Competition

 

Painting is fun and absorbing and, if there is ever a time that we need a little distraction, it is definitely now!  Do you paint already or are you a beginner?  Whatever your skill level, I welcome you to join in with my competition with the winning prize being a year's membership to Supporting All Artists. (SAA)

**Competition**

Follow my online tuition and paint a fabulous robin.  Supporting all Artists will judge the paintings and the winning artist will receive the amazing prize of a year standard membership. This includes a bi-monthly newsletter, access video on demand, exclusive offers and free postage on orders. I love my membership with them and the society is for anyone with a passion for painting and drawing.

To enter - purchase this robin tuition, please click here,  and then email me your robin painting by 20th January 2021.

Property Search

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 the bees and butterflies and they absolutely love them!  With my plans for the birds, I hope we can build back a little haven in our garden.

www.kayeparmenter.co.uk

Man about town

 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

Favourite watercolour book

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 too,  as there are some truly brilliant ones around!

If you have any books that you'd like to share in comments below, I'd love to hear your favourites:

www.kayeparmenter.co.uk

 

Painting dragonflies in watercolour

 

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

Frosty effects

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

The Visitor

 

"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

Seasonly love

 

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.  Although some normal autumn activities this year will be different due to the pandemic, there is still much beauty around us to enjoy in these different times.

For me, I am looking forward to packing a wonderful picnic and flask and heading out with family for a long walk with camera to enjoy the stunning colours.  

Learning to paint roses in watercolour

 

New Tuition

Have you ever struggled with painting roses, they can seen a bit daunting with the mass of overlapping petals.  Hopefully my new tuition, incorporating three online videos, will help.  Anyone who purchases the tuition before the end of September will enter a free draw to win a SAA 1" flat brush.

Also included is a free monthly "tips and techniques" email.  

Have fun painting :)

Kaye x

Setting the tone

 

This tomato features in my latest tips and techniques email "setting the tone" which explains a great technique that I use in most of my paintings.  You can get the monthly emails free when. you purchase any of my online tuition.

Coming very soon is the latest tuition for painting roses in watercolour.  Alongside this, there are lots of others to choose from including otters,  blackbirds, fuchsia and many more.

Online tuition

I do hope to inspire you with your watercolours, it is such a magical medium.

Kaye x

Butterfly inspiration

Purchase Card

If anyone would like a recommendation for a plant which will attract bees and butterflies to the garden, lavender is my call! 

A small pot of English Lavender in the garden kept this little white butterfly busy for ages and I was able to watch with fascination and take lots of photographs for reference with my paintings.  French lavender is amazing too and the bees seem particularly attracted to this.  This little original watercolour which is available to purchase from my website is the basis of an idea for some larger paintings.  

The painting is ideal for framing and has gorgeous purple, blue and pink hues - would look lovely in white or grey frame.

My pots of lavender are looking a little tired now and I'm thinking of planting them in the garden to make sure there the insects have lots to feed on next year.  I know that buddleia is also popular with butterflies, so that might be the next addition to the garden.

Happy days x

 

 

Lyme Regis Crabbing

"Lyme Regis Crabbing"

Original Watercolour

www.kayeparmenter.co.uk

One evening last year I visited Lyme Regis to make sketches, take photos and soak up the atmosphere for inspiration.  

It was an amazing evening, not a cloud in the sky and the town was bustling which was absolutely perfect for wandering and just stopping to observe.  I have about 50 or so photos which I have been studying and this first painting was inspired by the children sitting along the harbour side with crab lines dangling over the edge into the water.

The low sun facing the building on the Cobb hasn't given me many shadows to play with, but the water was a gorgeous deep blue and the light fell on the stone rim of the wall and sides of the boats.  But of course, my focal point is my small fisherman, leaning precariously over the edge to try and get his catch!

©kayeparmenter 2020

Cheeky Chap

"Charlie"

Private Commission

©kayeparmenter2020

www.kayeparmenter.co.uk

Anyone who knows me, understands how much I love dogs and how much I enjoy painting them. I can't believe we don't actually have a dog - well, that's another story!

