Gail Carmody Artwork | Community Art Two

Gail Carmody's Artwork

"Ocean Sea" after Anastasia Miley - 4th March

I really love the original of this one and looked forward to having a go at it. I used Baohong watercolour paper on a block, which was helpful. I completed a very simplistic graphite sketch on the spare page of the task instruction sheet, which took about ten minutes. Then I used masking fluid to create the crest of the waves and the white horses that "gallop" along with it, the moon, and the spray of water so far up the rock formation, in order to preserve the whiter areas of the painting. I wet the sky area with clean water, and using a deep wash of indigo and a mop brush I dropped the paint in, wet into wet to create a deep and sultry sky, allowing the colour to blend and diffuse upwards as I tilted the paper. After allowing the sky wash to soak into the paper a bit, I started with the waves themselves, wet onto dry, using a mixture of cobalt, cerulean and indigo blues, building up the layers a bit and washing them out slightly on the left to show a little moonlight. For the rock I used some light yellow ochre, burnt sienna and burnt umber, dropping in wet into wet. I let the whole piece dry for two days before rubbing the masking fluid off, to reveal quite a pleasing result. I really enjoyed doing this and am happy with how it turned out.

Red barn and moody skies - 11th February

This is acrylics on a canvas board and a very unusual piece of work for me. I covered the whole of the canvas in a wash of cad red mixed with cad yellow to make an orange colour, painted the whole board and let it dry. Then I sketched the scene, having great difficulty with the shape, dimensions and perspectives of the barn - I'm still not happy with it even now that it's finished! Firstly I painted the barn, using a mixture of vermilion and a little mars black to represent texture and shadows, altering things a little as I went along. I mixed a little burnt umber with heavy bodied white and scumbled across the canvas for the fields and I feel that it's not a good representation of the original, but it will do. I added some very light blue mixed with white for the bottom of the sky, then went to town mixing burnt umber, mars black, a tad of vermilion and the smallest amount of sap green(!) and scumbled it across the sky areas, adding more white as I worked downwards. I do like the sky! I finished by mixing some ultramarine and cad yellow with a little mars black to make the green for the fields, and scumbled it across the bottom. I touched up white areas on the barn with an acrylic paint pen and decided that enough was enough and called it finished. Not the best work, but it's ok.

A street in Dinorwic, North Wales. After David Bellamy. 28th January & 4th February.

In the style of David Bellamy, this is my version of one of his paintings done in North Wales. I really love the original, and I tried hard with this two-weeker but I find that I seem to be struggling quite a bit with my favourite medium of watercolour. Sketching it was relatively simple, but then adding paint was quite the challenge. Aiming for the misty look over the mountain was very tricky, especially when I lost most of it when I did the sky. I tried bringing it back with a second wash of indigo, and tried to avoid the overlapping edges. Such detail to be had in the hedges and houses, and mine looks a tad amateurish. I was going to leave out the people walking up the street but I found it looked quite bare so I put them in. Overall I like it, but I need to improve my watercolours dramatically. There's always room for improvement in my opinion

Jug and Pears 21st Jan 2026

This was a two-weeker, three part task of a jar and some pears. I did an ink study first, trying to capture the shape of the ovals of the jug and the rotundness of it with the shading. In my opinion, the pears are too big, and the jug is wonky. The following week I did the painting, using gouache instead of acrylics because that's what the task asked for. I did struggle with the paint due to gouache being reconstitutional when paint is added on top of it. I also think that the pears look too big in this one, on second reflection. I completed the pencil sketch at home, using different sized leads and a blending stump to capture the scene. I think this one shows how obvious the mistakes are; the jug being a bit smaller, fatter and wonky, and the pears again, a little too big. This task has proven to me that practice is required before I get a good final image, because neither of these "fits the brief" for me personally. But still, I enjoy the way the tutor pushes us out of our comfort zone, so that we can learn.

Still life "Cup and lemon" - Acrylic - 7th January 2026

Here's the first task of 2026, a still life of a mug and a lemon in acrylics. I covered the whole canvas in a wash of burnt sienna and let it dry. After that, I lightly sketched the scene with an HB pencil, which took about 10 minutes. Trying to choose and make the correct colours for the background was a bit of a challenge, but I tried my best to get the background colour as close as possible to the original, but I managed to get the DARKER version of it instead of the lighter one! Still, I'm happy with it. I really enjoyed doing the table, using burnt sienna, black, some light yellow and some white to emphasis where the light source is coming from. The cup got a flat coat of black with a size 12 flat brush, which allowed me to outline it perfectly before filling in the whole cup with paint. Then I used light yellow and white for the whole lemon, before working on the shadows and highlights areas. Lastly, I worked on the reflections on the mug. I enjoyed this part too, and trying to discern what the large pinkish reflection is in the centre was a mystery. I wonder if it's part of the table reflection..? On the whole, I really like how this turned out.

