Latest News/Paintings
February 2012
MSN Live who provide this website, are closing after April, and it's not worth the cost to maintain another, so this will be my last painting posted here. BUT, you can find my work and contact me via Facebook or Twitter. Happy P everyone :)
'Emz African Sunset'
January 2012
Afternoon painting with my daughter Emma, it was another sepia Winter scene, but now time to show others :)
I bailed out on painting 'Aslan' (He was on a rock behind the big tree on the right) but the lamp gives this one away, my 'Path to Narnia', began last year, finished Saturday.:). Why else would you have a lampost in a Wild winter scene.
Painted another 'Dartmoor' landscape along with 'Enchanted Forest Falls' today, still plan to add 'Hound' to my earlier one.
Have always wanted to try a painting depicting The Hound of the Baskervilles..I'm a Holmes fan. Did this landscape of 'Hound Tor' from photo I took and now debating adding the Hound and Holmes and Watson in a pony and trap!!!! Don't want to spoil this but it was meant to be 'my' homage to SH :)
'Poplar Dingle Path' painted today from an idea got at
Bodenham Arboretum, inspiration always :)
Have another space to fill on my Boders wall, so today I painted
'The Dead Old Tree'..see if this goes as well! :)
Dear mate Geoff came to 'paintalong' this morning, we did a portrait version of the 'sepia' I've been workin on. Called this one 'Steep Woodland Path'
Jessies Path :)
A dear friend from America, my Texas gal Jess, has been making lovely comments about my current range of sepia paintings. Although Jessie is married to a wonderful artist and Alexander Certification Instructor, John (see opening page) who could paint one of these landscapes, blindfold :) Jessie has said she would like one of mine. So today I did a small 8 x 8 square canvas, just for Jess, and once dry it will be flying across the pond to Temecula, California. :)
Sepia/brown tone completed today based on photos from Bodenham Arboretum. 'Bodenham Middle Pool Oak' :)
Warmed my 'sepia' study up with alizarin crimson and painted 'Woodland Walk' this morning :)
My first 'paintalong' student came today and we did a 'typical' Bob type landscape as was his wish. See student page for Jax version, meanwhile, here is my first offering of the new year :)
December 2011
The best Christmas present I could ever wish for arrived today from USA...yes, my Bob documentary dvd and first JOP series came..and it plays on UK dvd machines...Yahhh. :)
Had to paint 'Bobs Sepia Christmas Tree' in honour of the moment..oh wow..joy :)
Four more completed today, sepia's and blue monochromes :)
This particular scene is really popular, think everyone that knows me wants one for someone for a Christmas present...can't finish them quick enough to hang on my wall:) As I completed this one, another was requested by a dear friend..brushes out again tomorrow 11/12/2011
Had already completed 3 sepias the previous day...Bodenham Christmas fantasy impressions :) The first one is similar to one I did last month as a friend asked if I could do another for a present. Subtle changes in the big tree and the tree lined bank :)
The bottom two are Bodenham fantasy Christmas and Gnarly old Trees :)
Oh wow, it's here again....Christmas...how that come around so quick :)
I've a special demonstration to attend on 4th, the lovely and talented, Amy Shaw, professional crafter and QVC shopping channel presenter, is returning to 'Mountain Ash' the craft shop my wife works at. Amy is such a friendly person and no airs or graces the fact, to many craft ladies, she is a top tv celebrity :)
Well, I got a kiss and a special card made for me last time, so I'm returning the favour with a little painting gift of my own..hope she likes it! :) 'Robins Christmas' a variation on Bobs winter window painting.
