Sketches

“HAPPINESS IS! “
Spent the last two days sketching out a couple of ideas for paintings. I used photos I took of a man in a park in Buenos Aires, don’t know  if he was a dog walker or just a dog lover, but he had about 8 dogs with him!

“PLAY WITH US DADDY”
After spending 2 days sketching them out my wife begged me to leave them as sketches and not put colour in, so I now have to draw them again to paint them!

The last paddle

Not sure if I have posted this before, not a very good photo I’m afraid, but it brings back memories of warmer days. I was going through my sketch books looking for something to inspire me when I found this little watercolour from a couple of years ago, maybe even longer. I think I will use it for a bigger painting , maybe in watercolour.
I am starting a new beginner course this morning, and I am a bit nervous. I haven’t run a beginner’s class in a couple of years. Been content to work away with improvers and advanced students.
Although we have had a very mild winter this year, the last two mornings have been cold and wet and windy, the light hasn’t seemed to break through at any stage, and it’s kind of depressing, but I suppose I shouldn’t complain, at least we have had no snow!

Another Watercolour

Wet Night in Manhattan…Ref Photo courtesy of Wet Canvas.
I wanted to credit the photographer but can’t find the image again.
Decided to try something different from faces so spent the last couple of days on this. I think its a bit  over worked but I enjoyed doing it and it is good practice. I am determined to keep at the watercolours until I beat them or they beat me.
My classes have restarted this past week so have not got as much time to paint myself.
I have a new beginners course starting on Thursday mornings if anybody is interested, still a couple of places free.

New Year Resolution

Normally my resolution is not to make any resolutions, but this year decided to tackle two, faces and watercolours.What am I doing?
This is my second watercolour of 2012, unfortunately I made my daughters cheeks too crimson alizarin, looks like a rash. Any suggestions? Have tried damping and spongeing, also tried Gouache over it but it’s still to RASH.

This is my first painting of 2012, I used an image from http://www.wetcanvas.com/, which you can find at http://www.wetcanvas.com/RefLib/showphoto.php?photo=132878
I am reasonably pleased with the result, but obviously there is huge room for improvement.