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Mary Ree's Artwork
Cup and Lemon
7th Jan 2026
Cup and Lemon by Cindy Revell.
Used acrylic panel primed with a weak solution of Raw Sienna.
Top half a mix of browns and black applied freely in a random fashion.
Bottom, a mix of Paynes Grey, various yellows and white again randomly applied. Cup, Mars Black with white highlights. Lemon, all available yellows with white highlights.
So nice to be back in class after the Christmas break, although somewhat depleted, it had the usual soft vibe of encouragement and support.
Used acrylic panel primed with a weak solution of Raw Sienna.
Top half a mix of browns and black applied freely in a random fashion.
Bottom, a mix of Paynes Grey, various yellows and white again randomly applied. Cup, Mars Black with white highlights. Lemon, all available yellows with white highlights.
So nice to be back in class after the Christmas break, although somewhat depleted, it had the usual soft vibe of encouragement and support.
Glass of wine - Acrylic-19th November 2025
On acrylic board.
Wide range of colours used for this.
I quite like the overall look, but the mouth of the glass is a bit skewed.
Need to practice ellipses.
May revisit this one day, and pay more attention to the details!
Wide range of colours used for this.
I quite like the overall look, but the mouth of the glass is a bit skewed.
Need to practice ellipses.
May revisit this one day, and pay more attention to the details!
Lion in Acrylic Week nine - 12th November 2025
Digital Art by Greg Collins.
On The Hunt.
Acrylic on acrylic board.
All colours from the yellow/brown palette, plus black for the mane in shadow.
A very enjoyable task, although a much paler version.
Think I’ve managed to capture some personality, perhaps a little on the soft side— more Sunday stroll than ‘Hunting Mode!
On The Hunt.
Acrylic on acrylic board.
All colours from the yellow/brown palette, plus black for the mane in shadow.
A very enjoyable task, although a much paler version.
Think I’ve managed to capture some personality, perhaps a little on the soft side— more Sunday stroll than ‘Hunting Mode!
Houses on a hill
Watercolour and ink
8th October 2025
This was very challenging, lifted quite a lot of the original paint off. Had another go at the foreground and sky, and by adding then subtracting, wound up with this! Wasn’t clear what time of day it was, the windows were already lit so I went with night and added some Northern Lights.
I have had the privilege of witnessing a configuration similar to this.
I have had the privilege of witnessing a configuration similar to this.
From original by Matty Burnham -1st October 2025
Love this image of the wee house by the loch side, especially the autumnal colours. Very relaxing class.
After Peter Sheeler
Sept 2025
(3) Extra task.
The old barn looks a bit ‘ramshackle and neglected’ but I may have managed to turn it into a ‘desirable property’.!
More pen and ink work with various washes. Perched on hill, with an amazing view.
Lovely extra task
The old barn looks a bit ‘ramshackle and neglected’ but I may have managed to turn it into a ‘desirable property’.!
More pen and ink work with various washes. Perched on hill, with an amazing view.
Lovely extra task
After Peter Sheeler
Sept 2025
Two studies from Peter Sheeler.
(1) Sketched in ink then shaded using an HB pencil, and a bit of blending.
(2) Again sketched in pen then added washes in blues and greys. Went over the ink again when dry.
(1) Sketched in ink then shaded using an HB pencil, and a bit of blending.
(2) Again sketched in pen then added washes in blues and greys. Went over the ink again when dry.
Daffodil
Sept 2025
I used a grid for this one.
Drew lightly in pencil, then outlined in pen. Added various washes in yellow mixes plus Paynes grey for shading.
When dry, went over it with thicker pen and ink to more identify the trumpet and petals.
Thoroughly enjoyed this task, a great one to start the new year.
It was fabulous to be back in class after the long Summer break.
Drew lightly in pencil, then outlined in pen. Added various washes in yellow mixes plus Paynes grey for shading.
When dry, went over it with thicker pen and ink to more identify the trumpet and petals.
Thoroughly enjoyed this task, a great one to start the new year.
It was fabulous to be back in class after the long Summer break.
Rose
ris Flowers, Pastel Rose.