Cottages and sheep after Peter Cronin 17th December 2025

This was the last task of the Autumn/Winter term, and our last class before Christmas - a very bright and happy scene after Peter Cronin, done in pen and watercolours. The sketch took about 10-15 minutes, attempting to get the angles of the rooves as correct as I could. I started with a loose, pale wash of ultramarine blue for the sky with a VERY pale wash of cad yellow at the tree line, whilst trying to avoid mixing them to a green! I let it dry before I started working on the cottages and foreground, which was very relaxing. Finally, I picked out the sheep and was really happy that I'd got them to look like sheep! A really enjoyable last task before the Christmas break.

A beautiful blue landscape 3rd and 10th December 2025

This was a task that covered two weeks. During the first week, we sketched the scene and started painting the sky area with watercolours using a cad yellow(?) and indigo. Then using clean water on the edges of the clouds so as not to get a hard edge and to create the illusion of whispy clouds. We used a coin to sketch the sun, although mine looks a little wonky! Using a paler wash of indigo I painted in the distant hills and trees. Week two was spent creating the foreground, which was a lot of fun. I really enjoyed this task and am very pleased with how it looks.

"On the hunt" in the style of Greg Collins - 12th November

This was popular with all of the class as we embarked on covering the paper with a mixed wash of acrylics; Sienna's (raw and burnt), yellow ochre, cad yellow hue, and the umbers (raw and burnt), and a small touch of white for the top right hand corner. Once dry, I sketched out the shape of the lion with a pencil, but struggled with some of the details. I tried blocking in some of the colours (all of the above plus black and Payne's grey, and a smidge of vermilion for his nose) and just layered the colours on, to try to get a similar image to the lion that was on the page. It took quite some time, and I wasn't able to finish in class. I chickened out with the facial details until I was at home, slowly adding layers on his face to bring his features out. I kept adding layers to make him look a bit fluffy until I was fed up of messing around with it! "On the hunt...?"....I think it's more like "here's Clarence!". Enjoyed it, and like it.

Bunacaimb, Arisaig - in the style of Ron Lawson. 5th November 2025

This is the second in the series of Ron Lawson tasks for this term. Again, it's mixed media with the under sketching done in pencil, then using fine liners I went over the pencil to create permanent marks. I used a mixture of muted watercolours for the foreground, using ultramarine and Payne's grey and mixing a little cad yellow hue to make the green for the grassy areas and the large mountain at the back. I also used neat Payne's grey for the darker areas of the foreground as well as mark making with fine liners. I've used Pthalocyanin blue mixed with white, and a smidge of raw sienna gouache paint for the sky, and given it two layers. It's not a flat as I'd like as it was drying quite fast and went a bit sticky, then I discovered a bit of flaked paint from the handle of my brush had stuck to the wet paint! Botheration! So I just covered it with the blue paint and tried to work it in without disturbing the paint underneath - safe to say it didn't really work. Pleased with the finished painting though.

Cheetah - 22nd Oct 2025

I just wasn't feeling it this week in class. My mind was elsewhere with issues at home and I really struggled to get going properly with this task. I used three different types of white pencils to complete this, using a basic white colouring pencil to get the outline and some of the details within the face. I got some of the shading down at class, but decided to leave the rest until I was at home. I used a medium lead Marco colouring pencil for the mid tones and a Carbothello Stabilo soft pastel pencil for the whiter highlights. I did struggle to get the whites white enough, so I decided to use an acrylic paint pen for the dots on his nose and in his eyes, to help them to stand out. His face is too narrow compared to the original, but I like it and am leaving it as it is. Happy enough with it.

Houses at Plockton - after Ron Lawson 15th Oct 2025

This was a multimedia task. I used a pencil and sketched the scene as carefully as possible, although I did struggle a bit to see the details. I used light washes of ultramarine blue watercolour for the water and the mountains, dropping some pinky purple and indigo into the mountains, wet into wet. I added some cad yellow mix to my light ultramarine and made a green for the grassy area. I also added a tiny amount of burnt umber too. Then to complete the sky I used gouache, mixing cobalt blue and a touch of ultramarine, using a large brush to cover a bigger area in straight lines. I enjoyed doing this, and look forward to the second one of these in the series.

Houses on a hill, from Pinterest - 8th October 2025

I really liked the look of this one. We were asked to sketch this one at home before class, to save some time for the ink work and painting in class. I put down a base layer of cad yellow, then made the colour a bit stronger for the window areas of the houses then let it dry. I started adding a wash of indigo, mixed with some pink that was left on my pallette and got the colour in the sky, tilting the page to allow the paint to flow. I continued to add the blue mix, which was made up of different blues that were left in my pallette. I used a water squirter and tissue to dab out some of the colour on the bottom and just attempted to make stronger colours throughout the painting. I enjoyed this again, and am relatively happy with it.

