Sue's News - For updates, special offers, class info and an insight into what's going on in my world

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MAY  NEWS 

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Week 22: 28th May to 3rd June, 2007  

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I'm beginning to collect a few plants for my patio.  Last week I was presented with a beautiful lime green hydrangea at the East Bergholt fundraising demonstration.  On this morning's shopping trip I managed to pick up a couple of bargain hardy palms.  They will all look superb on the back patio as they are quite large.  Looking at my busy agenda and weather permitting, I'll be able to give the garden some serious attention sometime next week.  If I'm real lucky I'll be able to spend 2 clear days attending the beds and tubs.  It's the latest I've ever been with my hanging baskets and tubs and I'm itching to cover the house and garden with colour.  Part of my leaving present from the office,  B&Q vouchers, will come in really handy to help with the outlay.  Cross your fingers for me and pray it doesn't start raining again next week.

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Today was my first class at East Bergholt.  It's also the first class I have ever done totally on my own.  I allowed myself plenty of time to set everything up before students arrived and even had time for a coffee whilst I was waiting.  BUT........the clearing away at the end took me quite an age and I really missed having some assistance.  Amongst todays students were the tiniest two.  Par and Aimee, sisters from Birmingham, were just 9 and 14 years old.  They made wonderful paintings and were watched (and filmed) by their proud parents.  I exchanged several knowing looks with their mum when they boldly painted their mountains.  Both girls showed no hesitation when they passed their 'bravery test' by putting in the large foreground trees.  All students done wonderfully and it never ceases to amaze me how we all use the same brushes and equipment yet all turn out totally different paintings.

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Today was the funeral of one of my oldest students, Roy, aged 83.  Roy, an ex-policeman will be sadly missed by quite a few of us, he was more than a class member, he was also a friend and a very supportive one at that.  He was brilliant at one liners during classes, his most memorable being 'You'd never believe I was once a Constable.......'  The church was absolutely packed, which shows this guy's popularity.  I don't think there was a dry eye when 'Simply The Best' was played at the end of the service.  The song just about sums him up nicely.  I am sure Roy's lovely oil paintings will be hung with pride by his friends and family.   So long Roy, may you rest in peace dear. 

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I'm pleased to announce an exciting seascape DVD, new to AyoubArt.  Byron Pickering's DVD, 'The Wild Sea' will very shortly be available direct from the UK.  (Very shortly means as long as the package takes to arrive from the States).  If you love the sea, join Byron as he demonstrates ways of achieving transparency, breakover, patterns, and foamburst in the basic breaking wave. Surf away with them. Change the composition, alter the color and mood - use your own style............................. You can see Byron's marvellous marine work on his website HERE .  Better still, you can view a brief preview of this DVD by clicking HERE .   This DVD  is priced at £15 and if you'd like a copy the shopping basket for this item is HERE .

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A couple of weeks ago I gave Janet a private lesson, we painted 'Winter Pink'.  Janet was given a couple of gift vouchers  for her birthday by her daughter.  Both she and her husband have been busy showing their paintings to friends and family.  She's just this minute telephoned me to say she was offered £200 for her painting.  Now, what would YOU have done............................? 

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Week 21: 21st May to 27th May, 2007  

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Well, it was our first of the year........we had a bonfire party at the bottom of the garden last night.  I'd had piles of cardboard to burn amongst wooden palettes (not painting palettes).  At 9.00pm after setting the video to record Pink Floyd (thanks Davy),  we switched on the garden lights, lit the candle chandelier, cranked up the stereo and nestled in our tree with a glass and a bottle.  Within no time the fire was established (after an initial smoke out).  We listened to the music under the stars with our new friend and artist guest.  After swapping a few tales, putting the world to rights and singing a few songs we headed back to the house in the small hours, smiling broadly.  What a wonderful, relaxing way to wind down.  To say we counted our blessings is an understatement 

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I had a really lovely letter from the Secretary of the Buxhall Women's Institute this morning.  I gave a demonstration there a few months ago and left them an oil painting so they could use it to raise money.  They selected 'Thinking Place', a bright waterfall scene.  Between themselves they have managed to use the painting to raise £63 which will be donated to the Air Ambulance.  Well done ladies.  Just so you know..........the paintings I make in a class demonstration are freely donated to any charitable cause.  If you'd like one, if you've got a raffle coming up, just let me know.

