If you're familiar with our pal, Mr Darrell Crow, you'll be aware of the sneak previews he's been giving readers for around a week now.  We've been treated to images of the forthcoming Pet Portrait DVD Series, hosted by portrait artist, Valerie Stewart.  On his newsletter you can see images of cats, dogs and horses all at various completion stages.  Once this series is complete, I'll be distributing it direct from the UK.  I'll make an announcement in Sue's News when these items are available. 

 

 

 

I've been promising a little something different to my own students too.  I've been asked several times if I will start to include florals in my painting subjects.  Late last year I gave in and got cracking on some compositions.  They're still under development but we will be having these florals late Spring, early Summer.  Here's a sneak preview of my own to tease you with.....it's just a very small section of a much larger painting.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I've been working away today at finalising another painting subject.  'Panorama' comes in 2 colour choices (at the moment).  I'll probably work this one in shades of blue as another option and perhaps a green tone version too, if I get time.  This tonal scene is available immediately as a private class subject.  We'll be painting this on Sunday, 11th May, in Capel St Mary Village Hall.  Class will start at 12.30pm.  Contact me on 01473 311938 or e-mail on info@ayoubart.co.uk if you'd like to book yourself a space.   

Another newcomer has been visiting the bird feeders just lately.  He's beautiful and quite a bit bigger than the other birds.  Alan and I were admiring his plumage and wondering exactly what he might be.  He has a bright flash of orange/red at the front of his body at the base.  The rest of him is mostly white with pale brown markings.  I had a hunch that he may be a woodpecker as he has quite a long beak.  He visits the larger peanut feeder as soon as our friendly squirrel leaves.  Now, I'm not really a bird watcher, but the binoculars in my office are getting used more and more.  As he pecked away at the nuts I managed to get a good look at him.  After some online research, it's confirmed, we have ourselves a Great Spotted Woodpecker. 

A knock on the door early in the morning always tells me that the postman has left something which he can't get through the letter box.  Of all the things that I have received from readers, I don't think I've ever had anything so unusual.  My package, among other things, contained a bag of Dulse.  I'll leave readers to do a bit of research on the net to find out for themselves exactly what it is.  Thanks Jerry for a very pleasant and unusual suprise. 

Waking to an even thicker blanket of snow this morning decided my plan for the day.  I have a couple of painting projects I want to try, just for me.  Today was the perfect chance to get cracking on one of them.  It's a figurative piece and I really, really enjoy doing this kind of work.  I guess I was motivated to do something different earlier this year when I had to chose subjects for this Easter's Art show but just haven't found the time for it.  I think I need to submit paintings which reflect more my own style than the subjects I teach.  Here's just a section of my painting.  Once it's finished I'll add it to my Gallery  and my Art For Sale  pages.    

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What on earth is going on with the weather?  Yesterday we thought we had got off lightly as the promised snow only resulted in a couple of fleeting flurrys.  Today is another matter.  We awoke to a pretty snowscape and it hasn't stopped snowing since.  Not to be put off, the planned East Egg hunt still went on as you can see here, followed by a snowball fight, tobogganning and the customary snowman construction!  At art group last week, as one lady left she said 'Have a great Easter everyone, see you in the New Year'.  She actually wasn't far wrong as, with a few days off, it does feel very seasonal. 

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A dear fellow painter has recently signed up for the Alexander Course and I'm thrilled that this lady will no doubt add to the growing European numbers.  Helga, based in Austria, has been an on-line buddy for quite some time.  It's a small world as her husband originated not far from Capel.  Helga was lucky enough to paint with the famous seascape artist, Joyce Ortner, last year.  Do visit this lady's website 'Dee's Art'  and have a look at her gallery.  Congratulations Helga for taking the first step.........I'm here if you need me for anything.

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A couple of years ago I purchased several domain names.  One in particular has been sat idle, which seems such a shame.  I have decided to host it and give it a little content.  Although it doesn't contain anything new, at least it's being used.  Painting Classes  isn't going to be the busiest website in the world but at least it is now serving a purpose.......(and it shows what can be put together in under an hour!)

