Ann’s Journal
#plastic-free 2
Following on from my previous post I am looking at how we can cut down or replace cling-film as a paint texture-making technique. Clearly, any ‘single use’ material that we use instead is not ideal. Even if it is supposedly recyclable – the recycling plants cannot...
#Plastic -free (1)
I am getting increasingly anxious about all the news regarding climate change and plastic. I am also feeling guilty because over many years I have not only used but promoted the use of cling -film (plastic, shrink or glad wrap) as a way of creating texture in my...
Rainy days
I had a lovely time last week meeting lots of visitors to my studio, chatting about art, life , gardening and inevitably the rainy weather! And of course selling paintings! Now I am sitting in my studio deciding what to do next.. It has been a very busy couple of...
Spring Exhibition
It's getting close to the start of my Spring Exhibition so I am frantically finishing off paintings, putting them in frames and mounts and sorting out my prints . I have had a few new card designs printed too, and I am constantly checking supplies of my new DVD as...
In the woods
I have been visiting the woods recently in order to try and get 'back to nature'. I feel as if I have got into a lazy habit of always painting in the studio without enough plein air work. It is easy to convince yourself that a photo and sketchy scribble will do and...
New DVD cover
The cover of my latest dvd has been finalised- and here it is! The painting used for the cover is one of a series of river scenes that I have made based on a local river that I see on daily walks. I have enjoyed watching this scene change with the seasons as the...
NEW DVD!
EXPERIMENTAL WATERCOLOUR WORKSHOP - my new DVD is based on some of the contents of my 'Watercolour Workshop' book which was published last year. It reinforces the book and vice versa with new interpretations and techniques. It isn't necessary to have both...
Experimental Watercolour Workshop- new dvd
I have finished filming my new dvd. I spent two days in my studio, painting several demonstrations for the camera and according to Townhouse films - it went really well. And actually- I agree! It's always rather nerve wracking using a fractious medium like watercolour...
Filming
I have just realised how long it is since my last post. Sorry - I will start posting more regularly now that I am out of hibernation! So much has been happening. The highlights are that I have sent my paintings off to the Mall Galleries for the annual RI show in April...
Moroccan alchemy
I have just got back from a trip to Morocco. I have been several times before and we decided to explore a different area. Chefchaouen, in the Rif mountains, is a paradise for artists- but also for everyone else! In picturesque places like this I make myself see past...
Pause for thought
I have been keeping my eyes open in recent years and question whether the emphasis in many art books and workshops has swung too far towards technique and use of materials and away from the essential act of making meaningful and personal interpretations. Of course,...
Exmoor- Light and lichens
I have recently returned from a rewarding trip to Exmoor where I joined a group of like-minded artists. We sketched, photographed or painted on our own during the day according to our interests, and met up in the evening at local pubs to compare notes and relax....