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There's a chap I've been meaning to mention for a little while now, Mr J. Heinrichs.  I discovered his work through Darrell's Yahoo forum and this guy really has an infinity with seascapes.  He has his own website and you can view his work HERE    You'll enjoy 'cruising' through his paintings and the bold statements he makes with colour.  My personal favourite is 'Coronado Driftwood'.  All those detailed little tracks in the sand and the rich frothy surf really provoke my senses.  John isn't all about seascapes either, this moody and atmospheric sunset scene has the most beautiful sky colourings ever

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Just before this morning's class started, I was stringing paintings ready for this weekend's exhibition in Sproughton, Tithe Barn.  Could I lay my hands on a phillips screwdriver when I needed one?  Luckily for me, amongst the many gadgets that Darrell gave to me a few weeks ago was a very different type of Swiss Army Knife.  Not only did it have a hammer, it had just the type of screwdriver I needed for the job.  Saved once again thanks to my Bellingham Buddy.  If anyone's in the area, the open evening starts tonight at 7.30pm.  It's £5 a ticket ,which can be purchased on the door and the price includes Cheese and Wine.  All proceeds are donated to charity.

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Last night I watched the best part of 'Peaceful Valley' .  I was interested to see what the new videographer had made of the film.   There's a nice visual introduction and the attention paid to the various brushes and equipment used is really great.  For anyone wondering exactly how to use baby oil as a brush cleanser, well it's all on this DVD.  Darrell shows an interesting way of laying the form of clouds down before painting, which I used in today's class.  The attention paid to close up brush loading is exactly what beginners are looking for too.  I thought I'd just be watching another landscape painting, but this film truly had my attention.  It's gone up to the full price of £11.50 I'm afraid, but even at that price, you won't be disappointed.  

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Just how small does the internet make the world?  Today's student, Peter, had been given a private lesson gift voucher  from a family member who lives abroad.  So, after the class was finished I just whipped out the camera, took a snap and e-mailed it overseas.  Which means, the first person to view the painting isn't even in this country!  I think Peter's artistic side has been stimulated as we'll be painting another subject tomorrow. 

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I couldn't titter for very long.....just before lunch I received a special delivery.  The package contained the masters of 'Peaceful Valley', 'La Corbiere' and '2 Roses and a Poppy'.  I was prepared for 'Peaceful Valley', but didn't realise the other 2 DVD's were enclosed also.  All I can say is there has been steam pouring from my machines and smoke rising from the printers.  But, with Stef's help (yes she's at home again today), your orders are completed.  Stef has just returned from the post office and she managed to catch the postman on his last collection.  Phew, I'm glad that stack of orders is now off my desk.  For those of you who have ordered the 3 DVD set, I'll post out the 'Grandpa's Cabin' DVD as soon as it arrives.

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Today I will be playing Doll's Houses again.  That's the terminology now used when I titter about in the Apollo Studio Accomodation .  I only went shopping yesterday with the intention of buying a saucepan and a frying pan for the new 2 ring hob.  I've ended up buying completely new bed linen for both the double and the single bed.  I've picked up a couple of little decorative items and I've puchased some artwork for the walls.  I think my own landscape, which was hanging in the bedroom, was a little too large for the room.  We've now got some bright and funky bits in there, and in the other rooms.  It makes the place just that little more homely.  In fact, I'm considering have a weekend break in there myself.  Don't laugh......I did it last year and thoroughly enjoyed myself.