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As a special Easter Treat and also because it's Spring, we're offering the complete Basic Techniques of Oil Painting Florals at a massive saving of £30!   This 13 DVD set, which includes 'Romance of the Rose' as a free Bonus DVD, will be just £53 until April 1st.  That's just £8 more than the price of a class.  You can perfect your skills from the comfort of your own home at a time that suits you.  With hours of explicit step by step tuition showing you how to paint Iris, Orchids, Magnolias, Daisies, Chrysanthemums, Hydrangeas, Tulips, Daffodils, Lillies, Hibiscus, Gladioli and Roses NOW is the time to get flowery.  CLICK HERE  to be taken to the shopping basket

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While I'm spending time at the computer processing the Tall Ships orders, I'm working on a long overdue task.  I'm having a 'business' Spring clean.  I'm designing new Company stationary, flyers and posters.  I'm also updating my database as I have recently upgraded computers too.  To make a tedious job quicker for me, if you'd like to be added to my database (which means you'll receive the AyoubArt newsletter and important news on sales items) please send me an e-mail on info@ayoubart.co.uk   Please put DATABASE in the subject line and ADD ME in the body of the e-mail.

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I've just opened a new page on the website called 'ART FOR SALE' .  On this page you will find paintings of mine for sale to AyoubArt customers at a greatly reduced prices.  I will be adding new paintings to this area periodically.  None of these paintings were created in my painting classes so you can be assured that a great deal of time and effort (and fiddling and embellishing) has gone into each one.  The price includes postage and packing to any UK Mainland address.   

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Yesterday afternoon (Thursday) I took delivery of the master copies for Pirates Ahoy and The Mighty Clipper.  These DVD's will be despatched to you on Saturday 22nd March.  Back in October, I selected 12 customers to receive their Tall Ships order direct from Darrell Crow Studios to save time.....Darrell advised me yesterday these 12 orders have also been sent out.  If you are one of the 12 and have not received your order by the end of next week, please contact me direct on info@ayoubart.co.uk and I will send you a the remaining discs.  I want to take this opportunity to thank you all for your patience and understanding.  Now this item is fully in stock I've re-opened the shopping basket for this TALL SHIPS DVD set HERE

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Since the weekend, Alan's first words when he comes home are; 'How have the fish been..........!'.  Tonight, I told him that they'd all been right sods.  One jumped out of the pond and bit my ankle as I was entering my studio.  While I was out they had broken into the house and raided the kitchen and they'd put graffiti all over our lion's head.  I have a feeling they're going to play up again tomorrow too.

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Do you know............at my local Art Group you think we'd be swapping info on technique, mediums, materials, stockists.......but no.  This week we exchanged bread recipes!  I can't wait to try Val's recipe for ciabatta bread.  Perhaps it's time to have an Italian evening with a spicy lasagne, lots of valpolicella and a tiramasu (bless you).

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I believe 3 of my students are taking part this year in the Easter Art Show at Needham Market.  This is the 34th East Anglian Art Exhibition and probably one of the largest shows in the area.  The preview evening is this Thursday from 8pm till 10pm.  The show then runs on Good Friday 10am till 6pm, Saturday 10am till 6pm, Easter Sunday 10am till 5.30pm and Bank Holiday Monday 10am till 5.30pm.  Do pop along if you get the chance.  The venue is the Needham Market Community Centre and there's plenty of parking outside the hall.  Once students start to take part in events like this, their names will get automatically added to a database and it's highly likely for them to receive invitations to take part in other exhibitions.  20% commission is taken from all art sales and these funds are put back into the community.  The community centre isn't that far from Needham Lake, which is a lovely spot to park up, take a stroll, feed the ducks, have a picnic.....and there's normally an ice cream van located there too.

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The staff at Alexander Art in the US have been very busy these last few weeks.  The Alexander Art website  has had a complete overhaul and update.  It's new look is launched today.  If you haven't checked it out already, do pop over and give it a look.  We also welcome another new Certified Instructor to Europe, Mrs Jane Paice.  It's brilliant that the numbers are growing............I hope to see a few more European names added to the certification in progress list pretty soon.

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Yesterday, despite the rotten weather, we went ahead with finishing the pond.  By the afternoon we had our opening ceremony where the waterfall was switched on and some new fish were released.  Our new ghost koi look massive against the couple of small goldfish.  Now they can hide in the new plants rather than under the pump.  First thing this morning it was great to see them swimming close to the surface.  They seem much braver now there are a few more of them.  They didn't seem very interested in their food straight away but after a few minutes one koi almost leapt out of the pond in a powerful ascent to his breakfast.   Not far from the pond we had some more wildlife action........Bobby the squirrel was taking his breakfast too.  We watched him run up a nearby bird table and jump into the tree where several bird feeders are hanging.  If you look closely you can just about see his aerobics.... 

