Thursday 28 October 2010

New Seasons



Thank you to everyone who is following my blog, I am always very grateful for the lovely comments.

It makes me smile when I think that the clocks are changing this weekend and many are sad that we lose our lighter evenings - artistically, winter can be a tricky time with shorter daylight hours in which to paint. But, I'm still smiling!! November brings some amazing sights by way of the the trees changing colour, amazing skies and sunsets and I have many new vibrant poppies paintings in view of Remembrance Sunday approaching.

I hope that you enjoy this time of year as much as I do!

www.kayeparmenter.co.uk

Monday 18 October 2010

Inspired to carry on!


Two for one!

And, see, I couldn't resist developing the swan painting (first painting, monday morning!).

This is a much larger piece of work, 16" x 12", but based on the ideas from the smaller sketch from my last blog post. I managed to retain the light on the back of the swans and, by accident, the reflection under the swans began to take on a life of its own - this, I believe, has added some magic to the painting.

For now, I am satisfied with this subject and will find inspiration elsewhere for my next piece.

www.kayeparmenter.co.uk

Friday 15 October 2010

"Being Inspired" or "Finding Inspiration?"

"Butterfly, small sketch 6in x 4in
What motivates us to paint? As a professional artist, for me is it money? I know that I wouldn't spend every available spare moment (as I do) painting, if it was purely for money. Amateur or professionial, I believe that painting passionately from the heart produces the best paintings. But in the real world, there are times when we all lose direction or inspiration.

When this happens, it can help to change this question from "What subjects do we paint?" to "What subjects don't we paint?" and then ask yourself, could I?

I'm not sure why but, for me, butterflies have never been an inspiring subject to paint, but I decided to give it a go. The result's far from perfect, but I've "found inspiration" rather than "been inspired" and I think there is a difference. I'm eager to experiment further. Try to work on small pieces of paper to take the pressure from attempting to produce a masterpiece.
Swan, small sketch 6in x 4in
Riding high from finding inspiration from the butterfly, I decided to paint a small sketch of a swan. Again this is a subject that I wouldn't normally choose to paint. As with the butterfly, I'm not sure why. I think maybe I have not been enticed by the apparent colours in the subject.

Asking myself "could I?", I decided to have a go, but this time I threw in some unsual colours to base of the swan and some salt for texture in feathers. What I saw appearing on the paper was an exiciting light on the back of the swan which, I think, is great. I have found inspiration in this subect and can't wait to develop this idea.

It will be a case of developing, experimenting and enjoying these working processes as they evolve hopefully into larger and even more exciting paintings.

Monday 11 October 2010

Too Early?


Or does the Early Bird Catch the Worm!

Sorry folks, yes I am on about Christmas. I have to prepare early for Christmas exhibitions and these wouldn't be complete for me without a "Fluffed-Up" Robin! As time goes on, I'm painting more and more on the edge....almost out of control, but not quite! This watermarks work effortlessly for fluffy feathers and with an addition of a little salt, we have great feathers!

I have taken a small piece of video of this piece being painted, and you can see this on my facebook page:

http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Kaye-Parmenter-Watercolours/103084793061470

Saturday 2 October 2010

Trowbridge Gallery




Here is a photo taken whilst I was hanging a display of my paintings at the Trowbridge Gallery in Castle Cary which is available to view until the end of October. This is an exciting gallery showcasing some wonderful artists and the displays change on a regular basis.

And, of course, to enhance any experience, I can thoroughly recommend the coffee shop directly opposite the Gallery, and we can also vouch for the wonderful chocolates - tasted in the course of duty!!!! www.kayeparmenter.co.uk



Tulip Time - National Trust