Cottage scene, after Matty Burnham - 1st October 2025

All of us in class have taken rather a shine to the work of Matty Burnham, as has the tutor. I sketched this in graphite first, which took roughly 15 minutes, then used a number 1 black fine liner pen to go over the sketch, leaving out some of the background details. I started adding watercolours from the sky downwards, tilting my paper a little to get the paint to flow. I didn't quite work, so I will practice this technique more, but on the whole it looks ok. I gradually added more washes to the painting and am moderately pleased with it.

Sepia tone rowing boat - September 2025

I really enjoyed this one, sketching lightly in graphite first, then going over it with my fine liners (no's 1 and 3). I liked the look of it, even without painting it, but I gradually added light washes of sepia, raw sienna, burnt umber and burnt sienna. After completing it, I felt that the colours weren't popping enough, so I added deeper tones of the same colours which then made the boat stand out a bit more. Loved doing this one and am really happy with the result.

Daffodil - Sept 2025

Our first task of the new academic year - a loosely styled single daffodil. First I bordered an A4 sheet of watercolour paper using masking tape then sketched loosely with graphite. I spent a good three quarters of an hour sketching, and felt so chilled out. Then I used my new Unipin fineliner pens to go over the sketch, trying to be as loose as possible. After completing the pen work and using a limited pallet of watercolours, starting to paint the lightest area with lemon yellow, then mixing in a little cad yellow hue for the different tones. Once dry enough, I used a little burnt sienna to deepen the tone of the trumpet, adding it wet on wet for an even looking spread. Then, just using different strengths of Payne's grey, I painted loosely around the edges of the daffodil, just to help it to stand out a bit more. A very enjoyable first task of the year, one of which I'm really pleased with.

Pink rose in pastels

This is the final task of the 2025 artistic year for us and I looked forward to doing it. I prepared my surface - a piece of sandy coloured Clairefontaine pastelmat by painting two coats of black watercolour onto it, in order to get the dark surface. I freehanded the sketch with a light grade white pencil at home, and thought it looked ok. In class, I started working from top down with Faber Castille pitt pencils in various pinks, light orange and white to get the basic shape of a rosebud. I also used some soft stick pastels to get more pigment into the tooth of the paper. Using a bluey green, and a grass green, I started building up the leaves, and using a brown pitt pencil very lightly just underneath the rosebud, to highlight the shadows. Final touches were using a white pitt pencil to put highlights onto some of the petals and leaves. This was an extremely enjoyable task which we all enjoyed. Looking forward to next year already!

Beautiful blue Irises

I was looking forward to doing this piece, I felt it would be a challenge! I used ordinary pastel paper, so no tooth on it at all, and soon felt regretful that I'd bought it. But I sketched the flowers out on the lighter shaded paper, using a pencil and not a white pastel pencil. (I knew I'd make mistakes...🤫) It took me a while to sketch the details, then I got started, working top down using soft pastels and pastel pencils. Using many different shades of lilacs and blues, blending gently, the iris took shape. I couldn't finish in class so I sat at my dining table the following morning and spent a lazy couple of hours, in a world of my own, and thoroughly enjoying myself. I really like this one.

"Rhoscrymun" - after John Kyffin Williams

Now, truth be told, I really don't like the style and works of Kyffin Williams, but as I looked at the task, I thought "well how hard can it be to slap some paint on a canvas with a pallet knife..?!" Answer: QUITE hard! I started off putting a wash of acrylic on the background, and letting it dry. I roughly sketched the scene in pencil and got to work on the sky with the pallet knife. It was a struggle to be fair, but I kept going. I worked my way down the canvas, swapping between the knife and different brushes because I found it easier to work with a brush. The scene developed, and I just kept going. Once finished, I looked at it and felt sorry for myself 😆 "Ah well.." I thought, "I've given it a go". Enjoyed the experience, but not so happy with the result.

Mixed media in the style of Ron Lawson

There were two of these tasks to complete, very similar in detail, but I also missed them due to be away on holiday, and I only completed one because of not having the paperwork for it. But I wanted to catch up and completed this at home. I thoroughly enjoyed doing this one, it's mixed media and very striking. It's been sketched onto a canvas board with pencil, followed by black pens of varying sizes. I also used some watercolour for the details; the grass, the roof, the buildings, the boat and...the water! I finished with a thick, consistent layer of gouache for the sky, keeping the direction going the same way at all times. I absolutely love it!

Girl in pen after Katarzyna Gagol

I missed this task in class, so I had to catch up at home. I used a lightweight, light grey toned paper, and sketched the image carefully, freehand, with a pencil first. It took a while but I enjoyed the process. After that, I used a fine liner pen to do the mark making instead of my dipping ink because I misplaced my ink pen. I also freehanded the borderline, intentionally making it wobbly, because I like the natural look of it. Finally I used a white gel pen to put the highlights in, although looking at it, I might have gone a bit overboard with it! However, I am pleased with it.