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Construction continues on the outside pond feature.  A while ago we spotted a rather predominant fountain feature which, until now, has been propped against a back patio wall.  Today it finally took it's permanent position in a high tier wall and has been cemented in.  We have tested this fountain from a lower height, and the force which flows from the mouth is quite considerable.  The few fish which we have seem to love it and as soon as the waterfall is switched on the fish gather under the cascade. Today's students, during their ciggie break, were checking on Alan's latest progress since the last time they were here.  I was telling them that the sound of the waterfall is apt to the figurehead as it resembles a roar.  Whether the fountain will have the same sound effect from a greater height remains to be seen.   

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Here's the work from a student who was recently issued with her Intermediate Certificate and couldn't wait to use it.  Wendy chose to paint 'Bamburgh Castle'.  She opted for warm neutral tones and went for shades of cream, mocha and brown.  Wendy is very precise in her painting, she knows exactly what she wants.  Wendy was able to see how the smallest dot of paint here and there can make the most remarkable effects.  She's not tempted to overwork areas and is happy to stand back and assess each stage.  We actually painted the sky, lake and land right around the deep edge box canvas, which means it doesn't need a frame.  This will give the painting quite a contemporary look.  I think you'll agree, she's not only made a marvellous job of this very popular landscape, she's also widened the scope for her home painting subjects too.  If you can paint this, there's no reason why you couldn't tackle St Paul's Cathedral,  Urquhart Castle, Stonehenge or any other prominent landmark using the same technique.   

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At last night's painting demonstration I introduced myself as an Alexander Certified wet on wet technique Instructor.  I proudly announced I gave the very first Alexander Class in the UK in October 2007.  Of course, this means nothing if no one knows who Bill Alexander is.  I asked the art group to put their hands up if they had heard of Bob Ross.  About a third raised their hands.  I then asked who had heard of Bill Alexander........... only a few raised their hands.  Although some people might be familiar with Bill, many are surprised to hear that he was the chap who taught Bob Ross to paint.   During the break, one lady was telling me she owned an Alexander starter kit.  It was originally her mother's and was passed down to her, totally unused.  Apparently it even contains a metal brush cleaner pot with a metal grid inside along with a tin of magic white, so one can only but guess how old this kit can be.  The main thing is, she's now inspired to put her kit to good use and give the wet on wet technique a go.  A big thanks to the treasurer, Dave, who thoughtfully rang me before the event.  He's been to my painting classes and is aware I sell art supplies too.  He asked me to bring some bits along as members like to browse during half time.  As a rule I never take supplies to demo's as I'm there to inform, not to make sales.   I'm glad I did though, with the script liner brushes being the most popular item.  If only I had taken a bag of wipe out tools too, some of the oil painters in the audience were impressed how they can remove 'happy accidents'.  Do you know, I've developed a habit of kissing the wipe-out tool each time I use it, whether I'm painting on my own, in a class or during a demo.....        

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As it's my eldest daughter's birthday (and the novelty of the new breadmaker hasn't yet worn off)  I've done some baking for her.  Of course, it's not a cake - it's a rather large 2lb wholemeal loaf with sunflower seeds.  It's going to be a lot healthier than a cake anyway and it'll go nice with the home made tomato soup she likes to make.  Would it be too daft to put candles in it do you think?

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Here's a wildlife painting subject, 'Swimming Free' which will be absolutely ideal for first timers and also for painters with some experience.  It's taken from a design by Jack Kolber ACI of Magic Brush Art.  It is also one of the 13 projects featured on his 3 DVD set for just £22.50.  I'll be teaching this in the Green Room, Stowmarket on Saturday 17th May.  If you'd like to paint it sooner rather than later, it's available anytime as a private tuition.  You can see a larger version on the Class Subjects  page.  Although my version is still wet, I'm going to chance it and take it, plus a few others, along to tonight's demonstration for a local Art group. 

