YELLOW FIELDS MAKING COLOURFUL LANDSCAPES!

A couple of years ago I remember seeing some beautiful yellow rapeseed oil fields with a purple skies behind them - I think it was about to rain! Unfortunately I was driving and couldn't stop to photograph them.  I always wanted to do some artworks depicting this sight, but it wasn't until this April that I managed to get some photographs to work from - see above.  It was the top left two photographs that I used as the basis of the two artworks below.

The complementary colours of yellow and purple make a vibrant combination.  I started with texture before adding layers of acrylic paint and paper collage.  Both were done on wood panels (50cm square) so they could be hung together, as shown by the top photograph.  I rarely do landscapes, but I really enjoyed creating these and was inspired by the recent course I did with Soraya French, so It is something I may well try again in the future...

A FUN AND INFORMATIVE ART COURSE!

Last week I attended a great day course, tutored by Soraya French.  She is an artist, that first came to my notice, when I bought her excellent and colourful book, Contemporary Landscapes, a couple of years ago.  She produces fantastic vibrant semi-abstract artworks in acrylics and mixed media.

The subject was seascapes using acrylics, textured gels and pastes. Soraya, who can be seen above holding a paint chart, demonstrated by starting her own painting - see top left hand photograph.  The day was good fun and the results of the participants was impressive.  I learnt a lot and managed to complete this seascape on thick watercolour paper....

BOOKS TO READ UNTIL I GET BACK INTO THE STUDIO!

The last few weeks I have been unable to do any artwork, due to family circumstances, so, to keep my hand in, I read the above books.

I bought 'Abstract Painting' by Jane Davies as I love her work.  Those of you have followed my blog know I have done several on-line courses tutored by her.  Visually it is stunning.  It is not a book for those who want advice on techniques and materials.  It makes you think and analyse your own abstract paintings and list what factors to consider when working in an abstract way.

If you want information on mixed media techniques and materials, 'Contemporary Landscapes' by Soraya French is the book for you.  It is full of wonderful colour and beautiful artworks.  It has given me inspiration for colour combinations to use when I get back to working on my own mixed media landscapes.

For those, who like me, are reluctant to do detailed sketches as preparation for your artwork, 'If you can Doodle you can Paint' by Diane Culhane, is a great book.  It is less intimidating than traditional sketching books. I found it very encouraging and has some useful exercises that I am going to practice as soon as I get back into my studio...