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News just in from Val.......she managed to raise just under £350 which will go towards repairs for the historic church in East Bergholt.  Well done Val.

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My ears are always open to what people actually want and need.  I'm sure that's the reason for any success I've had.  So......I have introduced, by popular demand, a £25 gift voucher.  This can be used towards a class, painting products, DVD's or even towards the Painting Holiday . You'll find the shopping basket for this new Gift Voucher HERE.  You'll also notice I've finally put my Private Class price up just £5 to £45.  This price increase does not effect anyone with existing vouchers or bookings.  You'll be pleased to know that your lunch is included in the £45 so you really do not have to bother with a pack-up.  EVERYTHING is provided and set up before you arrive.  Those of you who have already been taught privately are well aware I am more than happy to chat after the lesson to personally advise you on your painting product requirements, your technique, your own painting sales and any other wet on wet queries you may have.  Private tuition is not quicker ......it takes the same amount of time as a class of 12, if not longer.  I have found that a private class consumes my whole working day with setting up and clearing away hence the small price increase.

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Today's fund raising demo was a wonderful event.  All credit goes to Val who is the brains behind it.  In less than 2 months Val had this money raising idea, she set to the challenge, promoted it well, and packed the hall out.  I think it's safe to say everyone had a good time.  The display of home made cakes were mouth watering.  Both Val and myself displayed our artwork in the lower room so guests were able to attend our mini art exhibition whilst taking their refreshment.  But I'll let you into a secret.......I had no idea whatsoever what I was going to say or what I was going to paint.  I even spent a few quiet moments in the bath beforehand trying to visualise an intriguing landscape to 'WOW' them all.  Nothing, blank!  So to say I was nervous was an understatement.  But, as always, as soon as that brush was in my hand the rest just flowed and before you could say Bob Ross the morning had gone.  In fact, I might not ever bother preparing myself for a demo ever again.  I'll just see what unfolds on the day.   Consequently, there's only a couple of spaces left at next week's class  at the Lambe School, Gaston Road, East Bergholt.  Ring me if you want to reserve your space  01473 311938

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What a morning!  Breakfast in front of the monitor nearly had me choking on my cereal.  As I opened up an e-mail attachment from one of my dear pals, I could see he had been working hard designing a DVD cover for my first release.  Brilliant and quite unexpected, if a tad premature.  When I'm ready you've got the job Davy.  I had an early start for Heatlands.   We drove through the beautiful Suffolk countryside with the sun roof open and the windows down.  I was lucky enough to have Stef as my helper for today.   It took us no time to set up at Heartlands, the doors were wide open waiting for us and the CD player was on playing some really tranquil music.  Marion, the owner, had been baking and treated us to huge slices of her homemade chocolate and vanilla marble cake.  Today's ladies had such fun and were so supportive of each other.  As we broke for a picnic in Marion's magnificent garden, shared with wild rabbits and an orchestra of bird song we all felt very pleased with our progress so far.  Here you can see the wonderful rustic charm of Heartlands and you can also see one lady's stunning results.  It's been a great day all round and I feel like a very lucky person to spend my time doing this.

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One room down, 3 more to go.  The poolside cabin has been provisionally reserved for the Alentejo Experience Painting Holiday . By luck 2 single ladies from opposite ends of the globe are happy to share.  We just need 4 more painters for this project to go ahead.  I've had several enquiries and I'm keeping my fingers crossed we can make up these numbers soon.  If you're interested in this break, so e-mail me on info@ayoubart.co.uk or fill in the enquiry form HERE .

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We've just added a small hob to the Apollo Studio Accomodation .  It'll give guests a wider choice of cooking options should they wish to self-cater.  Then again, it'll give you more washing up also.  There's an excellent Chinese Take-Away in the village and of course you don't have to travel far to find a cosy country pub either.  There's also a large Tesco's nearby plus a Co-op and green grocers in the village.  A quaint Fish and Chip van parks up in the village centre on Thursday evenings and Friday lunchtimes.  The Apollo Studio isn't just available for weekends either.  If you's like to stop over and take in a private lesson, this can easily be arranged. 