Old Vince in acrylics

We started this for week one of the new term and I really enjoyed putting the layers on, especially the background. The swirling pattern felt quite creative and flowy. I worried about the likeness as I started adding layers to his face, and tried my best to get the eyes right in proportion and size, however I think I've made him look a bit sick! He's very green! I finished him at home and am happy enough with him.

The Jam Jar - Watercolour

This task had a two week time frame, although we had the Easter break in between sessions. We all used heavy graphite on the back of the image before tracing it out onto our thick paper, which then left the image on the sheet. The initial layer was using indigo blue to fill in the background, knowing that we'd need a few layers to achieve the dark tones behind the jar. We also used gamboge hue and pale yellows to fill in the table, and added a second coat to the background too. Then during the first session back, we started on the glass jar, top down. There are some pretty tiny lines to paint in so it was a little tricky and getting the right shades and tones was a challenge. I worked my way down, adding more layers as I did. I did "finish" it in class, but felt that the background needed to be darker, so at home, I added another layer of indigo and ivory black, whilst dropping a little vermilion into the shadows. I really enjoyed doing this one, and am happy overall.

Gouache rock structure

This task covered two weeks, which was a bit of a blessing really. It was really enjoyable to do, although gouache as a medium proved a little tricky due to it's watercolour-like qualities.

I sketched the image out first, but I was uncertain about the proportions of the rock. I added some paint and quickly realised that the rock looked too "stumpy". So at home, I altered the sketch by adding height to the rock and it looked better. During week two of the task, I completed adding the colours to it, trying to get tonal values as best I could, and some shadows too. It looks ok, I'm happy enough with it, just enough to keep my interest piqued at persevering with gouache as a medium. Onwards and upwards, as they say...

Winter scene after Alexander Bobrov

Today's class had been cancelled due to a fire at the centre so I decided to spend my time doing the given task anyway. I'd already painted my background as close a colour to Wedgewood blue as I could, that is titanium white, ultramarine blue and a smidge of cad red to give this one a good base colour. I found the sketch difficult because the details weren't very obvious, so this is as close as I could get. So I followed the tutors instructions and did my best. On reflection, I quite like it, however I don't think the rooves co-ordinate with the shadows cast in front of the buildings; I could go back and go over them a bit more, but I've decided that enough is enough for today.

Birch trees task in acrylics

I was excited for this task because the colours are so striking and I really liked how the task looked. I painted a backwash of burnt sienna onto an A4 canvas board and did a rough sketch to place the trees and bankings. I started with the sky and clouds area and worked my way down the left side of the hill in the background. Placing the dark areas between the trees was a bit tricky because there were so many lines, so I numbered the trees on my task sheet and on my drawing so that I could tell where to paint! I decided to tone down the foreground area and put the emphasis on the canopy because I liked it so much, although side branches and twigs were also tricky to do with a rigger brush, so I used a pigma micron pen instead. I'm pleased with this one.

Country cottage part 2

I've been procrastinating about whether or not to add colour to this one because I like it as it is - just pen and ink. I had attempted part 1 of the task and had gotten the perspective all upside down so I'm going to try it again, but I had a go at this one in my art journal and liked how it turned out. I really am struggling to agree with myself as to whether or not I should add colour, but if I do, it will more than likely be a subtle wash of watercolours. It didn't take long for me to sketch it out and I really enjoyed doing it.

Graphite house in the woods

I really loved the look of this task but was daunted by the mark making. My flexibility issues still remain but I started slowly but surely. It took me quite some time to get the house done and in perspective as best I could, but as a whole, the class were concentrating on this one well and we all progressed at our own pace. Being left handed, I struggled with the angle and direction of the marks, so seeing the way the artist had completed his piece had me trying to decipher my own approach to it. I had to "see" it the opposite way around! I almost finished it in class, but I took it home and added the trees on the left afterwards. I'm quite happy with this result.

Graphite tree and pond

Week 2's task, a graphite sketch to practice mark-making. I liked the task a lot, but I wasn't sure about how to approach it. We were asked to limit our use of pencil to just one grade, and I found it quite difficult if I'm being honest. I also found it very difficult NOT to blend! Also, being left-handed was a little tricky with flexibility, turning my pencil to shade in the right direction, I also found that my positioning was rather stiff too. I'd decided not to bring my table easel too, but after some consideration I wished I had. Thinking of it, an upright easel perhaps, would give me a better range of flexibility and I could sketch from the shoulder and not the wrist, maybe getting a better outcome. Overall I'm relatively okay with this, but I know there's more than enough room for improvement.

A "Misha" lookalike!

