'Pretty Please' Miniature

Not sure if this graphite miniature is finished as it seems rather light on screen. This piece needs to sit and be looked at again after a couple of days :) Maybe by then I can also get a better scan of it... the mini measures 2" x 1.5" with the girl's face being around 1" high. I admit that this piece was a bit of a struggle as I am out of practise with teeny studies after working much larger lately. But they are very absorbing and great to relax with in between commission work.

The Hidden Garden

One of lifes' surprises, an old hidden garden. Follow the path from a darker area in the trees, through the old doorway and out into the sun and light. I wish all my followers some sun and light this week. :) Folks here in the UK are fed up with the cold February snow and sleet, summer cannot come soon enough.

Faces in the Windowbox

This image was sold to a cat lover at a local Exhibition a couple of years back. Kittens are always popular although they are hard to paint without ending up too 'cute'. I was looking through some reference photographs yesterday and came across some pictures of a seven week ginger kitten belonging to a friend (He is a grown up boy now!) which brought this image to mind. The above image always makes me smile, they look as if they are hunting bugs in the pansies and have been surprised in the act.

Desert Horse

Another pastel from some time ago. The model for this study was a small bay Arabian stallion who lived locally. He used to do well in ridden classes at local shows as he was a typical Arabian, very showy and obliging for his young lady rider. I put a costume onto him (artistic license) as I thought it would suit him for this study.

Break for the Line

This sepia study was done many years ago in Vandyke Brown 8. At the time I was not aware of the full range of colours available and so did this racing picture with just one colour. This turned out to be a valuable experience and helped to teach me the different hand pressures needed to achieve this study in tones. It is always good to go back to early adventures with art to see how you have progressed - or not :) There are many things I would change in these early studies but that is what keeps you keen to get onto the next painting.

Even when you are not happy with what you have done learn to have patience and see where you went wrong last time and build on the good bits. Even failures that go into the bin are learning experiences as you can approach the subject a different way next time and above all try to keep working. Hope this helps the lady who emailed last week - you know who you are :)