In the absence of any pastel mat paper, I used black card and while it was a good weight, it wasn’t really suitable as a support for pastel work.
However, I found that using pastel pencils gave a passable result but didn’t take kindly to blending or layering.
Lesson learned. I’ve decided to stock up on better quality materials as advised by our Tutor Rob who always encourages and pushes us to get the best from ourselves. Ever calm and enduring.
In the absence of any pastel mat paper, I used black card and while it was a good weight, it wasn’t really suitable as a support for pastel work.
However, I found that using pastel pencils gave a passable result but didn’t take kindly to blending or layering.
Lesson learned. I’ve decided to stock up on better quality materials as advised by our Tutor Rob who always encourages and pushes us to get the best from ourselves. Ever calm and enduring.
Irises in pastel
Green Meadow by Kyffin Williams
Acrylic on acrylic board.
Really interesting task, limited palette, perfect lesson in mixing—no green allowed. Different mixes of black with a couple of yellows. Very enjoyable.
Sea Shore 2
Two quite similar images of the Island of Eriskay by the artist Ron Lawson.
Done in mixed media, watercolour, gouache and pen and ink.
I love the starkness of these paintings, especially the contrast of the white building and rocks against the somber sky.
Done in mixed media, watercolour, gouache and pen and ink.
I love the starkness of these paintings, especially the contrast of the white building and rocks against the somber sky.
Sea Shore 1
After Ron Lawson
Artwork of Choice over Whitsun
I’ve had this lovely image of Sweetpeas for a long time with the view to one day attempting to replicate it.
Decided on pastels, basically to once and for all confirm my uneasy relationship with this medium.
Sketched out on dark blue pastelmat paper, then on with soft pastels, completely forgot about pastel pencils, they would have helped with shading etc. I’m fairly satisfied and sort of enjoyed the process, just too messy.
Probably wouldn’t choose this medium in future, unless of course our patient tutor insists!
Decided on pastels, basically to once and for all confirm my uneasy relationship with this medium.
Sketched out on dark blue pastelmat paper, then on with soft pastels, completely forgot about pastel pencils, they would have helped with shading etc. I’m fairly satisfied and sort of enjoyed the process, just too messy.
Probably wouldn’t choose this medium in future, unless of course our patient tutor insists!
Edward Seago Watercolour
When I saw this picture my first thought was ‘yep, like it, fairly easy’.
Ooft, far from it - That sky…. very challenging, kept layering hoping for improvement but in the end I had to leave it. Really must practice, as this keeps happening. Perhaps watch video tutorials, that will help to build my confidence. I really do want to get better at skies.
Bottom right with bridge, river, marsh and distant hills, I’m happy with.
Bottom left, completely different scene, couldn’t quite get the foreground.
Another ‘simple task’ that tested various skills. Stretched, thanks Rob.
Ooft, far from it - That sky…. very challenging, kept layering hoping for improvement but in the end I had to leave it. Really must practice, as this keeps happening. Perhaps watch video tutorials, that will help to build my confidence. I really do want to get better at skies.
Bottom right with bridge, river, marsh and distant hills, I’m happy with.
Bottom left, completely different scene, couldn’t quite get the foreground.
Another ‘simple task’ that tested various skills. Stretched, thanks Rob.
Drawing by Katarzyna Gagol
Sketched on grey board. Then various grades of fine liner pens for hatching,
X hatching and other line marking work. Used white charcoal pencil for highlights.
I’m pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this task. Really happy.
Completely absorbed, plus, it kept the whole class quiet for a couple of hours.
X hatching and other line marking work. Used white charcoal pencil for highlights.
I’m pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this task. Really happy.
Completely absorbed, plus, it kept the whole class quiet for a couple of hours.
Vincent
Acrylic on canvas board.
Really enjoyed doing the background in the style of the great man.
Had a bit of a struggle with ‘himself’- very reluctant to appear on the board!
However, perseverance won and suddenly there he was.
A bit heavy with the green on the face, otherwise I’m fairly content with this.
Really enjoyed doing the background in the style of the great man.