This is the first task of the new year, and it's a charcoal and willow stick piece. It's commonly known that I absolutely loathe doing things in charcoal, willow stick or even pastels for that matter, because of the mess it causes on my hands, so I was a bit apprehensive about this one at first. I liked the subject, just not the medium. But, new year, new challenges, and I tried as best I could, freehand. After 20 minutes, I realised that my work wasn't in perspective so I erased everything I had done to that point and resorted to grid work. I tentatively set to work with light strokes of a willow stick, taking my time as I progressed. The left eye area was done first, and as I continued, a little personality started to erupt from the page! Slowly but surely I worked on, and to be fair and honest, I was absolutely loving working with the mediums I have! I continued to add darker tones with a soft charcoal pencil, and lightening areas with a putty eraser until my Mum's dog appeared before my very eyes! I was totally immersed in the task, and fair to say, absolutely loved it - even working with messy mediums! I think that's progress for me

Little bird in Winter

When I saw this piece offered as a task, I looked forward to it immediately. The vibrance of the colours struck me straight away and I wanted to have a go. Using a spare piece of pastelmat from our previous task and a white pastel pencil, I started lightly sketching the underpainting. Proportions were altered a little bit here and there, then with a black pastel pencil, I tried to define the beak and throat area. I used an olive green and very lightly blended it in under the throat, topping it up with a dark brown and black. Then I proceeded to use an array of different blues (4) to shade in the head, leaving space for the highlights. At home, I started working on the chest area, blending lightly several different oranges, yellows, light browns and the olive green. The tree was finished in a matter of minutes and I must say, I absolutely loved doing this piece, I felt so relaxed. I have found another very similar image that I might try, and I will put it in my journal. I'm very very pleased with this one, and I might even frame it!

Shack in a field (2) Pastel pencils

I opted to change the size of my paper for this second version and taped my sheet in half this time. Then I lightly sketched the scene with the white pastel pencil and got to work layering the sky. I really enjoyed it, and worked my way down the page to the treetops. This is where class finished for the day so I completed the rest at home. The precision of the pencils was much more superior than the pastel sticks, so my mark making had more definition and was more eye pleasing than the first version. So in all, the two mediums share similar qualities; coverage, colours, blend ability etc, but the way of achieving the end results are quite different. I like both, so I would not choose one over the other. Another pleasing finish.

Shack in a field (1) Pastel sticks

This pastel piece was the first of two versions of the same task - one with soft pastel sticks and the second with pastel pencils. My paper was large (almost A3) and I enjoyed the minimal sketching and then adding soft, long strokes with the pastel sticks. Adding light layers then blending them with my fingers actually felt quite freeing for a change! I really liked seeing the picture develop as I added more layers, although the size of the paper was a little off-putting. I completed this one quite quickly and IN CLASS! Overall a pleasing finished piece.

Watercolour doorway

It seems the larger I go with a painting, the less I like it and this piece is no exception! This watercolour task was going to be tricky for me because I couldn't "see" the inspiration in it, and as I sketched it in pencil, I started to feel that it wasn't going my way. Firstly, my perspective isn't right, and neither is the roof so I wasn't hopeful that it would look as I wanted it to. Still, I persevered and started laying paint on. Despite my paper being of good quality, it buckled quite a bit and I really don't like that. I couldn't finish in class so I used the time during Storm Darragh to catch up. The improvements it needs are there for all to see, and I realise that. But generally speaking, I like the colour washes and the obvious differences between light and dark. Detail is my main issue as well as size and perspective. Lesson learned!

A chilly scene - after Rob Adams

I was looking forward to this task as it is a watercolour - my favourite medium. The sketch was quite simple with only a few bits to put in before adding paint. The trickiest bit was the church and it's placement. I dampened the paper to the horizon line and added a line of cad yellow just above the treeline and ultramarine blue across the top, leaving a little gap in between both colours to prevent them mixing to green. I tilted the paper a tiny bit so that the colours blended naturally, then put it flat when I was happy with the result. I completed the treeline and left hand side in class, but felt a bit daunted about the right hand side of the field. I completed it at home, using light washes, and a smaller brush to add textures of grasses. I thoroughly enjoyed doing this one, and am happy enough with it.

Bottled ink and watercolour

I wasn't at all appealed by this task beforehand, but once I got going with Indian ink and I could see it's potential, I started to enjoy it so much more! Wetting the paper firstly and letting it soak in for a moment or two, then using a piece of sharpened BAMBOO stick, dipped and added random lines to make an impression of winter trees. I was amazed by the effects I was getting and quickly realised that the possibilities are endless with this medium, used like this. I had to wait for it all to dry before adding any watercolor wash, and was sorting of pleased with the paint, but I think I would also like to just leave the colour out of it too. Much to explore..!! A really relaxing class this week.