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Justin, who normally attends some of my Capel Classes, decided to treat himself today.  He opted for a private lesson.  He made a fabulous version of 'Golden Brown'.  Justin is a very quick painter, mostly because he is not tempted to fiddle.  Because of this, I had a little surprise in store for him, I had him paint on 2 canvases at once.  He has a large 16 x 20 inch version and a similar, yet slightly different smaller version, measuring just 9 x 12 inches.  Luckily for me, Justin popped a photo of his painting on Facebook as soon as he got home............which means I'm able to share his larger painting with you all. 

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A few more class dates and images have been added to my Class Timetable page.  

Week 10:  3rd March to 9th March

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Do you fancy having an oil painting lesson in the comfort of your own home.............................?  CLICK HERE  for details.

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Regular readers will know that Alan's daughter & her boyfriend are in their 11th month of travelling the world.  Today, when I checked on their adventures, I enjoyed some of their latest photos, taken in Asia.  Here's 2 that will go into my folder of 'Things to Paint'.  The scenes were taken in Luang Prabang (left) and Vang Viene (right) in Laos.  I'm sure when my pal Katie spots the mauve image she'll be inspired to paint a tropical scene.  I have some time off soon, I'll try and tackle at least one of these and show you the results.  Don't you just wish you were there?  With a glass of wine?  Watching a sunset?  Miles away from the hustle and bustle?  Drinking the atmosphere in?  Sigh.........

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I don't always get time to take snaps of my students' work at the end of a class - but today was an exception.  Here you can see Cynthia's (above right) and Rosemary's (above left) versions of 'High Hopes'.  It's Rosemary's first ever mountain and I think you'll agree she's made an excellent job of it.  Rosemary used the new knife for her mountain highlights, Cynthia stuck with the normal 1 inch blade - you can see the different effects created.  Cynthia decided to change her colour scheme just a little and opted for a more turquoise lake and less of a pink glow around the mountain.  Although we follow the same basic format, it's always possible to make your own unique changes.  As Bob Ross used to say 'It's your world...........' 

I like ooo's and ahhh's.  And I'm discovering more ways of getting them too......  Throwing a mountain onto a canvas does the trick.  Putting the 'bravery test' tree in the foreground certainly does it every time.  Last night's audience made all the right noises at all the right times, which is very encouraging.  Before the demo was about to start I was advised that I had an exceptionally large turn out.  I was also quietly forwarned by the organiser that I may experience a little disruption too as a small number of the group like to chatter through any talk or demo that is being given, not being aware of how loud their voices can be.  That's absolutely fine, after all, it is a social event and it's probably a good chance for members to catch up on their news.  All through the demo I was waiting for the chatter - nothing.  At the end of the demo the organiser made a point of saying that the event was a first, everyone was so quiet, (apart from the questions).  One lady summed up her feelings of the event in two words 'Gob Smacked'.  I think there's now another 30 plus ladies who just might believe that ANYONE can learn to oil paint, using (almost) any brushes and any oil paints.    

Whenever I return from Marion's I often think to myself that I should take a leaf from her book and do more home baking.  Marion is totally organic and it tells in the taste.  For the past little while I've been thinking about making my own bread.......  Well, thanks to this week's guests, Pete & Chris, I'll be getting my first loaf underway.  Whilst painting a Tall Ship yesterday we were chatting about home cooking.  Pete tells me he invested in a brilliant breadmaker and bakes bread for the family.  When he explained how easy it was I was immediately sold.   When he told me how you can set a timer so your bread is ready for 7 in the morning.....and you awaken to the smell.......I was double sold.  I'll collect my new machine later on today and will call by the village bakers for some ingredients.   I'll see how I get on with it and I might just include my own home baked bread into the Apollo Studio  welcome pack

Tomorrow evening I give my first demonstration on home ground in Capel Village.  Sue, a member of our local Art group, is also a member of a local ladies group.  She promptly booked me up for a demo last Summer.  I can remember how nervous I was when, a couple of years ago, I gave my first ever demo - how different things are now.  I don't even know what I will paint yet and I might even wait till the night to see what I feel like - will it be mountains, waterfalls, woodlands, crashing waves........?  Mountains tend to bring audible gasps from the audience, and I like to hear those.  Although, when I was teaching 'Golden Brown' at the weekend the students did gasp when I threw in the lake.  Decisions, decisions........   Something new for the demo's I give this year; the audience will be able to see exactly what goes on in a class - I'll have a DVD player running showing some of my recorded classes, they'll be able to see not only the student's results but also live recorded testimonials.    

