z

New blogs!

I have been updating my website and have already transferred my Tales from the Easel blog to it some weeks ago.

For those who have wondered why my Blogger site has remained quite, now you know.

check out www.paulappsfineart.com

All my news can now be found on one of two blogs being updated.

'Tales from the Easel'

and the second a new one called

'Studio News'

This new blog is where everyone including all my collectors and students alike can stay up to date and in touch with all that is happening now in my new studio, based in Marine Walk Street, Hythe, Kent CT21 5NW.

From news bullitins to what is coming up at the studio to what I am painting on will be posted here.

so book mark this blog and stay in touch.

constructive feedback is always welcome.

many thanks

Paul

New Weekly Art Classes

2012-01-12T21:00:00.000Z

The first terms classes of 2012 have now started in the new studio at Marine Walk Street in Hythe.
Monday morning along with Monday afternoons are now full.

There is now a waiting list for places for next term should they become available.

Due to the demand a new session has been arranged for
Tuesday Afternoons between 2pm and 4pm.

If you are interested in a place on this class please call Paul on 07746 887815 to avoid disappointment. Classes are strictly limited to 12 students.

Wednesday evening class is growing fast and now has only 4 spaces remaining
times are 6.45 to 8.45

New Workshop date launched on my website

2011-11-06T14:03:00.000Z

I have launched the first six months of workshop dates for 2012 on my website at http://www.paulappsfineart.com/workshops.html So please pop along and have a look at the titles and details. see if you would like to attend one and simply book online via pay pal it is so easy.

Please do not forget all my other teaching opportunities including my weekly classes in Hythe.

Also please check out my continuing blog on my website at www.paulappsfineart.com

many thanks

Paul

New Blog at a new location

2011-08-06T16:56:00.001+01:00

This message is for everyone who keeps an eye on my blog posts here on Blogger. I have just changed my website to a new location and have attached a new blog to it.

So please

MAke a note of this new address and book mark it for the future.

All my latest work, offers and news will be on this new site

http://paulappsfineart.weebly.com

Thankyou

Images painted at the CLA

2011-08-04T18:33:00.000+01:00

Pintail flight study for larger work

9" x 12" oil on natural linen

Whilst at the CLA I took a couple of blank canvasses to work on whilst there. On my publisher, Sally Mitchell's stand a small group of us paint for the duration of the show.

I part worked upon a fox hound image, but was eager to explore the ephemeral approach I had in my mind on these two paintings. I hope that you like them as much as I enjoyed creating them.

Painting in the Castle Grounds

2011-07-31T15:32:00.000+01:00

Oil on panel 8 x 12

Plein Air

Well recently I was invited to the famous Saltwood Castle which is only 500 yards from our home. So to be able to paint in the grounds was fantastic. I also took some pics as I had only a limited time to work.

I managed two images, though the wind took my easel over and smashed the side of my open box m pochade ( now fixed as best I can) and the painting was smeared across the grasses. That ended that work.

I then painted this statue of an ancient female warrior figure, nestled within the grounds of the once Archbishop's private garden. I would love to think that she was possibly our much loved Queen Boudicca. Who knows, the details are long lost and only the romance remains.

The Castle was slept in by the assassins of Thomas A Becket in 1170 AD.

Wow that's history!!

New Demonstration for Paint Magazine

2011-07-15T17:51:00.000+01:00

This is my latest work created as an oil demonstration for the S.A.A. Paint magazine in the autumn.

It is a stage by stage plein air work created in one and a half hours, contre-jour view from the North Downs at Stone Street towards Sussex and near to where I live. The painting in oil on panel measures 12" x 16". Look out for the image in the magazine, and if you are not yet a member of the Society of All Artists then might I suggest you join.

www.saa.co.uk

A great organization for beginners to professionals alike.

Plein Air Studies 7th June

2011-06-08T20:24:00.000+01:00

8" x 12" oil on panel

This is a plein air study created at Lower Upnor on the River Medway

I enjoyed the crane and barges moored alongside the boatyard.

4" x 12" oil on panel

This was my second panel of the afternoon finishing around 5pm

The same area of Lower Upnor taking in the littlle half size Thames barge called 'Whippet'

with Upnor Castle in the background.

Both panels are for sale and will be featured on my other blog site in due course.

Little 5" x 7" studies, a new idea to study painting light

2011-06-08T20:05:00.000+01:00

English Grey Partridge Study

5" x 7" oil on canvas panel

This is the start of a new set of work aimed to study simple subjects and lighting. They will be sold unframed and be more affordable for new collectors wishing to start owning my art.

It will be posted for sale on my other blog as soon as I can put it there.

New Plein Air Workshops - Book your places now

2011-05-17T09:47:00.000+01:00

I have been asked many times as a result of my talks and demonstrations to art societies if I will do some workshops.

Well this year I am slotting in three En plein air workshops if the weather is kind.

The spaces will be very limited on each occasion so they will be allocated on a first come first served basis. Early booking is highly recommended to avoid disappointment.

Booking call me on 01303 265126 or Email me on paul@paulapps.com

At this time only three dates have been set, others might be added later depending on how busy my schedule becomes.

Dates

Saturday 30th July

Saturday 3rd September

and

Tuesday 20th September

If the weather is inclement on the day all efforts will be made to reschedule the day.

The day will begin at 9.30 and end around 4.30 to 5.00pm

We will have breaks and a period for lunch, I recommend that you bring sandwiches and sufficient refreshments and warm clothes as standing still cane get a little chilly sometimes.

I paint in Oils and Acrylic on the workshops, and will demonstrate these during the day

You can work in your preferred medium including pastel and watercolour if you wish.

Whatever medium you work in I can help and assist you in your painting.

This workshop is designed to show you how to paint using the great outdoors as your studio. I will demonstrate techniques and assist you during your own painting.

I hope you will go away having had a great day lots of fun and laughs along the way. Moreover you will be eager to go out and explore the world around you own home and embrace the practice of painting plein air, and developing your new found skills to greater levels.

These workshops are for all abilities beginner to professional alike. we will end with an informal look at our days efforts before heading to our respective homes.

Cost of the day will be £50.00

The locations will be finalized soon, but is hoped to be Camber, Rye and Hastings.

I am also planning 2 one day workshops in September and October painting Wildlife and British Birds, dates to be announced.

Call me and book a place.

Show me the Monet

2011-05-10T09:26:00.000+01:00

Morning Flush

20" x 30" Oil on canvas

Although I was not a finalist in the program 'Show me the Monet', I was contacted last week and asked if this painting could be used as part of a sequence of artwork showing the high quality of submission. So I guess if you blink you will miss it, but hey it is on the show for free so who's complaining.

Show me the Monet Wednesday 11th May 2011

BBC 2 5.15pm

The Old Town of Rye

2011-05-09T13:53:00.000+01:00

The Old Town of Rye

Oil on panel 12" x 16"

This new image of Rye Town is based upon the Plein air painting I completed on Easter Sunday. As I was painting that image I was aware that the scene was rapidly warming as the sun was descending. The scene took on a beautiful glow. As I was already well into my work, I was not prepared to start chasing the light, always a fatal decision to make, but I remembered the changes for this new interpretation.

I have used this painting as the step by step guide and part of my latest S.A.A. paint magazines article for the July issue. There you be able to find out more on how I accomplished the painting.

If you are not already a member of the S.A.A. then may I suggest you look into it. The S.A.A is a great Pro/Am society promoting painting for all members and is excellent for helping professionals like myself to promote my teaching and workshop skills. It is also a great source for art insurance built into the membership costs, couldn't be simpler.

http://www.saa.co.uk

This painting is for sale at £850.00 and is presented in a handmade 23ct gilded custom frame

enquiries email me at paul@paulapps.com

Paintings from Camber and Rye, Easter Sunday

2011-04-26T07:59:00.003+01:00

It has been a good while since I have been able to go out for a whole days painting, so with many jobs done at home and others shelved for the time being I went to Camber Sands and Rye for the day on Easter Sunday...What a fool eh! I got one of the last parking spaces in Camber, and £11.00 later was allowed to stay, all by 10.00am. With gear in hand, shorts ( big mistake) and a hat, a better idea, I set off. When I reached the sand it was almost standing room only. Thousands in fact, half of the UK had decided to come to Camber on Easter Sunday, though it was hot and so who could blame them. Anyway I set up and carried on with many strange and quizzical glances at my activity of painting, when indeed they had ice creams, beef burgers, windbreaks and assorted children and blow up beach toys with them. I suppose it must have seemed a little strange to the majority to see an artist at work.

Easter Sunday on Camber Sands

Oil on panel 4" x 12"

Plein Air

This picture does not begin to show the great numbers of people there, I did not have all day to paint them!

Easter Sunday on Camber Sand II

Oil on panel 9" x 12"

Plein Air

A little further out on the sand away from some of the hordes, looking towards Dungeness

The Crowds on Camber Sands

Oil on Panel 9" x 12"

Plein Air

Here I tried to express the vast numbers of day trippers that formed less than half of those there that day. Also a mild sea mist had descended cooling the colour values a little.

Incoming Tide at Camber

Oil on panel 6" x 8"

Plein Air

Here I used my Palm box at the edge of the incoming tide, with soggy shoes I chose to study the waves as the oncoming tide pushed me back. 20 mins study. People did ask questions by now about my sanity.

Late Afternoon, Rye at Easter

Oil on panel 9" x 12"

Plein Air

I was by this time tired of the crowds, the heat and after suffering burns to my arms hands and ankles, I decided to leave the beach. I headed toward Rye for my last painting and this was the result.

I hope you enjoy this panel of work, they will be listed for sale on my other site

http://paulapps-dailypaintings.blogspot.com/

Deal Fishing Boats Plein Air

2011-04-20T14:20:00.000+01:00

Fishing Boats on Deal Beach

Plein air study oil on panel 4" x 12"

18.4.2011

I decided to go to Deal and paint some of the fishing fleet there. I know the town well having lived and worked there for many years back in the late 70s and 80s. Really showing my age now...

I have often wanted to go back and record the vessels as they sit on the fine shingle beach. Monday the 18th was the day and sadly I left myself a little short on time, but the day was warm and so I hauled my son Barnaby to go for the ride, he took a sketch book and joined in. I had forgotten the aspect of the coastline at Deal being due East, and we paid dearly for that lapse. The slight but constant breeze was very cold and my hands began to stop functioning after an hour, the failing sunlight did little to help, by this time Barnaby had succumbed and was by now sitting in the car. I could not blame him though he managed two small pencil sketches.