November 2011
Isn't it strange..my large full colour paintings are never the ones that get the 'Wow, that's good' comments, it's always the sepia jobs. My brother liked my sepias in my 2012 calendar, so I finished off my Van dyke brown paint and Titanium White with a little 12" x 10" landscape canvas based on a painting he already has in colour. Took me 30 minutes or thereabouts, used mainly Bill's 1" landscape brush and its got some of the best comments on my facebook page I've ever had...but will it hang in my brothers entrance hall...that's the question! :) He's not had one of mine on show so far, like my sister, bless :)
Painted with a lovely lady named Carol today...here's my rendition of our sepia snow scene. Carol now lives in Spain and finding our climate ffffffffreezing :)
Well it's the eve of my 58th year on the planet, and I've got another cold..sniff :) Painted a 'Blue misty lake' scene pm, just 12 x 9, smaller than the one I did the other week (scroll down) which sold to a friend at Bodenham :)
Well you turn your back for 5 minutes and the Gnomes take over :)
An old 'paintalong' canvas now revitalised as the home of 'Boders' the BodenGnome Gnome :) Gifting to the School after their 'Gnome Hunt'
'Big Pool Poacher'
My latest for my wall at Bodenham..large canvas :)
Oh Joy of Painting, Blue Ridge PBS station in America, have made a NEW Bob Ross documentary, I'm just praying it will be shown in the UK soon or the DVD will be UK dvd machine compatible. Also they announced the first series of Joy of Painting is being released...what a great start to my Birthday month...:)
October 2011
Well I began a painting of a Heron flying over Bodenhams Big Pool this morning, then I think, I painted a few smiles on the childrens faces as they saw a giant Woodland Gnome walking around the Arboretum in the afternoon :) Those that have read my earlier posts, or read my own or Bodenhams Face Book page will know Bodenham are supporting BBC TV's Children in Need this year :)
I wasn't on 'sink duty' yesterday so I painted a couple of scenes I hope will sell at Bodenham. One is from a photo last week of the Fountain Pool, the other is a Blue Pool Fantasy, which I hope resembles Bodenhams Big pool enough to be allowed to hang on me wall:) You can't see the glitter sparkle in the foto:)
My friend and 'Canal art' tutor, Julie Tompkin was exhibiting at a local Canal Meeting at the weekend. I went along to say hi and met with Jes and his lovely wife who were promoting the 'Waterways Craft Guild'. Jes was also painting in the 'Roses and Castles' technique...Great day out.
Well I was blown away when I sold my last two Bodenham paintings last week, but I've not had time to paint any new ones as I've had to finish the Gnomes for the hunt at the Arboretum which will help promote and hopefully raise funds for the BBC Children in Need appeal this year..And guess who's dressing up as a 'Big Gnome' to take our 'Boders' to the record number of Gnomes attempt November 18th? :)
The Bods ready for BodenGnomes Gnome Hunt :)
September 2011
Latest paintings have been 'Gnomes' not canvas :) These chaps will be on show at Bodenham Arboretum sometime in the future when a 'Gnome Hunt' will be arranged :)
Canal Art with Julie Tonkin
Above a bowl painted in the Canal Roses style by Julie :)
Hi friends, as you know I'm all for trying new techniques to help with my own 'WOW' style. I've dabbled with Donna Dewberry's 'One Stroke' thanks to my friend Christine Westwood, and for the last 3 weeks I've been taking an introduction, 'taster' course , in Canal Art. The art of Castles and Roses, at a local school.
Our instructor and I hope new friend was Julie Tonkin who is qualified in Canal Art and all manner of folk art techniques and Waterways Craft Guild.(see Julies own web site for more info: www.canal-art-by-julie.co.uk ) The course basically showed us how to paint a Canal style Rose and a Castle and learn the history of how this quick fire, similar to one stroke tole painting, method came into being with the boatmen and women working in their narrowboats along the UK's canal waterways network at the turn of the century.
A lot of these canals can be found in my own area and my uncle owns a narrowboat.
I'm just getting the hang of it, but you will see how wonderful Julies artwork is from these shots. Check out Julies website for more fantastic Canal artwork and details of her upcoming classes and demonstrations.
Julie showing us how to paint Castles on a Plate..usually found on Narrowboat Doors.
Here you can see Julies almost finished plate..how it SHOULD look :) My attempt alongside :(
Fall almost upon us, in fact where I have my part time job in the kitchens at Bodenham, the leaves have been turning and dropping at an alarming rate. Much earlier than anticipated. High winds are devastating the trees too. Still, the pools have recently been visited by a Kingfisher, although I haven't been lucky enough to spot or photo myself. So I painted one at our Bottom pool. Also, tweeked the Mighty Reds I did last month as sharp eyed visitors to my site will see. :)
'Bodenham King' above and 'Bodenham Giants (rev)' below. Original earlier.