Had a bit of a struggle with ‘himself’- very reluctant to appear on the board!
However, perseverance won and suddenly there he was.
A bit heavy with the green on the face, otherwise I’m fairly content with this.
Pastel painting by Karen Margulis.
This is pleasant little scene done in soft pastels on pastel mat paper.
Found myself off piste here, couldn’t resist blending the pastels to give a more hazy / Ill-defined touch to this landscape. Sort of ok for me.
Found myself off piste here, couldn’t resist blending the pastels to give a more hazy / Ill-defined touch to this landscape. Sort of ok for me.
Jar Half Full
Absolutely one of my favourite water colours ever. Done over two weeks.
Sketched the image onto strong watercolour paper.
Applied several (5) layers of very dark blue paint, made up of several blues with a touch of black. This was a lengthy process as each layer had to be completely dry before proceeding.
The second session was all about the jar and its reflection.
The yellows, oranges, reds and blues when carefully applied resulted in this stunningly, vibrant, vivid and dynamic image. Love it.
Vibrant forest trees
This task was completed over two weeks. Acrylic on A3 canvas board.
Mainly an exercise on mixing……
All shades of yellow, orange and white for the leaves, on the trees and on the ground. I’m a bit impatient regarding allowing appropriate drying time between layers, however, I’m very happy with the outcome and enjoyed every part of the process, even more so as there was no detailed sketching to wrestle with!
Mainly an exercise on mixing……
All shades of yellow, orange and white for the leaves, on the trees and on the ground. I’m a bit impatient regarding allowing appropriate drying time between layers, however, I’m very happy with the outcome and enjoyed every part of the process, even more so as there was no detailed sketching to wrestle with!
House in watercolour
Cottage 1
I sketched both these images without resorting to artificial aids such as graph paper or trace down paper. Really proud of myself for being disciplined enough to have a go. Hopefully I can abandon the aids and have more faith in myself.
We haven’t done watercolour for a while so it was such an enjoyable task.
We haven’t done watercolour for a while so it was such an enjoyable task.
Charcoal dog portrait
This is Vera….Aloevera!!😀.
Lightly sketched on smoothing paper.
Used various types and grades of charcoal, leaving the white areas clear.
Although charcoal can be messy, I’m happy with the outcome.
Very relaxed class.
Lightly sketched on smoothing paper.
Used various types and grades of charcoal, leaving the white areas clear.
Although charcoal can be messy, I’m happy with the outcome.
Very relaxed class.
Snow scene on canvas board.
Prepared the canvas with a pale blue wash and left to dry.
Roughly sketched the scene, then applied acrylic to the buildings paying attention to shadows in the snow.
Added a couple of Hoomans for interest!
Pleased with the trees.
Watercolour from a photograph.
Beautiful village of Plockton situated in the West Highlands of Scotland.
Would be nice to think that someone could recognise their home from this.
Barn after Joseph Alleman
Another barn by Joseph Alleman.
Really like this artist’s work.
Rippled Skies.
This is all acrylic on A3 canvas panel.
Spent several very happy hours/ days over the Christmas break with this. The sky, which takes up about two thirds, was a trial of patience. But finally, after multiple layers I felt it was good enough.
I like this enough to put on a wall, when I find some space!
Really like this artist’s work.
Rippled Skies.
This is all acrylic on A3 canvas panel.
Spent several very happy hours/ days over the Christmas break with this. The sky, which takes up about two thirds, was a trial of patience. But finally, after multiple layers I felt it was good enough.
I like this enough to put on a wall, when I find some space!
Joseph Alleman little house.
Acrylic on acrylic paper.
Didn’t change too much on this image. Simply added a rough picket fence and some flowers to give it a more homely feel. Also the bottom strip could be a road or track.
This completes another brilliant year for the class of ‘24.
Already looking forward to 2025 with this amazing bunch.
Kingfisher (2) from Mike Beeman
Liked this vibrant little bird so much that I’ve done it twice, hope there is room for both.
Both done in pastel pencil on blue pastelmat paper.