I had to finish and the result is posted above. I will go back to do more work here as the scene on other occasions will be worth the trek, though a westerly wind will be better.

This image is now posted on my selling blog site at

http://paulapps-dailypaintings.blogspot.com

Best wishes

Paul

Old Tannery, Littlebourne.

2011-04-20T12:36:00.000+01:00

Old Tannery -Littlebourne

Oil on Canvas Panel plein air 10" x 12"

16.4.11

This is a beautiful old Tannery that later had the additions of the old Kentish Oasts added to it. The building nestles along the banks of the river Stour in Littlebourne near Canterbury.

I found myself in Littlebourne submitting my work as a potential candidate for membership to the East Kent Art Society this last Saturday. So in the hour or so while my panel of work was being assessed I did not idle my time away but instead found this scene to paint.

I hope you like the image, it can be found for sale on my other blog site at

http://paulapps-dailypaintings.blogspot.com/2011/04/old-tannery-littlebourne.html

New Spaniel Painting

2011-04-18T11:02:00.000+01:00

Looking to Retrieve

Oil on canvas 18" x 24"

This is my latest dog painting of a Springer Spaniel. It is a sequel to my painting 'Last Retrieve of the Day'. It has been painted in one set of primaries only, a severely limited palette. Not only am I really enjoying painting this way it is making me work extremely hard to mix what I need and to look hard at the values within passages within the painting. The end result is a harmony quite unlike that of using many pigments.

This new painting will be in print in time for the C.L.A. Game Fair at Blenheim Palace in July 2011.

The original, unless previously sold will feature as one of my main exhibits on my publishers stand.

I will also be painting on the Sally Mitchell Fine Art stand during this event.

Latest En plein air study

2011-03-28T17:21:00.000+01:00

Folkestone Harbour from the East Cliff

8" x 12" oil on panel plein air study

This study was painted on Wednesday 23rd March at midday for just over an hour. Painting into the light made me tighten the values in the scene and mix harder with my primary palette. The sun shone and it was glorious to stand on the cliff and work this way, first time this season that I was able to paint in just a T shirt...

This image is for sale. See my other blog Paul Apps- Daily Paintings for more details.

Small seaside study

2011-03-26T16:24:00.000Z

Sunny Day at Camber Sands

oil on panel 4" x 12"

For Sale

This small painting was recently completed Alla Prima from Plein air studies I worked on last summer.

I might well do a larger version at some point . The painting is for sale and I can be contacted through my website.

Painting shortlisted finalist

2011-03-23T17:18:00.002Z

Heed My Warning

This painting has just been shortlisted as a finalist in this years David Shepherd Wildlife Artist of the Year 2011.

As on previous occasions this painting will hang in the prestigious Mall Galleries in London in June this year.

Fingers crossed that it will do well for me at the final event.

Romney Marsh View

2011-03-16T15:22:00.000Z

Romney Marsh View

160mm x 220mm oil on panel

A view from the Romney Marshes, the flat lands in the extreme south eastern corner of England which is

the area I grew up in and have lived in for most of my life. This wonderful winters day was not painted on the spot as sadly that day I had no time as I was on the way to meet clients. As I passed this spot the clouds cast a shadow over the distant downs and the setting sun created this wonderful light opportunity, Catherine and I were amazed at its beauty. I just had to stop, no kit with me just a camera, and a valuable lesson learned. I do hope that in this sketch I have captured the essence of the moment and will convey that into a new larger version later.

Winter Fields - Wingham

2011-03-16T12:41:00.000Z

Winter Fields - Wingham

160mm x 220mm Oil on panel

This is another palm box study that is ready to translate into a larger panel and will be completed very soon.

I observed this scene as I was driving to paint plein air with other artist friends early on in 2010. I could not stop and paint because of the dangerous location on a bend in the road, also my friends would have been waiting too long. So a quick snap on a small camera did the trick.

Hollow Shore - Oare

2011-03-15T20:57:00.000Z

Hollow Shore - Oare

160mm x 220mm Oil on panel

This small study is one done in my Jullian Palm box of one of my favourite locations at Oare and Hollow Shore.

I have painted this several times, I really desire painting a much larger version of this scene. Soon I hope that I can find time to slot it in.

Avocet - Dancing Light

2011-03-15T18:10:00.000Z

Avocet - Dancing Light

Oil on canvas 12" x 16"

This study was completed from reference sketched at Oare Marshes in 2010.

I wanted to convey some of the dancing lights observed in the water as the day was ending. The Avocet is one bird that as an artist I would never cease trying to capture. This wader with its finesse and outstanding beauty 1ranks as my top wader to see and render in a painting.

Plage de Cannes

2011-03-08T15:11:00.000Z

Plage de Cannes1

This is a 12" x 16" canvas painted in primaries upon a cadmium red ground

It was created from sketches and plein air studies from my trip to the region in September 2010.

Other works from this trip are being planned for this year, I hope this image will be featured in my next mixed show at Francis Iles Gallery in late March .

Painting demo #1 for Paint Magazine

2011-03-07T14:39:00.000Z

Hi everyone

I thought that I would show you the demonstration image for the first step by step used in the Society of All Artists Paint Magazine. This was the culmination of the first in a new series of articles upon oil painting for beginners. I posted the article to read a few days back, check out the article if you have not already done so.

It was a scene from a visit to Camber Sands and is one part of the extensive dune system that the beach is so famous for. I do hope you like the painting, and please feel free to leave a comment about this or any other of my posts.

Regards

Paul

New series in the S.A.A. Paint magazine

2011-03-04T15:40:00.003Z

This new series of articles was commissioned by the Society of All Artists in the UK, for their bi-monthly magazine called 'Paint'. The new series is called 'Oils for Beginners'. I have just read the second article and have just finished the third one

http://www.saa.co.uk go check them out and professional or amateur it is well worth becoming a member.

Just click on the page and it should open up in a new tab in your browser. let me know if it does not happen

This is the second of two pages, just click on the page and it should open up fully in a separate window in your browser for easy reading. Please let me know at the bottom of this post if that is not working.. Thank you.

I do hope that you enjoyed this article and please feel free to leave comments about it.

Regards as always

Paul

Working up a storm.... Wave

2011-02-15T13:52:00.000Z

I am working hard in the studio and so wanted to change the challenge and force issues much further than I have so far. I love the idea of the wave study, and wanted to create a much larger version of the wave and this time add Gulls into the mix.

I carefully prepared a 20" x 30" canvas in anticipation, that red is so strong. I set up the study and set off on this new journey. Mixing the primaries I remembered parts from the study and used that information in the new work.

The result is below.

The Wave

20" x 30" oil on canvas

The larger version is unified and cohesive. I have been able to transfer all the freshness, vibrancy, colour and harmony from the sketch into this final piece. You will notice that there are still no gulls in this painting. I honestly cannot make up my mind. I just love the statement this work is making without them. I will do something else I feel with gulls, or add them here later if I decide to.

I have added the study again below

Study

I am so hooked on working in this way I have put all my many other pigments away and only upon rare occasions will they see the light of day again.

I do hope you have enjoyed these recent posts and my new work, if so please feel free to leave me feedback, here or on my email.

Best wishes

Paul

A Boat Study

2011-02-14T20:12:00.000Z

This is the second image of using a limited palette.

Dungeness Relic II

Oil on canvas 10" x 12"

The other aspect of this new approach to my work is that I am working on a bright Cadmium Red ground.

So loud I need sunglasses on before I start! Not all new images are completed this way, but in this single regard I am having so much fun. Some aspects of the red are left to show through and add further harmony linking the structure of the composition.

New images

2011-02-14T09:45:00.001Z

I have often been trying to limit my palette and found it difficult at times, no great excuses except I had for many years demonstrated for many art companies at various venues. This allowed me access to their respective colour ranges to play with. So I did, but to a degree being spoiled in this way made things rather difficult. Colour mixing becomes an issue of laziness and paintings although good, often lack some degree of harmony.

I have also often, and still do, paint on a coloured or tinted ground, I often dislike painting off of white. There is nothing wrong with it, but I love to establish my light and dark values rather early on. I therefore use the colour as a basic mid tone.

Well all that said and done, I have gone off the deep end and WOW! so glad that I have. Check out the study below.

This study is 10" x 13" oil on canvas called the 'Westerly at Hythe '

When I say I have gone off the deep end, I have seriously restricted my palette to the primaries and a white. I have restricted myself to six colours before, never three. For the first time I am having to make hard decisions as I paint, colour mixing and elaborating upon the vocabulary I am able to draw upon.

The final effect is awesome as I have achieved all that I set out to do, the harmonies run through and unite the whole image. I was going to explore gulls in the image, but have delayed that for the moment.

I do hope you like this image.

My Latest Wildlife image

2011-02-13T11:57:00.000Z

It has been a good while since I last posted anything on here or on Facebook, then you'll find just like a London Double Decker Bus several all come at once. I have been very busy playing catch up since Christmas having had an unusual last quarter to 2010. That said, I have been painting very hard and as a result delayed posting anything on here until there was something worthy to show and say.

This is my latest wildlife image to come out of the studio. An oil on canvas measuring 100cm x 80cm

The title is

'Heed My Warning'

It depicts a black Rhino at the prelude to a charge when any warnings taken lightly would end in a potential charge. In doing this I wanted to add a sense of action and drama by adding the Cattle Egrets. Their disturbance by the Rhino's action evoke that feeling I hope.

The title also has a double meaning relating to the ongoing threat to the Black Rhino's survival in the wild.

Lastly I am endeavouring to monitor the traffic on my blogs so please if you read this would you be so kind as to leave a little comment at the end, it would help greatly and thank you in advance.

You are also invited to subscribe and follow my blog for the future.

Best wishes as always

Paul

Happy 2011

2010-12-31T13:43:00.000Z

Catherine and I would like to thank everyone for their continued support of my work, reminding you all of my website at www.paulapps.com

Best wishes for 2011

Paul and Catherine

Happy Christmas to everyone

2010-12-24T20:26:00.000Z

Here is wishing everyone a truly fantastic Christmas and a memorable and hugely successful year to come. May all our greatest hopes and expectations come to pass in 2011.

