#463 'Towards Chelsea Bridge' 35x45cm

Working on a larger scale again out en plein air. Was lucky with the sun coming out so provide sparkles on the water and great silhouetted shapes. My sort of subject! I wanted to paint as much as possible outside -because it takes me out of my comfort, pushing to make decisions and bring areas to a conclusion, I took about 3 hours and did 90+% of it, pleased to manage this, and with the outcome.

#462 'Early Summer The River Wey' 35x45cm

Clambering over dewy wet grass some of it as tall as me in search of an inspiring composition and scene....Morning light with the greens so bright plus the gate and reflections, worth a paint!

A canvas bigger than usual 35x45cm as I want to challenge myself which I do with so many greens to mix and get right, focus on cool and warm, light and darks. Considering there isn't much to the composition I'm pleased with the outcome.

This is the start with my mixing palette as well.

#461 Daisies & Peonies

Daisies in Blue Jug 8x8"

I have rather neglected the blog recently having returned from London and my solo exhibition to distributing sold paintings and sorting out framing for people plus getting ready and taking part in the Open Studios its all go!

So here is a combined post of two recent flower paintings.

The Peonies were light in tone plus light background, the fluffy blousy type! A light touch is needed with the paintbrush to convey the soft petals. Someone said to me you should hold it so delicately to describe this sort of thing that you would almost drop the brush!

Cottage Peonies 10x10"

The Daisies are a lot stronger with lights and darks and deliberate brush strokes. I placed the blue-green behind which compliments the yellow-orange centres. The daisy petals in the shadow are an important element to make the lights stand out.

Surrey Open Studios we are on the final weekend 15th, 16th June of being open to the public, with over 100 visitors so far and enjoying it. Had some lovely people visit - one lady came all the way from Hamble a good hour away! Having read this blog - thank you Brenda and it was great to meet you! - It is so nice to meet people who have been following my blog journey and it encourages me to keep going with it :-)
See my exhibitions page on this website for more information if you are free this weekend and fancy a chat a look at paintings and my husbands photographs.
www.clarebowen.co.uk

#460 Langstone Harbour Reflections 11x14"

A familiar area to me (because I used to live around here and Ive painted here many times), looking slightly more east than usual though, I liked the contour of the South Downs on the horizon.
Plein air is not easy! When I arrived it the clouds fluffy and reflected in perfectly still waters. By the time I had set up and started to map out the wind had got up and not reflections to be seen! The clouds were moving so quickly as well, it was catching a moment in time. I waited till near the end when the waters calmed again - although the tide was pretty low but still able to put the reflections in. Even with this trickiness I enjoyed it very much!

Reflections painted at the end - low tide

#459 Garden Peonies & Open Studio 2019

I painted these in my father in laws garden, I worked on getting the greens to work with the dark pink - complimentary colours and quite similar in tone, pleased with the outcome!

It's been a busy week trying to fit some painting in and preparing for the Surrey Open Studios which starts today! 

The studio is looking good with over 50 paintings and cards. My husband Nick is also is showing his photographs in his studio.

My studio wall with a mixture of subjects framed & unframed

Venice selection

Garden path leading to the studios

This year we've teamed up with 6 local artists to make The Golden Valley Art Trail, with a trail map linking us all. (We have maps to give out if you come)

I will be painting throughout so come and chat, drink elderflower, look at paintings and photographs and enjoy our garden in the sunshine.

Dates open: 1,2,  7,8,9,  14,15,16  June 2019

Times: 11-5pm

Where: 2 Gorse Cottages, Little Hammer Lane, Bramshott Chase, Hindhead, Surrey, GU26 6BT

Phone: 07813 320066

Set up ready to paint these beautiful peonies!