The larger one, completed in class, has a randomly applied background, meant to resemble a cloudy sky. The smaller one, done at home in the down time between Christmas and New Year, has a certain charm and is well grounded on the snowy branch, I feel that added background would perhaps make it too busy.
Both done in pastel pencil on blue pastelmat paper.
The larger one, completed in class, has a randomly applied background, meant to resemble a cloudy sky. The smaller one, done at home in the down time between Christmas and New Year, has a certain charm and is well grounded on the snowy branch, I feel that added background would perhaps make it too busy.
King Fisher 1
Watercolour doorway
I love this image of a rustic door by David Chauvin.
Done in watercolour, the palette used is my very favourite. Completed in class
Done in watercolour, the palette used is my very favourite. Completed in class
Portmahomack Harbour - Acrylic
Another two week project in acrylic.
A3 canvas board prepared with a wash of Naples Yellow and White mix.
Carefully sketched the scene.
Week one involved the sky and housing.
Week two we concentrated on the harbour wall and boats, before finally attending to the water and the lovely effect of the reflected sun.
An amazing project, completely absorbing, loved all of it.
A3 canvas board prepared with a wash of Naples Yellow and White mix.
Carefully sketched the scene.
Week one involved the sky and housing.
Week two we concentrated on the harbour wall and boats, before finally attending to the water and the lovely effect of the reflected sun.
An amazing project, completely absorbing, loved all of it.
Field of flowers - Acrylic
Canvas board prepared with a Burnt Umber and Raw Sienna wash.
Used a variety of acrylic colours to create this lovely image of summer flowers. This was a two week project and I really enjoyed the process.
Used a variety of acrylic colours to create this lovely image of summer flowers. This was a two week project and I really enjoyed the process.
Cottage by the pond Acrylic
I find this image by Tony de Freitas very appealing, love the little cottage and pond tucked away among the trees.
The canvas board was prepared with a strong Burnt Sienna wash and a loose sketch of the scene.
The palette was limited to Burnt Umber, Ultramarine, Burnt Sienna, Cad Yellow and Titanium White, applied in several layers.
I enjoyed the process very much, kept me entertained, I got a lot of pleasure from this task and am happy with the result.
The canvas board was prepared with a strong Burnt Sienna wash and a loose sketch of the scene.
The palette was limited to Burnt Umber, Ultramarine, Burnt Sienna, Cad Yellow and Titanium White, applied in several layers.
I enjoyed the process very much, kept me entertained, I got a lot of pleasure from this task and am happy with the result.
Classical Portrait
I used a grid to scale up the image, then loosely sketched onto watercolour paper. Only one colour allowed so chose Ivory Black, varied the amount of water added to create different tonal values, being careful to leave negative spaces.
Old Windows
Sketched using Sepia biro pen, then watercolour layers. Mixes of Paynes Grey, Ultramarine and Yellow Ochre.
Biro Challenge
I used an A5 canvas board for this task.
The Lemur was loosely sketched then finished with a single black biro, using strokes of various length and weight to create tone and depth.
The background is a mix of Paynes Grey and Yellow Ochre, with a small dab Orange for the eyes. All acrylic.
Good class again albeit depleted, still, managed to briefly discuss some current affairs which can sometimes be a welcome distraction.
The Lemur was loosely sketched then finished with a single black biro, using strokes of various length and weight to create tone and depth.
The background is a mix of Paynes Grey and Yellow Ochre, with a small dab Orange for the eyes. All acrylic.
Good class again albeit depleted, still, managed to briefly discuss some current affairs which can sometimes be a welcome distraction.
Welcome in!
First time using canvas board.
Absolutely loved this task, looks simple but there’s a great deal going on.
Loads of colours used, some neat and some mixed. Several layers applied to create this warm and welcoming image. Very relaxing.
Absolutely loved this task, looks simple but there’s a great deal going on.
Loads of colours used, some neat and some mixed. Several layers applied to create this warm and welcoming image. Very relaxing.
Lane in watercolour
Third attempt at this task, from an original by Marla Boggetta.
Wet into wet watercolour with bright gouache highlights. A somewhat offbeat, skewed version with bare trees vs ripe cornfield!