Many thanks to everyone who has followed my blog and supported my artistic efforts.

Best wishes

Paul

Bird Forum report

2010-12-12T17:55:00.000Z

Sorry it is not art, I was reporting a Waxwing I photographed at Folkestone today, rung in the Orkney Islands a few weeks back, took heaps of shots and they are such a great visitor to our shores, saw 350 to 400 ++ today all feeding on White Beam Berries...

I will be posting something to do with my painting very soon.. Promise ity is long overdue. You can always email me and subscribe to my newsletter. The Xmas one is just about ready to go out.

so email me at paul@paulapps.com and subscribe today.

Oil Painting Seascape Demo by Paul Apps

2010-12-02T17:04:00.000Z

Day 3 of Provence plein air trip

2010-10-15T13:10:00.001+01:00

St Maxime across the bay to St Tropez

Day three of my painting trip to the Cote d Azur saw me travelling to St Maxime where the day was overshadowed by drizzle and flat lighting. We began at one end of the beach to view the famous St Tropez across the bay. All the wonderful luxury yachts anchored off the harbour were a delight to see.

This painting I stood for 1.5 hours in the rain to complete, so glad I paint mostly in oils. We never ventured further round to visit that renowned place instead heading back toward St Rafael for my second painting of the day

Small harbour at St Maxime

I had spotted two places on our way to St Maxime and so desparately wanted to return to them and paint. Now I have no names of locations for these next two paintings other than they are to be found near to St Maxime heading for St Rafael. The first of the two was a small harbour area cut into the rocks almost lost with Cannes in the back ground. It was a stunning vista and tremendous place to do a study. Another 8" x 10" oil and number two of the day, taking around 1.5 hours to complete.

House on the point St Maxime

The last painting shows signs and glimpses of light peeping through as the day was ending, the distant mountains behind what I think was Cannes shone as the sun descended for the day, the landscape glowing at last from a day deprived of sunshine. So to my two friends great delight, I think, though not so convinced, I declared that I really wanted to do this scene. Michael and his Uncle Jacque put on a smile and indulged me. They were great and Jacque was an experience all to himself, as well as being my minder and interpreter he was a great chap to be around, even if we could not fully understand each other. We at least got the basics sorted out, which obviously included Vin Rouge. This scene we found ourselves perched high in a car park, it took me nearly 2 hours to complete. I so enjoyed all that the image had to offer, in terms of composition, and facets, the light from the clear Mediterranean was exquisite. It was a great days painting. We left late, but although I was tired I felt fulfilled by my work on this day.

Day two in France

2010-10-06T13:38:00.000+01:00

La Grand Rue, Callian . Oil on panel 12" x 8"

For my second outing in this wonderful place called Provence I was once more back in Callian, a hill top town steeped in history. I asked to go back to it because I had noticed this fantastic old street at its heart and dearly wanted to have a go at painting it. Well two and a half hours later it was kind of done, chasing light was my enemy as always. I was pleased with the result, but boy was I ready for a glass of wine at lunchtime, and some bread and cheese of course. Standing for all that time and putting so much energy into a passage is very exacting and deserving of a break.

The Muse's House, Callian 8" x 6" oil on panel

After lunch was over I stayed at the cafe and noticed this beautiful display of flowers overhanging a balcony next to me. Well I had heard that an extremely old lady who in her day had been a muse for a well known artist locally lived in the house and was a complete recluse. I had to paint it, indeed the elderly resident was watching me, as several times the curtain would move and part slightly allowing her a glimpse of my activities from her darkened room. I hope that she would have approved of my efforts.

I will add more tomorrow. I will show you day 3 in the Cote D Azur at St Rafael beach.

Cote d Azur and En plein air

2010-10-04T14:02:00.000+01:00

I have just come back from a trip to the South of France where I had been invited by a friend to come along to see Provence and paint a little.

I had always heard that the light was so special in the region, and I have to say for once all such statements were indeed fact. It took me a day or so to get my eyes set just right. What a beautiful place to paint in 30+ degrees, outstanding.

I really was going to confine my works to the coast, marinas and boats, but I found the small narrow streets of ancient French villages an absolute draw as well. The polished cobbles and narrow walls of three and four story hilltop village houses were very impressive with old paint peeling shutters and not a plumb wall in sight. Some of the streets I stood in with outstretched arms, I was able to touch the buildings upon either side. It was crazy, but true, and life has gone on in these places for hundreds of years. They are beautiful places and so steeped in history too.

I did not leave out the coastal areas, indeed they also featured prominently during my 11 days of painting, from St Maxime to Cannes. I painted scenes looking toward St Tropez though never actually reached that huge city, and sadly never made it to Antibe where Monet painted so many scenes of the many bays there. Another trip will have to be arranged next season for sure.

This was the first painting that I managed to complete on the afternoon of my arrival. I hope the residents of Callian felt that I managed to do the rear steps of their church justice as I sat under a parasol sipping red wine and eating bread and cheese.The panel is a 12" x 8" oil and took around 1.5 hours to complete. The light was fantastic I am really pleased with the way this one came out.

This next one was a 4" x 12" oil on panel of the beach at St Rafael I just liked the mountain in the background for this painting. It took around the 1 hour or so to finish, after which I hit the med for a quick swim.

I will add more of the new paintings over the next few days.

I am now back in the studio and full of exciting ideas for new works. Watch this space.....

Plein air adventure

2010-08-25T12:20:00.000+01:00

This is a 6" x 8" palm box study taking 35mins the other day at Winchelsea beach in force 6-8 head-on winds as I tried to paint. I have to say it was not easy. Whilst not daring to compare myself to Turner, I could only imagine his dilemma at being lashed to the mast of a boat whilst sketching a massive storm at sea, yet felt in a little way that I understood the feeling.

Many times the lid of the palm box slammed shut on my fingers and brush, it was not at all easy to hold the box and the lid open and still focus on the job in hand. I worked as fast as possible, Catherine was busy taking photos for her own work, but was feeling the effects, so I knew that I did not have long. After 35mins or so I decided that I had the key elements down and the colour notes that were important, so I packed away my palm box and took up the camera.

Like I said it was not easy bracing oneself, even if a little exaggerated for the photo, but we had fun.

Not quite the scene and position I painted from, this is one of Catherine's shots from the day. Winchelsea beach is a stunning place and on this day a very a dramatic sky and weather conditions made any light superb.

We could see many paintings, oils from me and watercolours from Catherine would result from the experience, although I was just a little disappointed that I only managed one small plein air study.

All images are copyrights and no usage without written permission from the artists.

best wishes as always

Paul

Swale Barge Match

2010-08-23T21:06:00.000+01:00

I have yet to post the last Marwell entry, but before that I wanted to post this latest image. Also the first image from the 2010 Swale Barge match. I was lucky once more to be invited upon a stewards vessel, and as last year I really enjoyed the event.

This image is an oil on a very heavy canvas weave, allowing grain and texture to show with the use of the palette knife. This painting was fun to do.

It shows the Spritsail barge called EDME sailing in the lead into heavy weather that was approaching. I arranged the composition to make the whole scene more dramatic, not quite contre - jour, but the brightness of the clouds created the silhouette of the barge.

I hope that you enjoy this painting and the new ones that will be posted very soon.

Best wishes

Paul

The next image for Marwell

2010-08-19T14:40:00.000+01:00

This is the third of four images that will be on display at the latest Marwell International Wildlife Art Show at the Zoo in Hampshire. It is always a great affair and one Catherine and I enjoy annually. It will great meeting clients and old friends alike. It will also be the first time that I shall see these four new paintings displayed together.

This image is called 'Evening at Klein Namutoni'. It depicts a Leopard coming out of hiding at dusk for a much needed drink at the waterhole at Klein Namutoni. For any of you that know Namibia, it is a waterhole to be found in the great Etosha National Park. The painting is an oil on canvas and is 12" x 16".

Fingers crossed it and the other images, along with those Catherine has entered do well at the show for us both.

I will post an image of the final offering in this years quartet tomorrow.

Best wishes as always

Paul

Latest Image for the new Marwell show

2010-08-11T11:51:00.000+01:00

The Marwell International Wildlife Art Society annual show is about to get underway at the well known zoo park of the same name. Normally I have my entries sorted, framed and ready to go at this late hour, but this year demands on my painting schedule have been more than anticipated. Please do not think I am grumbling about that, certainly not, I embrace it will relish, only it has left me playing a little catch up where this show is concerned. Already behind I had only managed to complete one of the paintings of the four needed for the show. The titles sizes etc of the other three had to be put down on the forms well in advance, so I hoped that my ideas would be fully realised on the day.

Well here is the second entry needed of the four, a small 8" x 12" oil on canvas called 'Look At Me Mum'.This is a little baby Elephant at a waterhole in Etosha.

I have just finished the third image and will post about that one when it is dry. I am completing the final image and hope that will be finished by the end of this week, fingers crossed.

Best wishes

Paul

Demo paintings at the CLA recently

2010-08-01T19:09:00.000+01:00

Further to my report on the recent CLA game fair, I thought that it would be nice to post a couple of the demonstration paintings that I completed on the Sally Mitchell stand during the show.

I enjoyed painting alongside Elizabeth Scrivener, Jonathan Walker, Paul Doyle and Malcolm Coward.

I completed three images in fact, all but one remains unresolved at this stage, so will be posted I hope at a later date.

The images shown here are both 8" x 12" oil on panel.

Above is a study for a studio panel of a Springer Spaniel, where I have worked out many of the issues of

light and balance along with composition for the upcoming studio image.

The second depicts a shooting scene just after the beginning of the year with snow on the ground. Three gentleman and accompanying dogs stroll off to their respective pegs. It was done mainly using a palette knife.

It allowed tremendous freedom, scraping colour and cutting into fresh paint with the knife. I often explore painting with a knife, just to see where the journey takes me.

Two new images chosen for Marine art show

2010-07-29T12:51:00.000+01:00

This is my latest image, well it has been ongoing for 8 months now as I have only just resolved many issues that I had within it. It is 16" x 20" oil on panel and is called 'On the Hard at Pinmill'. This painting, along with a plein air panel has just been chosen to be exhibited at Francis Iles Gallery in Rochester. The Marine Show is an annual event and will run from the 7th to the 28th August 2010.

http://www.francis-iles.com/html/next_exhibition.html

The second painting is a plein air study of Faversham Creek at Faversham in Kent completed late last year in a 2hour session late one afternoon. It is a 8" x 12" oil on panel.