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Now I don't want you readers to think I'm letting all this recent filming go to my head or anything, but..........if anyone out there has a disused clapper board sitting around in their garage I'd be more than a little interested in giving it a good home.  The dinner talk yesterday evening was all about camera angles, lighting, outside noises, tripods, continuity.  You'd think we were Speilberg planning our next big movie!! 

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Just a quick update on the 'Peaceful Valley' DVD......I'm still awaiting the masters to be delivered here in the UK.  The DVD cases are already prepared and your orders are sat on my desk.  As soon as these masters are received I'll be sure to despatch your DVD's the same day.  For those of you who attended the 'La Corbiere' painting class on 14th April,  the master DVD is on it's way to me and your complimentary DVD will be with you soon.  The 'Roses and Poppy' DVD won't be far behind it.    

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Week 20: 14th May to 20th May, 2007

What a superb performance last night.  Loud and Big are the words I'd use to sum it all up.  We got a bit more than we bargained for.  Nick Mason joined Roger Waters for the second half of the show, giving us 50% of the original Floyd line-up.  Snowy White and Andy Fairweather Low were great to see in person, as were Katie Kissoon and PP Arnold; I've only previously viewed their collaboration with Roger on the 'In the Flesh' DVD.  I didn't get to see a plane fly across Earls Court into the stage, but I wasn't disappointed.  At one point we were showered in bubbles.  A little later an astronaught drifted slowly from the back of the arena right across to the front, twisting and turning in defiance to gravity.  But later, during 'Sheep' (from the 'Animals' album) a huge pink pig was floating not far from our heads for some considerable time whilst confetti rained all over us.  You can see how close it was by the photo.  The album cover of 'Animals' features a photo of a large 40 foot pig floating above Battersea Power Station.  The helium filled prop broke loose during a gust of wind and was later spotted by airline pilots at 40,000 feet.  I guess the climax to the special effects was a huge 3D pyramid constructed from lazer beams, slowly turning above our heads.  A white light lazer beam entered the pyramid from one side.  The spectrum, in lasers, exited from the other side, ricocheting around Earls Court, reconstructing the image you see below from the album cover of Dark Side of the Moon.  It's so nice to get very excited by our heros and I hope we'll still be attending such gigs when we're pensioners.   

Isn't it strange how we view our own work.  I was talking this morning to a chap from Worcester.  He was telling me he struggles with foliage and he's not 100% happy with his trees.  His family and friends are wowed by his work but he's never fully content with the finished results.  I smiled to myself as this is a feeling I experience most times I take brush to canvas.  Today I was trying to paint a subtle waterfall scene.  With constant telephone interuptions and knocks on the door my concentration was broken several times.  However, when Alan walked through the door this evening I heard a loud 'WOW'!  He viewed my painting for quite a while and has come to the conclusion that it's the best waterfall I have ever painted.  In my opinion, it's the worst.  I'm almost embarrased to display this effort......

Remember back in February I mentioned that one of the cats had run all over a wet oil painting......?  Well, today I just happen to be teaching 'Winter Pink', which is the painting that carried the paw prints.  It'll be the easiest thing in the world to repair.  I'll just wet it up with liquid white and whilst all the colours are mixed I'll paint over the offending spots.

Hi folks.  We're back!  (Yawn, stretch.........)  After a fabulous break in Portugal I feel quite refreshed and (almost) ready to return to normal.  We had one day of showers but other than that the weather was superb.  Whilst there I clocked up a small 'first'.  I have never before experienced a hammock and couldn't resist the poolside hammocks at Alfanges.  I managed to get in first time and to be honest I could have happily stayed there, swinging gently.  Val tells me quite often her son hides in these hammocks.  He pulls the sides over him so he is totally concealed leaving the family to hunt high and low looking for him while he gently dozes.