Wet into wet watercolour with bright gouache highlights. A somewhat offbeat, skewed version with bare trees vs ripe cornfield!
Aberystwyth
A very interesting task, two A4 pages joined horizontally creating a panoramic effect.
Pen and ink with watercolour washes. Not very accurate sketch wise, but apparently recognisable as Aberystwyth so I’m happy with that. Enjoyed doing this task, another great class.
Old Cottage pen and wash
Old Cottage.
Pen and ink with watercolour washes.
Sketched in pen first.
Mixed burnt and raw Sienna together and added a touch of Indian Red. Started with a very diluted mix through to much less diluted mixes to create contrasts and shadows.
Several days later randomly dabbed on
Some muddy blue from my very muddy palette!
Like the finished result, and would happily live here.
Pen and ink with watercolour washes.
Sketched in pen first.
Mixed burnt and raw Sienna together and added a touch of Indian Red. Started with a very diluted mix through to much less diluted mixes to create contrasts and shadows.
Several days later randomly dabbed on
Some muddy blue from my very muddy palette!
Like the finished result, and would happily live here.
Winter Scene
This task gave me a great deal of pleasure. I’m very happy with the result.
Looking forward to more days like this!
Looking forward to more days like this!
Old barn pen and wash
Quick pen and ink sketch with watercolour washes.
Last session of ‘23.
I have a real liking for this type of old barn scene. It always conjures up images of a by-gone age in the American prairies when life was hard but wholesome.
Looking forward to meeting up for 2024.
Exciting times ahead!
Last session of ‘23.
I have a real liking for this type of old barn scene. It always conjures up images of a by-gone age in the American prairies when life was hard but wholesome.
Looking forward to meeting up for 2024.
Exciting times ahead!
David Howell watercolour
Much mixing involved here from a limited palette, Cobalt blue, Med yellow, Raw sienna, Paynes grey and tiny bit of Crimson.
My original sketch soon got lost in the early washes, so relied on closely observing the original painting, and managed to get something acceptable down. My favourite part, and least complicated, is the river for its sense of calmness.
Jeremy Ford Flowers in Watercolour.
Sketched the flowers and leaves first. Mixed Rose Madder and white for the flowers and applied. To create several shades of green I variously mixed Ivory Black, Med Yellow, Cobalt Blue and Sap Green, and applied them in a loose random fashion going from light to dark, taking care around the flowers and leaves. Finally I outlined the flowers and leaves using a very small brush and the darkest mix of green/black.
Over all I’m pleased with the outcome.
And while being mindful of absentees, the class had its usual lively and vocal vibe. A very enjoyable and stress free morning.
Watercolour by Michael Solovyev
I like this fairly lose style of painting, not that easy to copy, requires a lot of drying time in between layers. Enjoyed mixing the colours from a very limited palette.
Except for the greenery of course!
Gouache landscape by Jeremy Ford
This poster style of art is a complete departure from anything we have done before. In my view there is nothing not to love about it, from its simplicity to the amazing vibrancy of the colours.
So enjoyable.
Taj Mahal by Jeremy Ford
This silhouette of the Taj Mahal has a dream-like quality, set against the evening sun. Very tricky trying to make the sky colours mix and blend on the paper and don’t think I achieved the seamless effect. However, I managed to get something down that’s not too far away. Need to practice!
Pen and watercolour after John h#Harrison
Another example of John Harrison.
Lovely sunny rural church scene.
Pen and ink and watercolour washes, very enjoyable.
Lovely sunny rural church scene.
Pen and ink and watercolour washes, very enjoyable.
Pen and wash after John Harrison
Pen and watercolour copy of a painting by John Harrison.
I admire this artist’s work. I enjoyed this exercise and like the image for its simple yet effective style.
I admire this artist’s work. I enjoyed this exercise and like the image for its simple yet effective style.
Monet - Field of Poppies
Very relaxing couple of hours working on this
Abandoned House
After some pen and ink and watercolour washes by me, this derelict old house has taken on a new persona, it is now welcoming and fit to be lived in.
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