If you are around Rochester in August pop into the gallery for a look, you will not be disappointed.

I do hope that you like these images,

best wishes

Paul

CLA Game Fair at Ragley Hall

2010-07-27T15:25:00.000+01:00

Having finally packed my van and checked my list, I was finally ready to leave. Catherine waved goodbye and off I went to pick up a fellow artist an hour away. We arrived at the showground by 3.30 pm having been delayed by the famous M25 due to the carriageway being flooded. Arh! English weather eh! Anyway, we arrived a little tired but safe and ready to unload and display our artworks.

I left Mike at the Birds Birds Birds stand with his items along with three of my paintings

These were Morning Scramble above, Under Leaden Skies below left and Marsh Ghost, the owl below right. Paul Cumberland had displayed them nicely at the back of the stand. Despite many kind words and much talk during the weekend they remained unsold, although the Woodcock came very close to being sold. Only the fact that it had to go back to the publishers for scanning before the buyer could have it prevented the sale from being completed. A lesson learned, not to paint right up to the deadline and get these things done prior to a show. Oh well there was nothing that I could do at the time as I could not be consulted.

I had gone on and started setting up on my publishers stand at Sally Mitchell Fine Art, just a 100 yards away when Sally's son John (who was in charge of the stand and all proceedings) and whom until then I had only ever spoken to on the telephone, met with me for the very first time. I was warmly received and introduced to all the other members of staff and artist colleagues, Malcolm Coward, who's work I had long admired for the quality of light and impression in his paintings, Jonathan Walker, Paul Doyle, Elizabeth Scrivener and last but not least,one face I knew well my old friend Pip McGarry.

I was handed a beer, shown my booth, and left to get on with its organization and presentation in preparation for the next day. All the artists had a painting or demonstration area on the side of the main display area. It was a great space and source for a lot of fun over the weekend.

This image shows the area on Saturday as I was well into a small landscape painting, I managed four small paintings during the weekend, not all completed, but well underway. A spaniel and three landscapes.

The evenings were full of fun and good banter between us all, tired from the days talking and demonstrating, We ate and drank well comsuming some fresh lamb bought in by Elizabeth's daughter Alex. It was scrummy!

As Friday dawned I woke very early woken by the noise of those arriving late at the show to set up, so my day started at 4.20am!!!Not a great start, but hey no hangover so I could not complain too much. By the time the show opened at 7.30am I was ready and already painting. Within an hour, my painting of the Spaniel, Last Retrieve of the Day had found a new home, its new owners were extremely delighted with their decision, and I know that it will be treasured by them for many many years to come.

I had a great weekend catching up with old friends, many of whom I had not seem for many years. I also made some new acquaintances and I hope new friends in the company of Sally Mitchell and the artists with whom I enjoyed the weekend.

I will be back next year at the CLA game fair which will be held at Blenheim Palace. I shall look forward to that, especially if it turns out to be as successful as this event.

My extra display inside the Sally Mitchell stand showing the coveted red spot upon my Last Retrieve of the Day painting.

Lastly, I would just like to thank Sally and John Mitchell for making it possible for me to be at the game fair this year, and again to John and all his staff for making me feel so welcome and a member of the team. Thanks also to Paul Cumberland for displaying my paintings and for allowing me to park my camper behind his stand.

Finally I was able to see some Malcolm Coward originals for the very first time, and I can assure you I was not disappointed. They lived up to and beyond all expectation, as did the John Trickett images, also long admired, though sadly John was not there to meet in person.

So all in all a great weekend made greater by fantastic people.

CLA Game FAir

2010-07-22T08:52:00.000+01:00

Bags are packed and van ready to go in two hours for the CLA Game fair at Ragley Hall in Warickshire just outside Stratford upon Avon.

I shall be demonstrating and painting images as well as showing my recent paintings on the Sally Mitchell Fine Art stand and the Birds Birds Birds Stand.

I hope to bump into you there.

It will be a fun time and a good time to catch up with some old friends and falconry buddies whilst there.

Back on Monday

Best wishes

Paul

Not Much Further

2010-07-15T22:01:00.000+01:00

This 12" x 16" oil on panel is a studio painting that I have based upon work that I completed En plein air at Camber Sands beach late last week. I took many reference images and candid shots during my painting session in the afternoon. These two children were doing their level best to haul their numerous items of much needed beach kit with them towards the sea.

I isolated them from other family members as it would have detracted from the overall narrative of these two individuals and the unaided, but determined effort to make it all the way to the water.

I used a lot of palette knife in this work and found a freedom of expression in doing so, I hope that you agree.

For now though I have to leave this little excursion into summer, returning to my deadline for wildlife images needed for the upcoming Marwell show in August. I only have three to do!!!

Best wishes

Paul

Early Summers Day at Camber Sands

2010-07-12T23:49:00.003+01:00

This is a new En plein air study Contre-jour upon Cambers famous sandy beach, standing with the beautiful and rare dunes behind me. It was completed in 2 hours, 8" x 12" oil on gesso panel.

As I cooked myself I longed to run into the inviting water joining the throng of people already enjoying its cool refreshing feel. Sadly it was not to be, as nice as the day was I was here to work, and after a short break I started on a second panel beginning around 3pm as the sun had travelled to the most Westerly point before finally setting behind the Winchelsea peninsula. So many people had arrived at Camber beach on this sweltering day that I had to make rigid decisions as to whom and how many I would feature in my work.

The second of these panels is 10" x 12" worked in oil and again Contre-jour. This effect has a limiting effect upon ones palette, subduing the range to be used, once of course that range has been established.

Using these studies I plan upon creating new work back in the studio.

Last painting for the game fair

2010-07-08T20:44:00.000+01:00

Well I have just finished the final painting due to be launched at this years CLA Game Fair at Ragley Hall Warwickshire during the weekend of the 24th July 2010.

This one is called 'Bracken Path' showing an old family ground full of ancient oaks, conifer woodland and golden red bracken. Three cock Pheasants have been flushed from centre right and dash away to safety.

At the end of the day the sun spreads a golden fleece upon the land, a rare touch of warmth on a winters evening.

Well fingers crossed it does well at the event. I hope that you enjoy the image.

Best wishes

Paul

New London Gallery

2010-07-07T18:47:00.004+01:00

Sunrise over Florida Oil on canvas 12 x 20

Earlier this year I was approached by a top London Gallery,( The Arthur Ackermann Gallery in

Knightsbridge), to see if I would exhibit with a group of other artists in an upcoming show, called 'Call of the Wild'. I know many of you who follow my blog posts will already be aware of this, and how successful the show was.

Well, since then I have had a few meetings with the owner and other key members of staff . Today they visited my studio and took a large consignment of paintings with them. I HAVE A NEW LONDON GALLERY!!!

I am so very happy. My work has often appeared in London galleries such as the Mall and Tryon Galleries respectively but Catherine and I have wanted to see for a longtime now, my art shown in a permanent gallery, one that is acting for me and my work on an ongoing basis. Ackermann confirmed that as of today I was now one of their gallery artists.

So now I am painting with a renewed vigour and energy, not to mention one hell of a huge smile on my face, though that could be down to cracking open and consuming a good bottle of red!!!!!!

Morning Scramble

2010-07-02T11:07:00.000+01:00

Well here is another painting destined to be shown at the C.L.A. Game fair at Ragley Hall in Warwickshire. Only this time, as with the painting posted a few days back, 'Under Leaden Skies', they will be displayed on the Birds Birds Birds Gallery Stand at the show. Paul Cumberland has for many years been taking my bird and game images to numerous shows including the CLA, so he will be showing a number of my works along with those of his other artists, including my daughter Sam's paintings, as she is also one of his artists.

I have a good number of other paintings in readiness for the show and the Sally Mitchell Fine Art stand where I will be demonstrating and talking to collectors throughout the event.

Having said that, I am so heavily into painting game images right now. I am fascinated and filled with heaps of ideas, and I have two more paintings on the go right now. Well one, and another in my head at this moment. This is all very good, but I have deadlines looming for some African images to be created, including a large Cheetah image. So as much as I dearly want to stay with the game paintings, I know that I will have to take a short break from them.

'Morning Scramble' was painted as a compliment to my recent work called 'Morning Flush'. The aforementioned has just been released as a fine art limited edition print by Sally Mitchell. Morning Scramble depicts many birds having been disturbed making a hasty departure for a safer location. An early winters morning with a covering of snow and the corn stubble just appearing through, long deep shadows breaking those undulated furrows all combine to set the atmospheric scene I am presenting to you. I dare say that it was my clumsy feet that had disturbed these birds in the first instance, but an enjoyable painting to create. I hope that you like it.

Best wishes

Paul

2010-06-28T17:18:00.000+01:00

The S.A.A. has done a really fantastic job on my behalf. They has printed an article introducing me and three of my more recent paintings to all the S.A.A. members. This latest issue of their Paint magazine carries that introduction.

If you paint then might I suggest whatever skill level you consider yourself to at, this Society has something to offer all. Great Insurance, members benefits are amazing and it is full of many thousands of like minded people, from those who have just begun to paint right up to Professional Associates like myself. AS P.A.s we help others who aspire with art to go on to paint better images and enjoy their art more fully

Check out the new S.A.A. Facebook page or go to the website at http://www.saa.co.uk/ http://www.facebook.com/SocietyForAllArtists

Best wishes

Paul

Paul's Facebook page

Under Leaden Skies

2010-06-23T20:13:00.000+01:00

This 12" x 16" canvas is my very latest painting titled 'Under Leaden Skies' So many pictures of the fantastic Woodcock depict it very small in the canvas or so surrounded by wood and vegetation that it often appears lost. Indeed it should to a degree as it is a very shy and secretive woodland bird. Showing it in context is the right way to present the bird, though it does fly up high and fast to escape danger. I wanted to isolate this magnificent visitor to our shores, and illustrate its plumage and beauty against a complementary sky.

So there you are, Under Leaden Skies. I hope you like the painting.

Unless sold previously it will be on display at the CLA game fair in July.( There has already been buying interest in this work). If you are interested please call me without delay, as I suspect it will be gone soon.

