News from Swansea...

Tom's been for a walk in the sun - with cracking views of goldcrests - which I am reliably informed aren't that easy to photograph! I'm thinking they might make a good drypoint.

Grey squirrels in the University botanical gardens.

Goldcrest at the back of the beach. 

Views through 180 degrees - Mumbles and Swansea. 

More textile cards ....

As I have said previously I'm trying to get a stock of these so I don't run out ....they are  barely profitable, but hopefully people buy the paintings and photocards beside them. This time colourful tulips and a batch of teasels.

Derwent Water oil painting

It's been a while since I've done an oil painting - too much christmas stuff and cards! It's strange how reluctant to start I am after only a couple of months off, but I thoroughly enjoyed doing this one from our walk on Sunday. As I said - it was an atmospheric day!

Teasels ...a new textile

I've been wanting to do something based on teasels for a while - and it took me a while to get there! Initially I had a blue background for sky and the teasels were too straight. I changed the background and curved the stems to give some movement. ....and enjoyed the free drawing with the sewing machine.

Derwent Water round walk.

A fairly dismal day, so we set off round Derwent Water. Some very 'atmospheric' views across the lake. The lake itself was quite low, which was good, and the path easy to find - although thanks to the developments at the Lodore Falls Hotel you can no longer skirt round the back of it - instead there is a very short stretch on the road. Nice to see the National Trust's centenary stone, which I have never seen before. The far side of the lake was relatively quiet and a late lunch in 'The Chalet' at Portinscale was very tasty.  About 10 miles in total and a good walk out.

Looking up the lake towards Borrowdale.

Heron; one of several coin-studded fallen trees; Lodore Falls - not exactly in spate! 

Looking back down the lake towards Keswick.

A very obliging robin - Fawe Park. 

Valentine's Day cards ....

I'm actually vaguely organised this year ...some new cards for Valentine's Day. Now to work on some 'Love Bird' designs.

New and old elephant cards...

The traditional 4 elephant cards continue to be popular, but I wanted a new twist, so tried the 3 elephants holding tails.