I really enjoy painting small garden birds and, although we do have a small garden, I have been really delighted to see quite a large variety of species visiting. Next year, it would be amazing to attract some birds to nest and I have been doing a little research.  Their needs are basic; food, water, nesting - ideally they would like to feel welcome and comfortable, but most importantly they will probably start their new house search in the winter months, so it's worth starting to make your property desirable now :) I am really keen to hang some "upside-down" teapots along the fence, away from any passing cats and buy some bird food, create a clean water source, maybe get a bird bath and lay some nesting in the pots.   With our busy lives, personally we have tried to make our outside space to be minimal maintenance so have probably reduced the environment attractive for wildlife.  I am now trying to put some back - I have lavenders (both French and English) in pots for th

 Hand on heart I love all birds but for me, penguins are my favourite.  They have a lovely way of nurturing their young and their quirky antics always bring a smile.  Painting-wise, it can be tricky to capture them.  If you're not careful, the black can look flat, and trying to paint yellow against black can be tricky. Each month, I create a tips and techniques email that is sent free to anyone who has purchased my online tuition. I think, for December, I will give some info on painting penguins as a basis to how to paint with "black" in your watercolours. If you would like to see all the online tuition available via my website, please click the link below: www.kayeparmenter.co.uk

My all time favourite :) This is a post that I have been meaning to write for ages.  With Christmas coming up, I thought it might be nice to share with you my favourite watercolour book and, following a quick check on Amazon, I see that it is still available in hardcover (in the uk).  So if you have space on your Christmas list, I hope that you won't be disappointed with this gem of a book. William Lawrence (Skip), in my opinion, is a master in watercolour.  He has changed his style in recent years to work of a more abstract quality but it is wonderful that he as written a book to share his art journey with watercolour. He is particularly good at explaining how he captures light in his work though the use of tone.  He is also very keen on exploring shapes and linking shapes within his work, it is all very inspirational.  I do have other favourites which I will share soon.  In recent times it's fantastic that we have online access learning resources but don't forget books to

  I have been working hard to bring my live workshops online and the latest to be available on my website is "Painting dragonflies in watercolour".  For some reason, I have seen lots this year when we've been out and about on our walks - and not necessarily by the water.  They catch your eye with that flash of iridescent colour in their bodies and wings, so lovely. In this tuition, you will learn about choosing your blues and then progressing to experiment with capturing the transparent effect of wings whilst bringing in loose background details to the painting.  3 online videos will help you will all the subjects. Have fun with your painting :) "Painting dragonflies in watercolour" www.kayeparmenter.co.uk

As we head through autumn, I am really enjoying looking at painting some my favourite subjects in watercolour whilst at the same time creating a wintery feel to the scene.  These blue tits are and ideal subject with the cool blues in the feathers.  The continuation of these lovely colours into the background, with a little grey, help to give that cool, frosty feel. I am very excited about new pieces for the season ahead and can't wait to share my watercolours with you.  At the same time, I am also working hard on new tuition, which will be available on my website soon. www.kayeparmenter.co.uk

  "Redbreast" It would appear that by posting this picture, I am working on festive pieces - too early?  :)  But this lovely little chap has been visiting our garden for months now, we actually noticed him during lockdown.  We would sit having a coffee in the garden and he would come and sit in the apple tree next to us.  My robin painting is inspired by him, but artistic license brings in a more festive backdrop! Robins are so popular that my tuition (hopefully towards the end of November) will be to paint these lovely little birds. I am really looking forward to creating this.   So, in the meantime as promised, Dragonfly tuition is next and hopefully I should be able to release this at the end of this month. www.kayeparmenter.co.uk

  Autumn Leaves The prize of the flat brush following the release of my "Rose Tutorial" is on its way to the winner of the draw.  These autumn leaves are another great subject for experimenting with this lovely brush. Next to come is the free "tips and techniques" email (mid-month) free to anyone who purchases my online tuition.   https://www.kayeparmenter.co.uk/products/tuition/ Well, another season changing and it is always fabulous to see the leaves beginning to change colour.  The weather here in Somerset is truly awful and it has been raining now for two days solid but I am already looking at the weather forecast for brighter days.  Autumn sunshine on colourful leaves is one of those times when we can all gain inspiration, whether it's to pick up your brushes or simply to enjoy walking amongst the stunning colours and swishing through the leaves in your wellies :)  I think we are lucky to have changing seasons here, they all have their beautiful qualities.