Best wishes

Paul

Heading Home

2010-06-22T19:29:00.000+01:00

This painting was completed recently for the C.L.A. Game fair in July. It depicts one of the shoots senior hands having picked up birds and heading back to the guns with his two trusted black labradors. A 12" x 16" oil on panel.

I have just finished a woodcock study which will be a the CLA. Interest is being shown in the painting, so it may be sold before then. Who knows fingers crossed..

Best wishes

Paul

New images destined for Marwell Show

2010-06-20T21:43:00.000+01:00

This is my latest African wildlife painting called ' Zambian Twins' and depicts two baby Zambian Zebra foals. It is an oil on canvas measuring 12" x 16". This painting was inspired from a field trip to the Luangwa Valley in Zambia that Catherine and I enjoyed a couple of years ago. It was a stunning trip which yielded so many painting opportunities and ideas, so many that despite painting a handful from the reference, I have not even started to scratch the surface when it comes to material on film and the images I have in my head.

I shall be submitting 4 images for the new Marwell art show in August. Three images are ready, so it remains for me to crack on and complete the final image.

In the meantime I do hope that you like Zambian Twins

Best wishes

Paul

New Paintings on show at the Francis Iles Gallery, Rochester

2010-06-10T19:50:00.001+01:00

A total of 14 new paintings of mine will go on show at the Francis Iles Gallery in Rochester, Kent. They will bejoining other works of art in their 'Summer Show'

The show runs from June 19th to August 6th 2010. So if you find yourself in Kent and in particular Rochester the go check out this gallery.

Camber Sands Sunset over Winchelsea

2010-06-10T16:06:00.000+01:00

This is a two and half hour painting demo for students on Monday morning. It is a 12" x 16" oil on panel and was great fun to do.

Camber is a beautiful stretch of Kent coastline with world famous sand dunes as far as the eye can see. It is always a pleasure to go there and paint. This one though was from previous reference and an Alla prima study in the studio. I do just love painting striking cloud forms of all types, but great lighting effect I seek out and paint whenever I can.

I hope that you enjoy this new painting.

Latest sporting image 'Woodcock Morning'

2010-06-07T19:04:00.001+01:00

Well, it had issues at first, but it was worth the journey I took to complete this new canvas called 'Woodcock Morning' an 18" x 24" oil on canvas. It depicts a woodcock ever alert putting up, having been disturbed, banking immediately to avoid capture with a full spread of its wings. The woods create an avenue of snow laden carpet ahead, leading us further into this chilly, yet warming winter scene. The morning rays just breaking through the treeline create this juxtaposition of colour.

Well I hope that you enjoy this image as much as I enjoyed creating it. The Woodcock is such a stunning woodland visitor to our shores, no other inhabitant of the forest save the Jay is as spectacular, and it has no rival in flight. In this regard it is a league on its its own.

Day two at the Steam show.

2010-06-03T17:40:00.000+01:00

Well the morning started with rain so I had an extra cup of coffee in the studio looking at the results of day one. I was debating if I should go or not. I was looking for areas that I should change with my approach if I ventured out again.

After a while the rain eased and I thought why not, I had really enjoyed the first days painting and provided the weather held day two would be as much fun.I arrived around 10.45 and the events were in full swing, the sky was grey and showed little resolve to improve. I started to work on a small 6" x 8" panel on the larger engine that I attempted the day before. Once again I checked with the driver that he would not be moving the engine for a while.

This was the result after a couple of hours painting, and once more finding myself surrounded by many visitors, including a photographers form the local newspaper.

Well lunch was upon me and my subject had to finally move as did all the large engines. They were due to perform and display all their grand and very unique importance in our past history to all who had come to see them. After they had been returned and parked up I decided to paint my last image of the weekend. It was of a Foden Steam Wagon, I suppose the next generation of vehicle after the Steam engine and attached wagon, this was the natural progression. It was done on a 10" x 12" panel in oil completed over 2 1/2 hours. Even then I ran out of time as the vehicle was being moved, though I had got everything down that I needed, it was the hardest of all the images that I undertook this weekend. My concentration was pushed to the limit with this one I can say for sure.

Anyway I hope that you enjoy these new images from the weekend, if you do enjoy my work then you might like to become a follower of my blog so that posts will be notified to you as the happen.

Best wishes Paul

En plein air at the weekend

2010-06-03T17:38:00.000+01:00

Last weekend saw me at a local steam rally in Sellindge, a nearby village. I fancied painting something just a little different than usual. I ventured to capture some of the majesty that these grand old machines still exuded as they trundled around the show ground. It was the 41st such rally and a while since I had visited it back in 2004.

These vehicles weigh many tons and were not the easiest subjects to render in a painting, especially as I was surrounded by many would be onlookers each eager to see what I was up to, and how each image was shaping up. I have to confess that I was quite a novelty as most fans of these engines record their images via a camera. Here was I slapping oil paint onto a board attached to my Half French Easel. The top image was my first ever attempt at a steam engine, I had chosen to do two, nothing like double jeopardy I suppose. Anyway it was an 8" x 12" panel and it took just a little under two hours, then my subjects were on the move which forced me to finish, like it or not.

The second painting again two hours in duration was some what smaller on a 6" x 8" panel at the close of the day. I made sure though that this time it was not going to suddenly move away. The owner assured me it was not and seemed delighted that I was painting his engine. In fact he made several visits to me during the painting session. He did look pleased with my efforts.

The angles were tricky I will admit, and I ended up a little too close to the left hand edge for my liking, but it is only a study for a studio image later on. It did mean that I could concentrate upon the colour and also with the drawing..

This was day one of two, as I elected to go back in the morning for a second go and paint again. I learned some valuable things from this exercise and details that will come in very handy when I get to painting the larger canvasses back in the studio.

As always I welcome your comments and please fell free to add them on this and any other posts that I leave on my blog.

Making the news

2010-05-27T22:18:00.001+01:00

My three minutes of fame took about an hour of filming to achieve. I was opening the start of my part in the mixed show at the Ackermann Modern Gallery in Knightsbridge, London on the 18th of May. I am sorry that it has taken me so long to post these images, but I have had a very busy week. I know many of you saw my British news debut and have commented upon it. When I finally saw the segment on South East Today I thought it was weird seeing myself on the television screen.

I have to say a great deal of thanks to B.B.C.'s Claudia Sermbezis for instigating the interview, and Fiona for making me feel completely at ease during the filming part of proceedings.

The show itself has been well received with well over 130 people attending the preview evening and enjoying the artwork on offer, with several red dots appearing and that included my large Cheetah image. So I was a happy bunny for the rest of the evening. The show was well thought out and put to together with Camilla bearing the brunt of it. Thanks go to her and the staff members for making a good show great.

The show is on until the 2nd of June, so if you are in Knightsbridge, London, go have a look!

Best wishes as always Paul

Alla Prima #4

2010-05-13T19:40:00.000+01:00

I am posting the latest in my still life series of Alla Prima studies. It was a study created as a 2 hour teaching demonstration on Monday. Oil on canvas panel 220 x 160. As usual painted in my Jullian Palm box, using just Cad Yellow Light, Alizarin Crimson, Phathalo Green, Ultramarine Blue, Cad Red Light and Titanium White.

I am enjoying painting these simple arrangements of fruit and will continue until my time allows me to do some En plein air studies.

Hope that you like them so far.

Apple and Pears 2

2010-05-09T10:59:00.000+01:00

Here is another small Alla Prima study of some fruit, same size as before and oil on linen covered panel. I changed the composition a little this time and as the day was full of interruptions I had little time to complete this study. It was done start to finish in 1 1/4 hours, after that my light had vanished.

I have enjoyed doing these small panels and they do break up the day in the studio rather well and freshen up my approach. They are great for seeing, drawing and creating values within the structure of the paint. Until I am able time wise to get back outside and paint some landscapes these studies will be a great substitute,though I have to say I have been missing out on some fantastic skies of late, but hey there are only so many hours in each day, and I have serious deadlines to adhere to for now.

All of these painting are for sale so please call me if one is of interest to you.

Best wishes

Paul

The Commission I spoke of

2010-05-09T10:54:00.002+01:00

I have had several people asking me when I was going to post the dog commission completed recently. I always feel that it is rude to show such a work before the client themselves have seen and approved it. Well I am happy to report that they have, and are seemingly delighted with the result

I have called it 'Beach Setters'. It is a 20" x 30" oil on canvas. As the title suggests it depicts three generations of Red Setters, chasing, well nearly all chasing, across the wide expanse of sand at Camber beach. They are Bracken the oldest far left game for everything, then centre stage is Brodie, a full of energy 18 month old! More sedate of them all is Ciarrai (Carey) She is a dog out on her own, with her own way of doing things, she will amble along as long as it suits her to do so.

I know I have managed to created an image that fully explores the character of each of the dogs concerned. I know that the owners feel the same way and it has been a delight to paint and a greater delight to watch their faces as I unveiled the painting.

They now have an image that is not just a series of portraits of their dogs, but a painting and statement of their dogs which I hope will be a treasured possession for them.

I hope that you enjoy this image,

Best wishes

Paul

Apple and Pears 1

2010-05-08T17:58:00.000+01:00

I have been off line a few days and my main PC is still sick, so I am working off an old laptop for now. I am confined to the studio working on new paintings for shows later this year, namely the C.L.A. game fair and the Marwell International Art Show and finally the NEWA show. So I am very busy and sadly have little time to go and do some plein air painting.

Not all is lost though as when I have great light in the studio I have been settling down to doing some simple Alla Prima still life images mainly of fruit for now. Of course in between painting studio images I have been doing some much needed gardening in my veggie plot.

I have already posted the image I completed in 2hrs on the 1st of May, this little study again 2hrs was painted on the 5th of May. 160 x 220mm an odd size due to my Julian palm box completed with Micheal Harding oil colour which I cannot recommend enough for its superior colour intensity and outstanding quality.

As always you can be the judge of my work. I do hope that you like it.

I am trying to set up a system on here so that I might start to sell or auction these small studies. I shall let you know my progress in this regard in due course.

Best wishes as always

Paul

Update on Show

2010-05-08T17:47:00.003+01:00

The new show is being held at the Ackermann Modern, Ackermann Gallery, London SW1X 9HY and

runs from the 19th of May until the 2nd of June 2010. It opens daily from 9.30 am to 5.30pm and 10.am to 2pm on Saturdays. All are welcome and please after you have been I would love to hear from each of you as to what you thought of the show.