The House on the Bridge

I have seen photos of this place on the internet even before this was created as a task, so I was excited to see it on our task sheet! I'd also watched a tutorial of someone doing this too, so I was looking forward to it. I used watercolour board for this, it's almost like a canvas panel. I took my time to sketch it out with a H pencil in an attempt to get it proportionally near to what it is. Then I went over it lightly with a 0.5 nib fine liner because I'd forgotten to bring my dipping pen and ink! I left out some of the details in class, so that I could do them at home once I'd found my dipping ink things. I really enjoyed adding more details to it, using diluted Indian inks to get colour for the sky and ground. The tones on the house and bridge were done in very diluted black Indian ink, and dried just how I wanted them. At home, I used my dipping pen to create more shadow and depth, and enjoyed mark making. It's slightly at the wrong angle, but I don't care, I had a great time getting this done.

Scottish harbour version 2

After looking at this again and again, I was still unsure about it, so I decided that, after toning the foreground down, that it still didn't look right to my untrained eye. So I mixed up some cerulean blue, Naples yellow and some mixing white and just used my finger and lightly brushed over the surface of the water and sky. It may not look like the original but I like it better than the original

Duck

Duck....!
I was not optimistic about this task, I wasn't sure if I could...just draw a duck! But I did. I started with a pencil, doing the outlines and trying to adjust the sizing of him to make him look in proportion. The feet were quite difficult and we're changed a bit several times. Then I used my fineliners to outline him again, adding depth by using different nib thicknesses. Then to finish him off, I used subtle washes of watercolour to enhance it a bit. I added a background and whilst it was still damp, I dropped in some blobs of clean water for some back runs, and a small amount of table salt to create a cauliflower effect in the foliage. I think he looks a bit fat, but overall I like him!

A Scottish harbour - Portmahomack

This task had a style all of it's own and I was not certain that I could "get" the style at all. I just wanted to blend the colours instead of making squares, it just didn't seem cohesive for me. Still, I carried on trying my best to apply the right shades of acrylics as the task asked for. Despite my interest in acrylics having improved this term, I just wasn't convinced I could succeed with this one, although I am sorting of happy with the end result. This was hard work but I'm always prepared to give things a go because the tutor puts so much effort into finding appropriate tasks for us all and I really appreciate that.

Field of Flowers

I was away for week one of this two week task, and had to catch up when I got back. I was meant to paint on to a canvas panel but happened to forget it, so this has been done on paper instead. I laid the undercoat and first layers of acrylics on whilst in class for the second week of the task and made a start on building layers of the sky and trees. I continued at home, building layers of grasses and flowers and tweaking some of the taller grasses and adding more flowers and leaves. I made a few small mistakes and tried to rectify them, and I like what I've ended up with.

Cloudy Skies

This is the first task of the new September term, which was intentionally set to cover two weeks. A study of cloudy skies, which we all requested at some point, because so many of our scenes have them and we struggle with them. Week one, we started with a base covering of mixed browns, oranges and yellows as an underpainting, to see if it lifts our paintings in any way. Then, after taping the canvas to the width of the tape as shown, we sketched out a basic image in pen then followed it with acrylic paints, creating the scene before you. It was quite tricky to do because the paintings are so small but I learned more about taking my time and using different brushes than I ever have before. I'm quite pleased with the outcome, although not so much the shadow effect on the right hand side of each of the smaller paintings. I'm finally liking acrylics, something I never thought possible.

Cottage in the woods

I started off with a basic wash of burnt sienna to cover my board, the night before class. In class the following day, I applied a neat layer of ultramarine for the sky area but leaving enough room to paint white for the cloud. I also used mixing white for a paler shade in the pond and laid that on as well. Then I spent the rest of the session experimenting with mixing different colours for the trees and bushes and trying to blend them in nicely. I finished the bottom half at home, which surprisingly wasn't a lot to do. I've decided that I've changed my mind about acrylics and now I enjoy working with them. Just need a better quality paint set.

Snow scene in acrylics

I liked this task and I looked forward to it. I was a bit apprehensive about my acrylic paints as they are quite inferior but I pressed on. I completed the under layer as asked by the tutor, applied a wash then hit the ground running with another under layer in class. This task really took me away from it all as I applied several layers to build up the scene, and I really enjoyed myself. One pointer is for me to look for a better set of acrylic paints.

Colourful fields in pastels

I loved this one weeks before we were given it as a task, so I looked forward to doing it. I enjoyed the under sketching because of the sweeping strokes and angles of the mountains and as I added pastels to the sky and blended them in, I was really pleased with the effect and the colours popping. Now, I've never been one for pastels really, because of the mess it causes, but I thoroughly enjoyed these three tasks and am happy with my progress.