August 2011
What an honour!
A dear friend (although we've only spoken on the phone, Nic lives in Tennessee USA) and fellow ACI, (although way outa my league when it comes to painting :) ) Mr Nicholas 'Nic' Hankins, has just produced his first 'How to' DVD called 'Sycamore Morning'. Nic I think is one of the best Alexander wet on wet method artists on the scene today. His skill is superb and now, his on-screen instructional technique is equally brilliant. With a southern drawl, not unlike our Bob's, Nic takes the viewer through the step by step method of creating a beautiful painting. What made it even more special for me, was the fact Nic, (recently married to the beautiful Miss Calla :), congrats guys) sent me his first 'review copy'...Nic..I'm an even bigger fan than ever! Good luck and every success in your marriage and now in the WOW media world too!
(Details of Nic's paintings and how to buy a copy of Nics DVD on Nics website: www.nichankins.com)
Bodenham Giants
I've bought a few new Bill dvds this week, one of which was painting Redwoods. I love them and we have a few redwood/sequoia glades at Bodenham. So today I did my impression of some of 'Bodenhams Giants' techniques learned from Mr Alexander :)
Decided to paint another Bodenham Impression today, The Laburnum Tunnel in May
After a hard day's DIY making a chicken coop for my daughters 6 rescued battery hens, today, aching all over :) decided to paint. Still in a Viking mood after the Svartland Viking Society came to Bodenham, I decided to paint a Viking Longship...here is my version of 'Sailing to Valhalla'
July 2011
A friend of mine decided to concentrate on acrylic painting, which did me a great favour as he kindly let me have his old Bob supplies at a great price. However, Mike is never happy with his work and I'd just like to show my readers just how good his paintings are, this is a painting Mike has done from a photo taken on his recent Swiss holiday..fantastic work Mike, you should be well chuffed with this painting and I'm glad it's now hanging on your home wall :)
My paintalong version of Bobs 'Happy Accident'
June 2011
Well I've tried florals with little success so today I became the student for Christine Westwood OSCI. Chris is a very qualified 'Donna Dewberry' One stroke artist/instructor who just recently was attending courses with Donna herself, in Florida. I contacted Chris whilst she was in the Orange State and booked a lesson for when she returned home. Two of my previous wow students, Gail and Geoff also came along and a student of Chris's, Marnie was also in our class. Marnie does face and body painting and Chris even painted a rose on her arm to show how versatile this technique can be! Not cracked it quite yet, but on the way I reckon and will be taking at least one more lesson from Chris in the next week or two! Plus, I've a 'Davy' original plant pot as Wedding anniversary gift for Jackie later this month :) Here I am with Chris holding one of her magnificent florals...and 'my pot' :) Below those Chris details, spot Chris painted arm in the montage :).
Last minute 'paint along' request for Molly and Georgia this week, this is my finished version of our session. Was a pleasure painting with two lovely young ladies. Did a great job girls...! :)
It was a version of my previous 'Lochs End'
May 2011
Bank Holiday Monday 30th May.
Well I was on the 'washing up' rota at Bodenham today, but the weather was bad so I wasn't needed. So I stayed in and painted a scene from there instead.
Painted a demo at Bodenham today. It was 13 years since it opened. Intended painting outside as I did last Easter, but showers saw me set up in the day room
After I'd completed my version of the Big Pool, I finished a second painting..a quick Mountain Lake Tree scene to demonstrate how quick and easy this technique is. Then friend and kitchen colleague James, had his promised birthday present 'pant along' (see students)
April 2011
April 17th 'James Pool'
Those of you that have followed my painting adventures, and indeed, my progress as an Alexander Instructor, will already know of the wonderful opportunity afforded to me by Mr James Binnian of Bodenham Arboretum. (read more on my separate Bodenham Event page). It was James that first invited me to do my first public painting demonstration at Easter time last year. From there I held my first public paint class and eventually even ended up working for James in the 'Earth Centre' restaurant and shop at the Arboretum. As a thankyou to James for all the help and encouragement he has given me, including a wall in the centre displaying my paintings of Bodenham, I painted a special scene of James house and one of his pet Donkeys, Poppy, for his birthday which happend to be Today. I'm not sure if the painting would be one James himself would have commissioned, but even if it hangs in his barn I would be happy to learn it hung anywhere in Bodenhams wonderful grounds. :) Aswell as the painting I took the liberty to rework Monty Pythons Lumberjack song to describe what I've learned about James in the past 12 months and hope he enjoyed that too! :) I expect I'll find out the answer to that if I have wage slip next month or a P45 instead :) Fingers crossed he liked both!