I am one of seven participating artists who have been invited to exhibit at this esteemed gallery in Knightsbridge. I was originally showing just six paintings, but then the gallery called me and asked that a further three be included. I am delighted that between 8/9 images will be on show among the other great works being shown. This also includes my large Luangwa Courtship painting shown above. It will finally be getting a London premiere that it so richly deserves.

The preview evening is by invitation only. There are two evenings available 18th and the 20th of May 2010 between 6.00pm and 8.30pm . If you are interested in attending one of the preview dates then please let me know asap as available invitations will run out. I will be happy to forward both an invitation and newly printed catalogue to you by return.Or simply call Camilla Bowen at the Ackermann Modern on 020 7235 6464 for an invitation to be sent.

I hope as many of you as possible can attend.

Best wishes

Paul

New image studies

2010-05-03T17:29:00.000+01:00

I have posted two images which are merely thumbnail sketches where I have worked out the idea, numbers of birds, position and placement. Some of the lighting issues have been examined as well.

This is the first image showing the birds position in the design and the relative sizes etc. It also deals with some of the landscape issues with light and colours being explored. I then became aware that it might be looking a little too much like a summer scene instead of a winters chilly morning with frost or snow.

Therefore I decided to photograph the study as is shown above in preparation to add further to it.

In the second I added some cloud forms and some snow colour into the corn stubble. I must add that these images have taken no longer than an hour and are merely to answer some of my questions as outlined above.

It really is a important part of any painting. After the initial idea has taken route, when you might only have a thumbnail in place, this stage is all part of planning a painting.

Without these first steps which are the synopsis to the main body of the work, we as artists so often end up with an overworked image that smacks of lack of planning.

I will now go on and resolve any issues relating to composition and start to plan the image in full size .

This study is oil on panel 6" x 8" The original will end up around 18" x 24".

I shall hopefully update the progress of this painting as it evolves.

Best wishes

Paul

Little 2 hour study

2010-05-01T12:34:00.000+01:00

This small Alla Prima study was painted as the sun was becoming lower in the sky and the light through my studio window intensified the contrast.. Using the beautiful oil colours of Micheal Harding's paints, I limited the palette to Ultramarine Blue, Cerulean Blue, Cad Red Light, Cad Yellow Light, Naples Yellow Deep, Alizarin Crimson and Titanium White. I touched a hint of Phthalo Green at the very end to make a good black. It was completed in 2 hours on a gesso panel measuring 6" x 8".

Latest sporting image

2010-04-30T13:23:00.000+01:00

This image is hot off the easel. and is a 16" x 20" oil on canvas. The painting depicts the last rays of light on a winters shoot as the Spaniel retrieves and picks up the last bird of the day. The lighting for this painting was why I painted it in subdued complimentary colours. The rim lighting on the dog and pheasant brought the whole thing together.

I shall be sending this image to my publishers this week and it will debut at the CLA Game Fair in July, unless sold beforehand.

Best wishes

Paul

Show Invitation

2010-04-12T23:57:00.001+01:00

I have just received and am very happy to accept an invitation to show with three other artists and one photographer at the very prestigious and well respected Ackermann Modern Gallery in Knightsbridge, London. Ackermann Modern is part of the Arthur Ackermann Limited founded in London in 1783.

Six of my recent artworks have been selected for the event starting on the 18th of May and ending on the 2nd June 2010. I will of course extend further details to you as I receive them. It is safe to assume that I am extremely pleased and happy at the thought of once again exhibiting my work in London.

Previous shows have been at Christies, South Kensington, King Street, Mall Galleries and the well known Tryon Gallery.

Unexpected visitors

2010-04-10T23:23:00.001+01:00

Enjoyed a couple of unexpected visitors to my Koi pond this afternoon as I was gardening. A pair of Mallard dropped in for a swim, wash and brush up before the evening set in. They were either very stupid or very brave, as only a 30" fence separated them from our three German Shepherds a few feet away. Each had by now taken keen interest in the ducks activities, and were waiting for them to stray too far. On the other side of the pond watching intently was my Harris Hawk, 'Maya' on her bow perch. Thinking that dinner was on the hoof tonight and a gourmet selection at that. I sat on the bench as they went about their activities, grabbed my camera. They were so tame coming within 12 " of my feet. Alas they went, after ten minutes or so. I expect the penny finally dropped that this was a dangerous neighborhood to be in for dinner, or be dinner. Anyway thought I'd share that with you all.

I have not been painting for the last three days as heaps in that garden to do and catch up on. This included overhauling Maya's aviary, and perches. Back to painting at the first sign of bad weather I promise....Paul

2010-04-07T18:13:00.000+01:00

This is an older image that I created from reference taken on a great trip to Yellowstone many years ago in the late 1990's.Yellowstone lake formed the background, and the wolves from a refuge at West Yellowstone .As I said it really was a great trip with my friend and artist Greg Beecham from Dubios Wyoming. Wind River range was stunning countryside, I could talk about and paint that area forever in a heartbeat.

I joined other artist friends John Mullane, Matt Hillier and Lindsey Foggett. for a further ten days of mayhem in Yellowstone National Park and Montana. I had a fantastic time, in fact it was written about in a magazine of the day called Informart. Anyway all that aside, and before I get carried away, I have posted this image in response to others asking to see some of my older works.

The original is 20" x 36" oil on canvas. It has been made into a limited edition fine art lithograph and is still available to buy.

Older paintings by request

2010-04-05T09:43:00.000+01:00

Well the weather is said to be turning into spring during this coming week, I am so looking forward to it. I have heaps of painting lined up and sprinkled with an ample dose of vegetable gardening. I need to get planting, choosing seed and visiting the garden centre today. Like a kid in a candy store, such fun. Hope that the sun appears to complete my springtime mood.

I am posting some of my older images in response to people asking to see them. A few of them almost forgotten, it is just so nice to look back at these older paintings. This particular one is called 'Dusty Menace'. The original was 16" x 24" and acrylic on board. It was painted many years ago in my bush studio in Lokisale, Tanzania. It had the dubious honour of being thrown as a frisbee through the bush veld, when I lost my patience with it during a painting session. I have to say that I am very happy that I went and found it.

Happy Easter to everyone that I know, enjoy all this day has to offer.....Paul

Dungeness paint out part 2

2010-03-29T14:53:00.003+01:00

The next morning I was ready to go at 5.30am. The sun rose, only to disappear rather annoyingly behind a huge cloud bank, where it remained for a few hours. So I took a 4" x 12" board and did a second painting of Prospect Cottage( below).

Some two hours later and a few photos on, coffee and breakfast safely inside, I moved the van along the road to complete my third painting of Derek Jarman' s cottage, this time from the other side and including the wreck of an old fishing boat that I assume Mr Jarman had acquired.

By the time I had finished this painting lunch time was upon me, and against strict dietary orders from Catherine, I nipped into the well known restaurant and bar called the Britannia. There I enjoyed a plate of chips and a Guinness, after which I took a few shots of interesting things before a rest in the van and to plan my next image. I actually met another artist living at Dungeness called Paddy Hamilton and his partner Helen. A great couple and great art, worth checking him out on Blogger.

So where to now, well the sun had vanished and overcast was now the order of things. I decided to trek out to the actual shoreline and paint a wrecked fishing boat, its glory days well and truly, it has to be said, sadly behind it. FE180 is now just a shell, rotting in the elements, sun and rain doing their equal best to reduce the vessel to a pile of timber. Part of a once proud fleet that extended to many boats that had dominated the skyline, FE180 was set against storm clouds forming over my home. As Hythe could be seen from Dungeness and visa versa, I watched across the bay as the land slowly melted into sea and sky alike, clouds deepening with every brushstroke. I had to work diligently to maintain an even momentum and lay the paint down accurately and fast. As the sky was changing I was in danger of breaking a cardinal rule in plein air painting, that was chasing. Chasing the changing scene or light, always a wrong thing to do. Another reason was that the storm clouds were gathering at a pace above me.

I think I was down to my last ten minutes of work when the rains came, I was not going to be beaten into retreat, instead painting on until I was ready to call it a day. A little wetter that I had planned I returned to the van, tired , happy and having stowed everything correctly away I drove home to a warm welcome from Catherine. Five paintings completed and a whetted appetite for more.

You can be the judge on these plein air boards. I will in time develop some studio images from these studies. In the meantime I hope that you enjoy these studies as much as I enjoyed creating them.

Best wishes for now Paul ...

Dungeness paint out part 1

2010-03-29T14:48:00.000+01:00

Well I finally got my van packed with painting panels, paints and easel, not forgetting some food as well and headed out for Dungeness late on Friday morning arriving to a warm breezy afternoon. The landscape is so spectacular and thought provoking, artists have spent years living there and need to go no further for inspiration. It is their muse, and one great name among them is the late Derek Jarman, who sadly died in 1994.

He left a huge legacy in his wake, amongst which is the garden at his home Prospect cottage at Dungeness. This stands as a testament to his life and art and remains for us to enjoy today.

I set up my first panel and painted the cottage which was bathed in warm afternoon light, gentle and serene set within such a hostile environment. Lydd church can be seen in the distance. This panel took nearly two hours to complete, it was all those darn windows!!

After a few photos to record the light and detail and to combine with this study in a later studio image, I set off again, this time out onto the beach. I found a wonderful old rusting shed, long retired from use and left to its fate among the stones, with a few metal engine relics for company. The elements have exacted a toll over time which creates great potential for artists and photographers alike. It was cold and one and a half hours later, wind buffeting my easel and making it hard to put the paint down where it was needed, I decided enough was enough. I headed back to my van and decided as the light was failing fast to go and park up at friends nearby for the night.

There is a tremendous community spirit among the residents on the peninsula. There are not many of them, but each is a character and ready to help others. So for me friends Chris and Helen, the first an accomplished photographer and Helen and established watercolourist, helped me out, making it possible to park up overnight.

Sarre Mill

2010-03-25T17:48:00.000Z

I have just finished this studio panel of Sarre Mill. Called 'Winter Clouds over Sarre Mill' it is 12" x 16" oil on board.

