Stand still and you won't be seen

This image is a section from a larger painting that I've said goodbye to today. It made me stop and think of the place that inspired me to paint this cheeky creature. We will be returning there this summer - a holiday cottage near Ullswater in the Lake District where red squirrels are actively encouraged into the garden. If you stay perfectly still, you can see them, but they can't see you!

I'd also like to mention here a friend and excellent Wildlife Photographer http://www.wildlite.co.uk/. If you wish to follow his news, he has created a facebook page which you can find under search "Wildlite Nature Photography".

I ran the "Race for Life" a few years ago and, like so many people, found the experience emotional. For me, I was aware from the many messages on clothes of the number of children running for their mums. The pink carnation is an emblem for Mothers Day and has the meaning "I will never forget you".

Thinking of the many people running the Race for Life over the next few months and especially my thoughts go to those who have lost someone special - a tough day, physically and emotionally.

Have you ever stood beneath a magnolia tree in the summer and looked up to the blue sky above? It's the most amazing sight and I have enjoyed trying to capture the wonderful effect of looking through the branches and flowers in watercolour.

Some distant buds are visible but only as a blur. And those magnificent large flowers stand proud from the dark intertwining branches.

The wet-in-wet technique was perfect for this subject - I'm dreaming of blue sunny skies now!

Still painting flowers.......but here's a peacock to put on a show instead!!

I had a visit from someone today to request a special commission and his words meant the world to me. I have been in touch with some truly amazing people over the past few months, and work has been a juggling act, trying to be in the right place at the right time with the right painting!

Some days, when things may not be going to plan, a simple kind word or generous gesture has arrived with perfect timing, I'm so grateful to the people who have supported me.

Just a few flowers to go......and then a friend has given me some gorgeous photos of a misty Venice and I can't wait to doodle!

Exhibition Time

Just over 1 month to go to my exhibition at East Lambrook Manor Gardens in Somerset. Amongst feelings of nerves, I am looking at my paintings critically and beginning to wonder if they are "good enough". 'Geraniums' is a painting that I'm very fond of but it still may not make it into the exhibition! For me, I like the light falling on the left flower, which puts the right in shade. This image is only a part of the entire painting.

If anyone would like to come along to the exhibition, please do email info@kayeparmenter.co.uk and I will send you an invitation.

It is this time last year that a member of an art group, who had invited me to demonstrate, said "come and see our lambs"! Two days later, I'd witnessed a birth, chased around a field trying to capture that perfect shot, then come home with a tray of 24 eggs and a car smelling of sileage. Happy days!

I can't wait for spring - each time we drive through our wonderful villages in Somerset at this time of year, there are fields full of cheeky lambs. The daffodils are nearly here and the sun is coming out. I have my exhibition "Seasons" approaching at East Lambrook Manor Gardens. In between painting flowers, I am desperate to paint other things and these cheeky lambs are taunting me!