I'm ashamed to admit..just lately I have a mental block on seascapes...Big Waves are causing me a 'Titanic' problem. I began a Bob style one today with my 'paint along' buddy Terri, but although Terri is continuing with hers next time, I bottled out and turned mine into..The End of The Loch :)
My paint along student Elise, wanted to paint an autumn scene. Here's my version of her 'Autumn Memories'
Well from all the lovely comments and praise for my Bill inspired painting in brown tones (can't spell sepiea :) ) and the fact I have a space on my 'Bodenham Gallery', I did a version of my Easter Demo painting from the arboretum in browns too. Be interesting if anyone wants to buy? :)
April 2nd would have been our mentor and re-inventor or the wow technique..Bill Alexanders 96th birthday. It is also the day I certified as an Alexander Instructor 2 year ago. In memory of Bill, I attempted my version of Bill's 'Phantom Lake'. My version is more browns than Bill's grey colours. So Happy Birthday Bill and I'll continue to 'Fire In' as long as I'm able. Happy Painting everyone :) (www.alexanderart.com)
My version is a 16"x12". I paint in our conservatory..on the wall behind me are paintings by my dear friends and mentors..John Heinrichs and Joyce Ortner.
March 2011
'Fields of Dreams' painted this today, yoga instructor of my daughter asked if I could paint wall murals. I've not tried but at the moment I'd be pressed for time, so I've painted a large 30"x24" canvas with what she wanted..a green tractor in green fields..Don't know if my interpretation would be what she envisaged, but she is welcome to the painting if likes. :) Waiting to hear from my daughter :)
My Uncle owns a Narrowboat..a 'few' years ago I found an old red metal firebucket in his garage which I thought would be nice painted in the 'Castles and Roses' canal boat style. It has taken me a long time to get my head around painting the bucket, but as the boat itself is coming to a boatyard near me this week for a renovation paint job, (with master craftsman Phil Speight), I've tried to get the bucket ready too. The paints are my own oils which aren't usual but needs must
Still needs name doing but I think I've got the Castles part done ok, still not happy with my roses, but I am planning a 'Donna Dewberry' One stroke floral class in the summer which I'm really looking forward to with another local artist and certified One Stroke artist...Christine Westwood.
Watch this space for further developments :)
March 23/2011. Painted along with a friend from Bodenham yesterday, Terri was quite an accomlished artist in Watercolour and other media before tyring oils with me. (see photos 'Students' page). I continued painting my canvas and ended up with this 'country scene' I called..'No Fishing'...after my Eagle, the Kingfisher came back. :)
March 17/2011 Two years today since I retired from my 39 year office career. My mate Geoff called by for a cuppa and we watched a few painting dvds then I completed the 'paint along' I'd begun with Sue last week by adding my Bald Eagle.
Call this one 'Where Eagles Perch'..:)
As Geoff wanted to try the Northern Lights this week and I'd done it with Tash my neice, I adjusted my version to be a composite of a photo my Bodenham mate Al took in Iceland. If he likes it the painting can hang on his wall once dry. :)
A year since we went to Florida and I visited Bobs gallery in NSB. (see sep page entry) I was going through the photos last night and had this urge to paint a Parrot...Lots at Gatorland...so today I had a go at 'Pretty Polly. :)
February 2011
Here is my version of Bob's 'Northern Lights', which my neice Tasha requested to paint along with me today.