I painted this after a visit with my friend Matthew Alexander. We had been painting at Broadstairs Harbour for the morning and after that I went and studied the Mill and just knew I had to paint it. I never had the time until recently to draw the composition. Now it is finished I am planning other Mill sites further afield, such as Cley in North Norfolk.

I enjoyed this image as it was deep in colour and rich in the light of the setting sun. I had to inject a little license, but no one will ever know. I do not know the history of Sarre Mill, but it is a restored beauty and a credit to all those who maintain this piece of English heritage so magnificently. Sarre Mill was built in 1820 and is one of England's few remaining commercially worked mills.

As always leave your thoughts and comments below. I hope you like this painting. It, along with all my other paintings are up for sale and can be found on my website galleries, or just make contact with me to check on the availability of this or any other works offered.

Best wishes Paul

Yesterdays Plein air

2010-03-25T16:14:00.000Z

I wanted to post this little study yesterday, but unfortunately I got home far too late to take a photo and get on online. So here we are 24 hours later. I took myself off for a wander around Ashford old market town for inspiration and something worthy of painting.

I do not see myself as a social commentator in paint, though I was getting close to doing that, but finally ended up on platform 2b of Ashford International Railway Station. Grand title for such a small station, yet when I studied the shapes and forms, it drew me in. I found the location somewhat boring to start with, but then it grew upon me and I saw so many things that had escaped my initial glances. An hour or so later and two coffees inside me, resulting in the mandatory visit to the gents, I was finished.

I was somewhat pleased with this little 220 x 160mm study (roughly 6" x 8") Oil on board. The many angles and lines hit the vanishing point at speed. The light was somewhat diffused, I will definitely paint this again and from other angles. Maybe on a rainy day. Now that would give some great lighting effects with interesting reflections.

Anyway, as always you can be my judge, your comments as always are very welcome. I called it ' The Approaching Train Bound for Charing Cross'. A grand title for such a small painting, not unlike the station itself.

Something a little different

2010-03-25T16:06:00.000Z

This is an 11" x 15" ink and wash of one of my favourite locations to paint. The old Oyster house at Faversham Creek, deep in the heart of old Faversham is a delightful place to sit and watch time pass by. The old Thames Barges moored up along this old trading house where the famous Oysters used to be landed are reminiscent of a time gone by.

I usually paint in oil or acrylic, but had a desire to use ink for a line drawing and added the watercolour later. Your thoughts and comments are welcome and I hope that you like this little painting.

New Show starts tonight

2010-03-24T23:03:00.000Z

Well the show at Francis Iles in Rochester starts with the invitational private view tomorrow evening, so my fingers are crossed that some of my paintings find new homes. The show opens to the public on Saturday and includes Sunday opening.

The painting below with a working title of 'Awaiting Direction' has been featured as painting of the month by the gallery and apart from appearing in the show, it can be found on their website at http://www.francis-iles.com

By the way this painting is about to be released as a limited edition fine art print from my publishers Sally Mitchell Fine Art and can be ordered from my website shortly. I am taking advance bookings for this print and I will let you know the release date very soon.

New mixed show

2010-03-17T20:45:00.000Z

Today was spent delivering work for the spring show at the Francis Iles Gallery in the famous Rochester High Street. The show begins this Saturday, and has a landscape theme.

I have eight new landscape paintings and the latest Labrador painting being hung in the show. Nettie, who owns the gallery, could not resist breaking with the theme of the show and hanging the Lab image. "It was too nice not to have in the show", she said.

So if you are in the area over the next few weeks why not pop in and have a look. The small 4" x 12" Plein air painting of a Sunset at Camber Sands shown above is just one of the eight on offer and go all the way up to my Saltwood Oak painting at 24"x 36".

Francis Iles Gallery
Nettie Francis-Iles
103 High Street
Rochester
Kent ME1 1LX
01634 843081
Email: advice@artycat.com

Latest landscape

2010-03-17T19:25:00.000Z

Last of the Few -Dungeness Fleet

16" x 20"

Oil on Gesso Panel

This is my latest painting off the easel and came about as a result of a small painting trip to Dungeness with my wife Catherine and stepdaughter Sam a couple of years back. I have fond memories as a child of many cold days and nights trudging across the shingle banks to go fishing with my father and his friends. In those days there were many fishing boats to be seen along the tops of the shingle. The Dungeness fleet was a well known business between many well known families. The Oilers and Richardsons being two I think I remember, they may still be a part of the Ness today.

When we went there I had forgotten how the wild unspoiled landscape had supported a community seemingly so isolated on this the most South Easterly point in the U.K. As the winds raced across the shingle banks, families survived in small huts and homes that had little or no protection from the channel gales, yet this is how it has been for many hundreds of years if not longer. In the shadow of nuclear technologies now abandoned and decommissioned these families carry on their daily business. Sadly, the sea for many is now no longer an option because of new laws and seemingly unfair legislation. Their fishing boats, the sea, and traditional way of life are becoming a distant memory.

Anyway, painting this image has bought all my memories flooding back, so guess what, I am packing the van and spending a couple of days exploring certain aspects of Dungeness, some of the old decaying fishing boats, that lay forgotten on the stones, and last, but not least the well known house that once belonged to Derek Jarman.

The only problem I have is that the weekend is looking bad weather wise, so I shall go tomorrow instead and maybe get a few days during the next week or so.

Anyway, I hope that you like the painting. Watch this space as they say for more paintings relating to the wilds of Dungeness.

Springtime ARH!! Finally...

2010-03-17T19:24:00.000Z

Spring in a Glass Vase. At least that is what I am calling it. The warmth of the new spring flooded in through the doors yesterday, and although I was about to head out and pick up a framing order, lunch was ready.

I watched the sun dance through the cut glass vase that once belonged to Catherine's mother. It was full of new Daffodil flowers which were a Mothers Day gift for Catherine from one of her children, and were about to open up to a new spring.

My Jullian Palm box was was at hand, so as my meal was finished and whilst Catherine and I chatted, I completed this 40 minute study. Oil on paper 6" x 8".

It is not for sale as Catherine has laid claim to this one, and it will hang above her easel in her studio.

New Plein air

2010-03-09T17:11:00.001Z

This new plein air panel was created last Saturday. The sun shone at brief moments whilst I chased elusive shadows that crossed the wide pathway ascending towards the church.

Hythe is an ancient town and is one of 5 Cinque Port towns so named during the Napoleonic wars and is steeped in history as with this old path, although now covered with modern materials, must have been witness to no end of events. It will have conveyed the people of Hythe up and down its length for hundreds of years. Indeed, the old building on the left is testament to Hythe's heritage as it has to be one of the oldest around the town. I need to go and investigate it a little further. I will post my brief findings later.

Back to the painting, I had just received my new JULLIAN palm box, not cheap, but small and beautifully formed you might say. Anyway I was itching to get out and play? I mean paint with it. Saturday was just the time I needed, so whilst my youngest son played war games with his friends, I set about a little study in Hythe.

I have often found myself at the canal that runs through the heart of the town ( Another Napoleonic legacy). For a long time I have been intrigued with the small streets and walkways in and around the old Church in Hythe. I thought it was about time to study them in paint. This is the first of many I hope to complete in the near future.

"Church Hill, Hythe." 6" x 8" oil on paper.

Saltwood Oak

2010-03-05T17:17:00.000Z

Those who follow my blog will remember those chilly photographs of me painting during the afternoon in Saltwood. In fact I posted a small 6" x 8" plein air study of this scene. Well I went to the other extreme for this canvas, 24" x 36" was the order of the day. My gallery wanted a large landscape image from me for their upcoming spring show so I decided 24" x 36" and a 11/2 flat brush would do the trick.

I stood in the cold with Catherine as we watched the clouds form in readiness for a second deluge of snow. Those wonderful colours sang out warm tones to me as they gathered pace. The wind swept the snow over the distant hill top forming deep drifts and the vast expanse in front of me was empty of life except for those early footprints from eager children with their sledges. Bands of sunlight moved rapidly towards me creating wonderful shafts of bright light, radiant warm hues against the coldness of the shadows.

With all this in front of me I had to go back and get my paints, which is exactly what I did, but moreover I knew that I had to do this scene justice and paint it on an altogether larger scale. This is the result, I was worried that I have left too much area to the right with little in it. Part of me wants to put some birds into this area of the canvas. That said, the work is about the vast blanket of undisturbed snow that so transforms the landscape. The emptiness, in my opinion is a ying-yang to the huge and mighty Oak tree to the left, So for now at least I am resisting the temptation of complicating the concept further. I might do a few studies to see what effect it might have to add other elements.

Anyway that is my painting called 'Saltwood Oak' I intend to visit this grand tree and paint it through the seasons.Who knows, I just might add some birds to a second canvas depicting the subject by way of contrast to this version.. Whatever I do I hope that you like this image and feel free to add comments about it.

Best wishes Paul

New Dog Print

2010-03-05T10:53:00.000Z

Some excitement yesterday as the postman arrived and handed me a tube. It contained the proof of the new Labrador fine art print from my publishers Sally Mitchel Fine Art. Opening it up the proof looked spot on. It has not yet been given a title, though I am sure they will come up with an apt one. However, please forward suggestions as they will be most welcome, and I will happily forward them to the publishers.

Anyway I just wanted to share that with you. I can't wait for it to hit the market place and join the other print called 'The Waterboy' which I understand is selling extremely well. All great news.

New Barn Owl study

2010-03-03T15:39:00.000Z

I had a request for another small Barn Owl image so here it is. I do hope that you like it. For a second time I have used the backdrop of one of my favourite birding areas to visit, that is Oare Marshes along the Swale estuary in East Kent. I have portrayed the backdrop with impressionistic strokes and play of the brush.

The Owl hunts and patrols its territory so deliberately and silently, through and over the sedges and brambles lining the shallow waterways of the marshes at Oare. It may only be a small study but I hope that it conveys so much more about where this beautiful creature lives, and the delicate balance it plays within the ecology of the habitat.

A Rare opportunity to enjoy a workshop with Paul Apps

2010-02-25T17:45:00.000Z

Workshop opportunity

I am offering a few lucky artists a rare chance for workshop days with me in September / October. I will post these details very soon.

The places will be extremely limited to ensure a personal approach to benefit you the student.

So watch my blog for the updates, and please do not delay and be disappointed.