Winter fields in pastels

I missed the class session for this one because I was on holiday but I was given the task sheet the previous week. So, one relatively quiet afternoon at home(!!!) I decided to sit in my back garden with my paper, pastels and easel to have a go. I struggled a little bit with the under sketch, I think it was so little detail and such a large paper area. But as I put pastels onto the sky area I realised I could alter the drawing as I went. I loved the way the sky blended in so my interest was then piqued to keep going. The trees were a bug bare though and I just did my best. However, I really like the finished painting.

Cat on window ledge

Cat on a window ledge.
This task looked enjoyable to me; I like the linear look of the window although this window is really quite wonky! Not my mistake, the original artist decided on that but as usual, my OCD kicked in and I found myself trying to straighten the window frame out to appear more aesthetically eye-pleasing. I happily painted away, adding a little more pigment here and there. I finished it at home and I quite like it.

Sheep resting (2)

Sheep resting, pencil sketch & watercolour.(2)
I was more thorough with my sketch of this one whilst I was using my pencil, I think it was because I knew this was the "real" painting. I felt good as I drew the trees, however I did struggle with the sheep again. My issue is that I love to get the detail but sometimes detail is not needed. I need to learn to be more impressionistic and leave some things to the viewer's imagination. Paint was applied, and just before I had finished, my grandson threw his juice cup and it landed in my brush water, tipping it everywhere! I managed to salvage the painting and was grateful that it hadn't spoiled too much. I am pleased with it though.

Sheep resting (1)

Sheep resting, rough sketch, pen and wash.(1)
I was a bit daunted about this task but, using a fineliner I scribbled something on paper that resembled resting sheep under a tree. Then I mixed up some watercolour washes and started applying them in a haphazard manner so that it looked loose. I enjoyed doing it, especially the trees, but I thought my sheep looked like goats! I'm pleased with the trees because I really struggle with them normally.

House in the garden

I found this image very detailed and was amazed that I managed to sketch a good deal of it. I changed a bit of the composition and left out the car park at the back and turned it into a waterway. Mixing different shades of green, especially for the shadow areas is quite challenging although enjoyable. I had to make myself stop otherwise I risked overworking it even more. But I'm pleased enough with the result.

Snow Winter Scene (Bridge)

I thought that this task might be easy enough but I was wrong! I started in class and was so disappointed that I threw it in the bin. So I started again on smaller paper and was happy enough with the sketch. I started from the top and worked down, and I really like the sky area. I tried to get realistic looking trees but they need a bit more detail in my opinion. Some of the shadowing is a bit iffy but on the whole it's ok.

Windows in sepia tone

I was a little worried about this task because of the level of detail I would need to consider before I started. But I sketched it out in pencil first and went over it with my "sepia" fineliner. However, the colour of the fineliner looked more like burnt sienna which put the dampers on it for me then. I started painting with very light sepia colour, and added more pigment as I went along. I also added some Payne's grey to the mix to help darken the shadow areas. I completed at home using a fine brush to edge some of the windows and my black fineliner for the railings. Looking at it straight on though, it looks quite slanted! Oh well, it'll do.

Pears on a Table

Pears on a Table
This was a second choice image on the lemur task sheet, and I'd decided to see if I could sketch this as well as the lemur. So I sketched this after I did the lemur, the night before class. Once I'd finished painting the lemur at home, I thought I might as well add some of the leftover paint to this one. I'm really pleased with how this turned out for me, despite my feelings for acrylics.

Lemur

When I looked at this task, I wasn't confident that I could achieve anything recognisable. I sketched basic shapes and an outline the night before class and my confidence grew. Unfortunately I was too ill to go to class but I made up for it by completing this at home. The medium is black biro pen on canvas, and the background is acrylics. I felt so relaxed whilst doing this and really enjoyed myself.

Blue Door

If it were a green door it would be a Shakin' Stevens song! This task called for acrylics which I struggle with so I wasn't looking forward to it. But on the day, I was happy with my under-sketch and plodded on with applying the paint. I really enjoyed doing this, and loved the colours as they started popping out from the canvas! I was so surprised by the end result but I feel that the foreground is lacking, and resisted the urge to add anything due to the fact that the brief didn't have any foreground interest either.

Aberystwyth

Aberystwyth pier front
We needed to sketch this (line and wash again) over two sheets of paper, whether that be in a journal or something different. I don't have a journal yet so I stuck two pieces of A4 together at the back and hoped for the best. Meant to be a "representation" of Aberystwyth pier front, I attempted loose and sketchy once again. I'm still not quite getting it, but I'm relatively happy with the sketch. I'm still trying my best to get a "wishy washy" loose style with the paint, and this is the best I could manage with this task. I recognise the fact that it's Aberystwyth pier front, and that's good enough for me, lol. I like it, but if I had a journal it could be better.