(Tom, you might not want to read this entry!)  Once again, the students at Heartlands had a nice suprise in store.  In walked venue owner, Marion, with a plateful of delicious home made organic cheese scones.  They had just come out of the oven and they smelt as good as they tasted (or should that be the other way around).  At Heartlands, I normally work from a table top easel and use a whole large table for all my sundry items.  Alan has actually made me an additional platform which sits on my new easel - this means the whole of my workstation, including equipment, takes up just 2 foot square.  As my table is now no longer needed, this means we can fit another 2 students into Heartlands.......  Our first Intermediate Class looks like it will probably take place at Heartlands in May and the subject will likely to be Bamburgh Castle.  We'll get this confirmed sometime later this month. 

Week 9:  1st March to 2nd March

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Students adopt all kinds of poses when painting.....and I've seen some really funny ones.  Mo, on the other hand, changed the angle of her painting rather than the angle of her body.  She found it much easier to tap in her grassland this way.  I believe her oil painting is going to be hung in her hall.  Suzanne, another student, does not sign her paintings as she wants to design a unique signature.  Her husband was amazed at her last painting and enjoys showing it off to everyone who visits.....he's in for another surprise today.  Marylin was making an anniversary gift, which will end up being hung somewhere in Cornwall.  Some pretty stunning work all round was created today by some really talented students.  I enjoyed using my new easel too.  I don't know how I managed without it.  The under shelf took my palette, my brushes and more.  Students were equally impressed, I wouldn't be surprised if Ron gets a few more orders for this little gem. 

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Several months ago I removed 'Thinking Place', a waterfall scene, from the painting subject selection .  There was always something about that painting that bothered me and I could never put my finger on it.  It was a popular painting with students and I think the lilac and lime colour scheme was a winner.  A short while ago, to replace it, I developed a slightly different waterfall/cascade painting, using the same colour scheme - 'Point me at the Sky'.  In the week my private student party opted for 'Thinking Place' and although I was happy to teach it, I also had some reserve at the back of my mind.  Before the lesson started I brought out a couple of versions of the original 'Thinking Place' which was based on a Bob Ross style painting.  The students selected the areas they liked from both paintings, which we incorporated into their painting day.  Consequently, thanks to my ladies, I  (and they) now have a version which we are all happy with.  I think throwing in a bit of Bill Alexander style and using a few new brushes and tools since the first version was created has helped a great deal.  I'll re-introduce it into the painting subject  selection. 

Yesterday I presented the first 2 Intermediate Certificates.  Tomorrow I'll be presenting 3 more.  The certificate shows that you have reached an intermediate level of painting and your painting subject  options are therefore widened.  A covering letter explains everything for you.  To reach intermediate level you need to attend 4 AyoubArt workshops.  Many of you reached this level a while ago, but it was suggested it would be nice to have something official to mark the occassion.  So, for those of you with classes coming up, I'll be bringing your certificates along.  For those of you who do not have classes booked but would like your certificates straight away please send me a stamped addressed stiff A4 envelope and I'll pop it in the post to you.   

Well......as promised, here it is.  My easel is based on Ron's Luna model.  The basic Luna model is only £159, which is remarkable value when you consider you actually have 2 easels in one, a lifetime guarantee and you'll never need to buy yourself another easel again.  Lucky for me, Ron lives close by and was able to deliver it personally.  He has many styles of easel starting from just £55.  If you're interested in treating yourself to pure quality, feel free to contact Ron Jones of Phantasm Easels on ron@phantasm-easels.freeserve.co.uk

or call 01376 584124 . 

 

If it hadn't been for a certain participant of my forum I would never have known about this product - so a very big thanks to Davy for passing on the information via Sue's Arty Party .  There's been some good exchanges taken part in this friendly little forum and some firm friendships made also.  Recently a student asked me how they could join.........well, it's simple.  There's no membership, no approval process, no vetting and no moderators.  Just start a topic or reply to a thread and you're away.  The forum pretty much runs itself and it's a great way to get answers to any questions you may have - you'll get replies from other art instructors, students and hobbiests from all over the world.  I've been told several times it's one of the friendliest art forums online.