The workshop will cost £100 (including lunch).

I am taking advance reservations now, and those bookings will get first allocation.

Teaching update

2010-02-25T10:57:00.004Z

I have a new student coming along to the studio to start with me today. It is always nice to help artists at all levels with their painting skills and assisting them to advance their artwork.

It reminded me to let you all know about my teaching programme. After a break of 15 years I decided to dedicate a few hours a week to teaching once again after many requests to teach from artists in my area With that in mind available space for one to one sessions and very small groups is becoming very limited. If it is something that you would like to do, even with a friend at your home or my studio, then call me. Full contact details can be found on my website at www.paulapps.com.

Teaching Fees

My fees are per hour with a minimum of two hours per session

one to one sessions are £30 per hour

two to three in a small group £ 22.50 per hour

I am also sorting out details for a larger group on a weekly basis. I will post the information very shortly. location and cost per week. I hope and plan to launch this group in April 2010.

'Morning Flush' my new studio painting.

2010-02-20T18:23:00.000Z

'Morning Flush is the title of my new studio painting, literally hot off the easel as I finished only a couple of days back. I am happy to call it finished.

It is a scene local to my studio and a place that I have frequently visited and studied at length. The scene depicts a flush of Pheasants at the end of the first drive of the morning. The richness of the warm light enhances the great mood of the moment and is in contrast to the threatening snow clouds.

It was a lengthy painting to render, an enjoyable challenge and one that I hope you'll agree I have managed to pull off successfully.

It is a 20" x 30" oil on canvas and will be presented in a handmade 23ct gilded frame. See my website for full details if you are interested in purchasing this new painting.

Plein air images from London

2010-02-20T18:22:00.001Z

Here are the two paintings of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament completed along the Embankment in London yesterday.

The first one is 10" x 12" painted in a 1 3/4 hour session at midday and on a gesso panel

The second is 9" x 12" painted in about an hour at 4p.m. showing the richness of the dying day on a gesso panel.

New easel ,new painting

2010-02-20T18:18:00.000Z

For a long long time I have wanted a decent half French easel for my plein air work. I know, I know, for all those who know me I have a myriad of such devices, so why do I possibly need another? Well if you understand anything about me, then you also be aware that I am a sucker for another painting box or pochade.

So my choice was between a Mabef or Jullian easel. The latter turned out to be the wise choice. Now this is not a sales pitch for Jullian, but if any of you are considering a new plein air easel, Pochade, French or otherwise then talk to James from the UK arm of Jullian Easels. Apart from being a great chap and very helpful, he explained so much to me that my decision was in the end very easy. It also arrived the very next day which in itself was outstanding.

Ok sales pitch now over. I wanted to go up to London and catch some of the Seago exhibitions once again before they end. Catherine said that I had to work as well, so I decided that I would paint whilst in London.

Not such a simple choice as I have never painted plein air in London before, which is daunting enough, but with a brand new easel was tantamount to painting suicide. Foolish man that I am and any excuse to see the Seago paintings again I was ready for the challenge.

The rains failed to appear so London beckoned, and I arrived to find almost every conceivable space filled with children of all nationalities on school half term. What planning on my part, never again I swear. I finally found sanctuary upon the foredeck of the Tattershall Castle moored alongside the Victoria Embankment. The manager kindly allowed me to paint in peace, it also allowed me to indulge in a pint whilst I painted!

I completed two panels, the first was 1 3/4 hours duration at midday. The second was started after I had been along and revisited the Seago paintings. I started it at 4pm and it took about an hour.

Off to London tomorrow

2010-02-15T21:56:00.000Z

Can't wait for tomorrow, Catherine and I asked our son to be baby sitter for the puppies and we are off to London for the day. I have been eagerly awaiting the chance for us to view the new centenary gallery shows of Edward Seago's outstanding artwork and contribution to British art heritage. There are three in all celebrating his lifes' work, and as he is a real hero to me, I shall be in heaven tomorrow.` So no painting for me just inspirational overload.

My latest landscape

2010-02-15T21:34:00.000Z

This is my very latest landscape which is an oil on a gesso panel 12" x 16". It is a studio painting based on a plein air panel I completed a couple of years ago of Oare Creek, Faversham in Kent.

This is a beautiful part of the inlet waterway that splits at this point heading off the Oare Creek and Faversham Creek.. I loved the atmosphere created by the light and the cloud forms as the rain threatened to pour.

It is for sale ( See my website for details).

It also shown in its frame which is presented in handmade 23ct gilded frame, as shown below.

Plein Air panel 11th February 2010

2010-02-13T16:47:00.000Z

This is the small 6" x 8" plein air panel that I promised to post. It was completed in 1 1/2 hours during a bitter snowy afternoon with a 40 m.p.h. freezing wind blowing the whole time!

It started off being a painting all about the Oak tree standing alone in the open field. Catherine and I had seen and photographed this tree earlier in the day catching the beauty of the light effects in the snow. When Catherine and I returned in the afternoon, the sun had strengthened its grip on the day allowing wonderful long shadows to form in unison across the open fields. They lengthened as I painted, and I was in danger of breaking my own rule of chasing the light and changing moods in its rendering.

In the end the painting became less about the tree and more about the shadows of the dying day. I featured the tree in the end, seeking only to add dimension to the landscape and some degree of proportion. Really though the essence of the work was in reducing the shadows and light effects to mere patterns and shapes of interest. applying them in their almost elemental form.

I will be working on several versions of this scene over the coming months as I was captivated by all that it had to offer me as an artist. I know Catherine is planning several watercolours based on the same theme. We both agreed that it will be used in some of my sporting works in the future too.

Finally we agreed that we would visit the site in the spring, summer and autumn to record its seasonal moods. This particular landscape is a simple one yet seems charged with an infinite number of possibilities with regard to its artistic potential.

I hope that you like this little study and I hope that I managed to convey to you the freshness and feelings of the day.

Best wishes Paul

snow snow snow

2010-02-11T23:27:00.000Z

What a lovely day Catherine and I have had today. After walking the dogs, where they had heaps of fun charging up and down in the 8" of snow we had had overnight, we set off with cameras in hand and walked around the village and took some great reference shots which we can turn into paintings back at the studio.

After getting too cold to take any more photos we headed home for a warm lunch. Later we headed out once again for more photography and some painting. I had seen an old Oak tree in a field near to Saltwood Castle and decided to do a plein air study of it. That is what I proceeded to do, my fingers numbed by the chilling 40 mile per hour winds and drifting snows two hours later I had finished, having taken many photos in between painting. Catherine had become too cold and headed back home some 35 minutes earlier. I will post the image tomorrow, as I had no light to take a photo of it today.

Catherine had recorded some of my efforts though during my painting, so here are a couple.

Just the one blog now

2010-02-08T14:48:00.000Z

Ok, for those who have followed both my blogs it has been proving a problem keeping them both going along with my increasing painting schedule. So I have imported all the posts from my old Plein air blog and combined them into this blog.

So all posts in future will include the En plein air postings and all will appear here.

Image above is a Willet from Florida. The painting, for sale is an oil on canvas 20" x 12" and called 'Marina Reflections- Willet'.

Oil Sketch

2010-02-03T16:49:00.001Z

This is a 1 1/2 hour oil sketch completed yesterday of an elderly male model. I know strictly speaking it is not En plein air, but it is Alla prima. I ran short on time to do more, but enjoyed what I had accomplished.

Having photographed this oil on paper, I sadly tore the image trying to get it off of the board, next time I will leave well alone. I still have the painting as a record, but that will be it.

Hot off the easel

2010-02-03T14:32:00.000Z

This is my latest painting, literally just finished an hour ago. It is a studio version worked up from an idea and a demo sketch I painted for Hythe Art Society in early January. I decided to stretch the image to 12 x 28 inches and place the swimming lab to one side allowing more of the surge and wave to be explored on the right hand side. I think that it gives an overall satisfying appearance and a relaxed feeling to the composition.

I have sent a photo of it to my publisher, I am sure they will want to include it within their portfolio.

Painting on Sunday Morning 21. 1. 10

2010-01-19T13:54:00.000Z

This 12" x 16" Oil on Panel was completed in the morning in the company of Matthew and Mike. The day before was appalling and I got soaked ! So when I woke to find the sun shining I had to get out and paint. Both Matthew and Mike were keen to paint and we set up on Broadstairs Harbour. This place is steeped in history from Smugglers to Charles Dickens. We decided to paint the old wooden building out on the harbour, with its charactoristic leaning toward the sea. The long early morning shadows served to enhance the composition and together with the lamps add depth to the painting.

Matthew painting.

Our reward after a long hard mornings work in the studio of out doors.

Second landscape of the new year

2010-01-14T16:33:00.000Z

Well I could not stop with the Preston image. I have been passing the church on the hill for many years and for the last 8 months I have thought about how nice it might look as a painting. Several times I have pulled up and got out of my car to look at the scene of this old church perched up on the side of a hill in the little village of Peene near Folkestone.

When I saw it in snow I had to get some reference, I was going to do it as a plein study but the day I went the sun shone in the snow everywhere except on my church, utter frustration! I took a couple of shots in case I could not get the sun on it whilst the snow was around, in which case I would had no choice but create my own sunlight whilst painting the image.

As luck would have it I was off to join a friend painting the next day, and as I past by the church so the sun shone upon it, showing it off in all its majesty,.I took a few shots just as the sun went behind a huge cloud, how lucky was that, or was it devine intervention, I'll let you decide that issue.

Anyway the image is for sale and details can be found on my web gallery. I have as the last painting shown it in its new frame, being hand made and 23ct gilded .

Best wishes Paul

First landscape of 2010

2010-01-14T16:32:00.000Z

After a cold session painting plein air, I was off again this time to East Kent meeting up with my artist friend Matthew Alexander for more of the same. This painting is from a photo taken of the road into Preston Village. There was no time to paint this pretty scene at the time, so I painted it in the comfort of my studio the next day whilst the image of the light was still firmly fixed in my mind.

I particularly like the old cottage centre stage showing a warm fire burning against the bleak winter weather outside.The sun is bursting through the rapidly approaching snow clouds, threatening to lay down a further blanket of snow.

The oil is for sale and presented in a hand made 23ct gilded frame shown below, details can be seen on my web gallery.

I hope that you like the image

best wishes Paul