K2, the Water Kelpies.

In Scotland, there are some magnificent horse sculptures called the Kelpies.
When we went on our Loch Tay cruise, we were told about the Water Kelpies, one of whom was said to live at the bottom of the Loch. They take the shape of horses.

Although I'd painted water kelpies previously, I'd recently got some new art supplies, so I painted them again. This time using ink and pearlescent acrylic ink.

It's hard to see the subtle sparkle on the screen, but as the light changes, so does the way this painting appears.

K2

Even though it was a different medium to watercolour, I still used St Cuthberts Mill Saunders Waterford paper - and it behaved, beautifully. 
I hope you enjoy this painting.

Paddy on holiday, Milarrochy Bay, Loch Lomond.

On a recent holiday to Milarrochy Bay, Loch Lomond, I took my painting implements.
The weather was so beautiful, I painted en plein aire.
Of course, I had a model who was at hand all the time - and so I painted a portrait of him, as well as taking photos and making sketches for further paintings.

Here's the portrait:

Paddy on holiday

 and here are a few pictures of the place we stayed, so you can see some of Scotland's beauty.

Loch Tay Cruise, Scotland

While we were on holiday in April - we had a 90 minute cruise on Loch Tay.
We had to go separately, because dogs weren't allowed on the Rib .. so whilst Paul was on his trip, I took some photos and made a few quick sketches, whilst Paddy slept at my feet.

Back home, I made this painting to reflect the dreaminess of the scene and the dreaminess of actually living in a place as beautiful as we do.

The small black blob in the middle is the boat Paul was on, as it disappeared away up the Loch. Can you see him waving? Me neither!

Loch Tay Cruise 

 

A three painting post, watercolour and cyanotypes

I've been so busy, I've really neglected my blog.
So I'm trying to bring everything up to speed.

There are three paintings in this post - one watercolour and two cyanotypes.
I was so fortunate to have been gifted a day at a printing works to learn how to make cyanotypes - a process used in making blueprints.
You can use all sorts of papers to make cyanotypes - and I chose to use watercolour paper, so that I could paint some details in watercolour afterwards.

The Sun Always Rises

 Harvest Time

and finally, a watercolour commission of a lovely rescue boy

Tanner 

I thought, for interest, I'll also show you the cyanotypes as they were hanging up to dry, after coming out from the wash tray, in which any excess chemicals were removed.

and for those on you on Facebook, I now have an artist page HERE