A local Cancer charity group hold a walk around Bodenham each Easter to help raise funds. Last year I donated my demo painting. This year I've painted a specific scene of the Bodenham Great Oak at Bluebell time to donate in memory of my brave cousin Karen, who fought cancer for many years, but sadly like my mom and auntie, lost her battle at the end of 2010. Karen told me she liked the photo I've based the painting on as it reminded her of bluebell woods from her youth. God bless Karen, watch the bluebells from up above :)
Today's 'paint along' with Geoff, we did an early JOP Bob title called 'Quiet Inlet'...Bob used Bill's materials for this. Geoffs ended up more like the original,but....I added extra trees to my finished piece :)
As a guest of 'Mountain Ash', the craft company my wife demonstrates for, I attended the Trade Craft show where I 'mingled' with some of the tv shopping channel craft celebs. All lovely ladies and very talented. Also, noticed the trend for more 'painting' to be used in card decoration in addition to the other materials the girls use in their craft.
Colds and tummy bugs not seen me in the mood for paintinglast few weeks, but today I completed 3. One can be seen on my 'student' pagethe other two are below. One is a 'retweek' from a recent 'paint along' but the other is an original 'Painted Horse' I've been meaning to do for a while. It's for my daughter Emma and I hope she likes it. It's a small 6 x 4 canvas compared to the usual 16 x 12 I usually paint along with. Alas, you will see why I stick to painting trees and not wildlife....still this was a special one off. :)
January 2011
My 'paint along' I did with friend Sue, Jan 27.
Added a cabin to the painting began last month.
Above and below latest 'paint along' pictures I completed with friend Geoff.
First painting of the month today, taken from a photo at Bodenham 1st.
Bodenham Winter Wonderland
November 2010
Painting did with Grandma and Grandaughter Molly.
Not being a great 'cabin/barn' painter...Geoff decided to paint another Bobcabin style job...:( ah well, here was my finished work..Blue Spruce Barn.
Here are my paintings I did with Geoff and Jo & Marie. See the 'Students'
page for their versions. I tend to tweek mine after class, more trees and rapid river.
I've been promising myself time out to paint a few subjects I've wanted to do forsome time now...So...as a birthday present to myself :)...I've painted a scene of aStag in the Scottish Highlands. The landscape is based on photos I've taken at Glen Afric near Inverness and the stag is based on a photo of dear Johnny K. Soits an Exmoor Stag on a Scottish Hill. :)...'Highland Stag'.
No Monarch of the Glen, but I'm pleased with this one :)
Sunday Oct 24. Jackie was working at the Craft shop today, Mark was continuingbirthday celebrations with his friend..so I painted Bodenhams
Fountain Pond from photo took last week.
My latest Bodenham has gone up on the Centre Wall and today a
Bluebell Wood featured a tree I photographed there in May.
October 2010 This weeks class and another Bodenham.
A seascape turned into more of a Highland Loch and I've tried
to capture a photo of the changing colours at Bodenham.
September 2010 My paintings done with my student Geoff
*see students page for Geoffs version*
Our Wonderful Day with Johnny Kingdom :) Sep 18 2010
What a wonderful man..'Salt of the Earth' :)
Earlier this year I painted a scene from one of Johnny's home DVD's
'A Dream Come True: Our Land'. This was as best a shot I could see from Johnnys own filming of his own land on his beloved Exmoor. I did this because I wanted to give himsomething in return for the hours of pleasure he has given me and my family watching his wonderful Wildlife films and TV series and reading his books. When I realised he still did the tours himself across Exmoor I couldn't wait to book our own Safari. My daughter Emma joined my wife Jackie and me on a sunny crisp September morning with other excited fans.
I presented Johnny with the painting and a poem I'd written and he seemed really pleased.
He told us someone had once given him a 3ft Carved Owl which was also a nice surprise.
I would say the safari, and later that day, another meeting with Johnny at the local village 'Duck race and Dog Show' in Bishops Nympton, was the best time ever and my meeting Johnny was as big a thrill as my first meeting with Clint back in the day. We even saw lots of deer and other 'wild' critters, but having Johnny drive me over Exmoor showing us his favourite places, well...'It just made my day'..and as Johnny is a big Elvis fan like me another quote for him would be: 'Johnny..thats the Wonder of You'..Thank you Sir :)
My impression of Johnny's 'Our Land'..I even hand made and carved the frame.