Old cottage

House with steps
Another task (line and wash) that should look "sketchy" and natural. I absolutely loved doing this task, sketching it out lightly in pencil first and going over it with my fineliner pen. I think I've achieved a more natural look this time; even so, it still needs way more practice. For the wash, I used diluted W&N inks, using ultramarine and violet and applying from light to dark. My attempt at "loose" is improving slightly, but still needs a great deal of practice. I'm happy with this result though, and the way the task took me away from reality so I could chill out.

Old shed

Shack with truck (line and wash)
This was a task with two parts, firstly sketching it out one way then mirror-imaging it the opposite way. I managed to do this version but didn't quite finish the second. I enjoyed the task although I think I struggled with the angles of the truck and some of the perspective. Still, I like the effect. I need more practice on getting things to look "sketchy" and natural.

A summer scene - after David Howell

After a light sketch with graphite pencil, I mixed up a light wash of cad yellow hue with a touch of crimson and added it to the whole page, letting it dry completely before starting the sky. Then, with a pale wash of cobalt blue, I added it to the top and allowed the wash to bleed down the paper a bit by adding small amounts of clean water to it, down as far as the horizon line. I couldn't finish this in class so I completed it at home, adding mixes of greens and Payne's grey and also some yellows for the fields and trees. I found the distant animals a bit difficult but in the end I was happy enough with the painting, having enjoyed the process again.

Watercolour flowers - after Jeremy Ford

I wasn't overly enthusiastic about this task as this isn't something that I would choose to paint. But I like the effort that the tutor makes to find challenges for us so I had a go. I painted the flowers first as per instructions, then carefully painted the background around them, adding darker layers as I went along. I finished in class, but when I looked at it at home, I decided to add slightly more pigment to the flowers and leaves to make them stand out a bit more. I also used some splatter technique around the edges for effect. I like it, but I don't love it.

Buildings - after Russian artist Michael Solovyev

I was looking forward to this one as it had appealed to me straight away. I have watched YouTube videos of this artist and I really like his work. I sketched it out at home the night before class, so that I could make a start on painting it as soon as I got to class. I mixed lots of lovely colours and started painting, and really relaxed whilst doing it. I thoroughly enjoyed this task and am happy with how it turned out.

Illustration style effect after Jeremy Ford

This painting has been done in gouache, a medium that I'm still not sure of. I have the urge to use it like watercolour and it's hard not to dip my brush into my pot of water! The sketch was relatively simple - just an outline of what was needed. We thought the painting would be simple too, but it was more involved than we'd anticipated. Trying to get that consistent, flat wash that wasn't clumpy was more than tricky. I completed at home and am quite happy with the end result.

Half term homework - old barn sketch

This was purely a sketching task, using different grades of graphite pencils to achieve different tonal values. I made a start on an A4 size piece of paper but when I looked at it, I didn't quite like how big it looked, so, using A4 again, I drew it in postcard size which, in my opinion made it look better. I enjoyed using the 8B pure graphite stick for this because you can see the tones straight away. Enjoyed this, and took me just over an hour to complete.

Farm buildings - after John Harrison

After missing last week's class (Monet's Field of Poppies) because I was on holiday, I was eager to get back to it. I didn't take long to sketch this one out in pencil, and after having bought a new waterproof ink pen, embarked on the ink work hoping to make it look as natural as possible. Then with fingers crossed and baited breath I started putting my watercolour washes on. Lo and behold, it worked! I was really engrossed in this task and enjoyed it immensely. I touched up a few areas at home and am very happy with the result.

Field of Poppies - after Claude Monet

Well, I'd promised myself that I would catch up with the task that I missed last week because I was away, so I got up on Saturday morning and decided that I would do it. I sketched it out in pencil first and was slightly apprehensive about the painting because acrylics are my bug bare. I started with the sky and took my time because I was enjoying it so much. I mixed greens up using lemon yellow and black to fill in the trees, giving them a slightly orange tinge on the outside edges. I spent most of the day just relaxing and finishing off the painting and loved every minute of it. I think I need to address some issues I had while painting the poppies; maybe I should have used masking fluid first...? Overall I am really happy with how it looks.

Outbuilding watercolour and ink 2

This painting is of the same place as last week's in Rheola. Completed on watercolor paper this time, and I felt much more at ease while I sketched it out. The process of re-sketching with ink was quite relaxing and I enjoyed it. As I put the wash on, I soon realised that my ink pen was not waterproof and as you can see, it led to some bleeding of the ink into the watercolour so I carried on carefully. Perspective is a little off and some ink bleeding but hey ho, I enjoyed putting paint on paper this week.

Outbuilding sketch 1

Here is my first task of the term - a sketch of an abandoned house in Rheola, done from one of the tutor's own photographs. I used Bristol board, which has a smooth surface and I'm not sure if it suited the task; I didn't like the feel of the paper with the graphite on it. My techniques are a little rusty too, after having not done any art for over two months, so I was a little bit cheesed off while I was completing this. It's ok, if a little immature feeling....