OCTOBER 2015 CHALLENGE

I have had a lot of trouble with my back since returning from France ,but was determined to try the Paint and Draw challenge,which I enjoyed painting and distracted me from time to time.

September 2015 Provence

We were in Provence for two weeks in September. At first I tried using chalk pastels. I bought a box of five colours, which was a little limiting but a good exercise.
This is a study in some ochre woods.

This picture I did in both chalk pastel and in oils. I had a much greater range of oil colours but working in pastels is much freer.

Working in oil I put in more detail . The range of colour was obviously much better.

The sketches below were completed on the few days we had some rain.

Challenges and paintings from April to July 2015

 A challenge from Paint and Draw in April.

 A challenge from Paint and Draw in May.

I joined a group doing en plein aire  paintings, but unfortunately there were more days in than out, Wednesdays didn't have much luck so most of the course was choosing pictures to work from indoors.

 Coastguard cottages at the mouth of the Cuckmere

 This was one of the few out of doors pictures, Marstakes common in Sussex.

 Another painting using a reference. The bridge Pont du Gard in Provence.

The second time we went out, painting with a little extra (the rib) at Newhaven, Sussex.

 Third exercise outside,The old Forge at Glynde ,Sussex.

 The next two references not outside, the Creek at Leigh on Sea, Essex

 The Creek at Leigh on Sea with Southend Pier in the distance.

The pineapple has continued to grow, but I'm not sure it will get much larger now.

NEW YEAR 2015

The months have gone by so quickly and I haven't posted anything for months.
First of all I want to wish you all belated best wishes for the 2015.
I was working on a painting for my daughter to be a wedding present but didn't want to post it before she had seen and approved it.
So here goes -

This is a picture i am particularly happy with, and I hope Cindy and Matt will enjoy it.

 I finally finished the ten studies of Alfriston that I had challenged myself to do.

To see how they would turn out we had three made into placemats, yes quite happy with them, so may do the rest.

Not art but I have been growing pineapple plants from the tops of bought pineapples and one has just produced a little fruit. I don't think the pineapple producers need worry though!