The final wokshop of 2022

On a cold and foggy day I led my last workshop of the year. To be honest, I was glad the fog didn't clear into sunshine as I was well aware of the fact that it would be a beautiful day on the fells and while I couldn't see the sunshine, it didn't feel like I was missing out. I do enjoy leading workshops though, and this one, with mulled wine (non-acloholic) and mince pies yielded some excellent and rewarding results! Attendees were complete lino cut beginners and certainly challenged themselves - well done all! 

A frosty start at Gosling Sike.

...and the lino cuts ....

Norfolk pebbles

I really have been super busy recently and haven't want to bombard you with pictures of craft fares and workshops! In a few stolen moments I threw a range of media at some paper - continuing my aim of 'loosening up' my artwork - inititially I took photographs of my pebbles, but painting was far more fun. Ultimately I would like to develop a design for a tapestry weaving from this - first I've got to work out how to do that though! 

Gosling Sike printing workshop

It seems to be all workshops and craft fares at the moment! One of the most successful has been a recent Cumbria Wildlife Trust printing workshop held at their Gosling Sike property near Carlisle. The day was loosely based on seedheads as sources of inspiration. We did lino printing for the morning and then after a late lunch gelli printing - there were some fabulous results! 

New paintings

This time of year is so busy, with craft fares and the like. I have however, managed to squeeze in a few large paintings ...all are oils.

Carrock Fell.

Blencathra.

From Sheffield Pike looking down Ullswater.

Dodd Wood and summit

Well the weather forecast lied! Good to be out and cracking light ...and a fairly prolonged shower...

Tranquil Buttermere

With a poor forecast for the weekend - and I am busy at the Sebergham Craft fare tomorrow anyway, we took the opportunity to enjoy a walk round Buttermere. It was a 'cool' morning - autumn seems to have taken on a wintery feel, the lake was like a millpond and the colours lovely. 

Fleetwith Pike.

Watery reflections.

Hazel Campbell course

Last weekend I treated myself to a two day painting course in Castle Douglas. Hazel was a great tutor and it was just so nice to take some time to myself and just paint! On the Saturday we focussed on landscapes and I enjoyed working large and with inks, acrylic and pastels. I did base the first two images on places, Great Gable from Innominate tarn and then Buttermere, while the thrird is imaginary. The fourth was very loosley based on the meltwater channel at Aughertree.  On the Sunday we were given photogrpahs from Madeira of a fruit market and enjoyed playing with colour!