Stuart (Johnny's son) and Johnny posed for us alongside their Safari vehicle.
For more info on Johnny, his Safaris, Books and DVDs with news of his forthcoming BBC4
Butterflies..Gators and Robins :)
Trying to get some more Butterfly paintings done and a Gator to remind me of
my Orlando holiday and a Robin in the Welsh Hills for Bodenham exhibit and some dear friends.
I'm a huge fan of wildlife film maker Johnny Kingdom, I've painted my
interpretation of a scene from 'his land' from his home made dvd.
I am going on a Johnny Exmoor safari in September and hope to present
him with my painting as a gift and thankyou for the pleasure he has given
me through watching his tv series and his personal dvd's. Be wonderful
to have Johnny hang one of my paintings in his hide on his land :)
Aug 2010 Painted two for Bodenham shop..fingers crossed get a sale..:)
Autumn Impressions and Oak Ridge Bluebell Meadow
Not been able to paint much lately, been too busy with my new part time job at Bodenham..'washing up'.. :) BUT this weekend had to get a special painting done for 'Our Dot's 80th next month...she loves butterflys so did my first Butterfly in the Pasture....hope she likes it..:) (July 2010)
The rain stayed away, the sun shone and although it was cold and windy sometimes during Easter Sunday..I finished the Bodenham Pool painting. I left it to be used as possbile raffle prize or auction for a Cancer Charity Event.
Painted a plywood board as part of my Easter Demo day advertising Basic Mountain, Lake and Trees.. :) 03/2010
This began as a seascape..but ended up as 'Choppy Loch Mountain' 03/2010
Painted a scene from my local arboretum...Bodenham Bridge and Old Oak Meadow Feb 2010.
I'll be demonstrating this painting at the Arboretum on Easter Sunday April 2nd :)
Feb 2010...The Man with No Name.
I ran Clint Eastwoods fan club for 20 years (79-99) and for his 80th birthday this May thought I'd try my own impression of Clint in his Dollar Role..Don't do figures but I'm satisfied with this first attempt. Had to paint in stages and do a trace of Clint on horse..painting in the detail after the background had dried was the most painstaking job and getting the background to look like Monument Valley. The Dollar films were shot in Spain, but Monument Valley is the most iconic Western backdrop and I wanted to give that illusion.
Go Ahead.Paint My Day!
A 'cowgirl' friend of mine from the wild west plains of New Jersey :) said she'd like a painting of mine. Well instead of my usual MLT's I tried to paint her a ranch scene, in particular the Ponderosa from Bonanza, being her fave..Hope she likes...Carmen, this is just for you! Happy Trails.
Oct/Nov 2009
Decided to add a Kingfisher to my latest falls painting, but sadly he looks more like a Kookaburra :( But 'Silver Birch Falls' has gone to a friends home. Since then I have also perfomed surgery on the beak :) Third is a large practice piece I hung in the garage (sep 09)
Decided to try a couple of small paintings'Fairyland Castle' and 'Winter through the Window' (a gift for a friend,long overdue Nov 09)
My fave todate however has to be the third scene based on a Bob painting which makes it appear you have painted on Wood not canvas..(Nov 09)
The friend I showed how to paint a simple basic seascape in November was happy with a leafless tree. I tweeked mine after painting along with him and added a tree or two. Here's my original I painted and after I'd 'tweeked'. My birch had more branches and I tried to paint my version of a cypress tree from California..not happy with it! So final tweek....dear friend likes this..On its way! :)
To Boldly Go.. !
My attempt at a 'space' scene for a present...background was all freehand and the Enterprise was a stencil cut out I painted in once background dried.
A friend who was born in Italy asked me to paint an 'italian' scene to hang in her hairdressing salon..thought I'd try a Tuscany style scene...:)
Painted a simple MLT with student Seebra which I've called 'Spirit Mountain'...Still in the mood..I painted what was to be a sunset water fall 'Twin Falls', after seeing Bob's friend Dana Jester on Youtube..(Fantastic!)...Mine got a little more colourful by the time I'd completed in an hour..which I thought was good going...but if you look up Dana's on Youtube...he does his in just EIGHT minutes...:)