So here is gorgeous Charlie, and the thing I enjoyed most about creating this painting was the energetic brush strokes to get those fabulous curls.  Allowing them to blend into the background gives a sense of movement and energy.  Hopefully I've managed to capture Charlie's personality in this painting.  I have a busy week ahead of me in the studio and that includes a couple of dog commissions so I'll have more to share in the future :)

Whiter shade of pale

Private Commissions

"Neeko" Centre

©Kaye Parmenter 2020

Commissions

Neeko is the latest addition to my commission portfolio.  Although sadly gone but not forgotten, he was a breed called Lhasa apso.  They are considered to be affectionate and great companions.  Along with the other characters in this montage, I had a lovely opportunity to capture his gorgeous furry, hairy face in watercolour.  It's never a problem for me as painting dogs is up there amongst my favourite subjects!

As ever, my painting starts with the eyes.  I really look hard to try and capture the personality of my subject and the eyes are the "window' to the soul.  Behind each painting is a character that brings love, laughs and a bond that really is indescribable. 

Thank you to everyone who gives me the chance to capture their loved ones in watercolour, it is always truly appreciated x

Mr Blackbird

Mr Blackbird

Watercolour Tuition

Online Video £7.50
www.kayeparmenter.co.uk

A few years ago, we had 3 sets of double/triple patio windows put into the back of the house overlooking the garden.  Not only did the windows give a gorgeous flood of light into the rooms, we also now have an uninterrupted view out into the garden.

I keep thinking that we need to get some bird food to attract more birds into the garden, however when I glance out it's surprising how many we see - whether it's blackbirds running along the ground picking up bugs and worms, or coal tits flitting from shrub to shrub.  It's enchanting!

I do have to admit that I do have a favourite and this is Mr Blackbird.  Mrs is nice, but not quite the same without the jet black coat offset against that gorgeous yellow beak and yellow around the eye.  So really my latest tuition is a bit biased towards the male of the species.

How do you paint a black subject?  Do you reach for Paynes Grey or Ivory Black.  This video shows you how to paint using everything but black!

If you have a favourite bird you would love to see covered as a tutorial, please do let me know

info@kayeparmenter.co.uk

Perranporth

"Perranporth"

Original watercolour on paper

55cm x 35cm

©KayeParmenter 2020

Here is my latest landscape painting inspired by a photo that I took from the Cornish coastal path at Perranporth.  The day was quite grey but as I walked to the top of the cliff, the sun burnt through the mist and this beach appeared in view.  

I can't wait to be able to walk more of the southwest coast path, it is definitely on my wish list of things to do.  In the meantime, I have to be content with painting them :)

If you'd like some landscape painting tips, please head over to www.kayeparmenter.co.uk for 10 tips to help you.

Happy painting!

Kaye x

Master

"Master"

Private Commission

Master, although sadly gone but not forgotten, used to love his car journeys and used to "lean into the corners".  The photo I worked from was of Master sitting in a field of bluebells, a perfect backdrop for a very handsome dog :)

Currently I have approximately a 3 week waiting list for commissions.  I can work really well from favourite photos and sizes are prices are on my website.

www.kayeparmenter.co.uk

Dragonfly Blue.....or more

"Dragonfly Blue"

Original Watercolour 37cm x 18cm

©KayeParmenter 2020

www.kayeparmenter.co.uk

The beauty of watercolour, for me, will always be the magic of the movement and blending of the colours on the paper.  Along with this movement, comes an slight unpredictability which gives a lovely feeling of anticipation during the painting process.

Choosing to paint dragonflies didn't restrict my palette of paints to blue hues as I reached for warmer pinks, purples, and raw sienna to compliment the blues.  Whichever colours you may choose to use, I'd definitely say never stop experimenting!

Glastonbury Murmurations

Glastonbury Murmuratons

Watercolour on Paper

55cm x 35cm

©KayeParmenter 2020

Painting the starling murmurations is, for me, more about trying to capture the atmosphere with colour and light weather than painting a representational landscape.  The starlings roost from Nov to spring and I have had most luck seeing the murmurations agains beautiful sunset skies and crisp cold evenings.  Magic!

www.kayeparmenter.co.uk