JANUARY 2012 NEWS

Tuesday Jan 31st: Week one and all is well with the five little kittens. In fact, Ben reckons they have doubled in size. Half of them have their eyes open now, I'm sure the others will follow in the next day or so. They have changed location 3 times since the birth. We felt the dining room was a little too manic for mum and babes to relax, so moved them to the warm spare room. Good idea, but mum didn't share our logic. She brought her kittens down one by one and settled in the corner of the lounge behind the arm chair. So we pulled the arm chair forwards, put her box behind it and made her new bed. Nope, she didn't like that either. (I'm relieved as nor did I). Anyway, she's has finally settled in the spare room, much quieter for them all. Ben's re-juggled her bed around and made a place for dad to sleep nearby so he can keep his eye on things. Since they've been moved, they are much less noisy, they seem to feed and sleep better too. I'm bracing myself as I know thing's won't be so calm in about 3 weeks time, when they have found their feet and are full of mischief. Half of me is really looking forward to this new stage and the other half is dreading it. Who knows what they will get up to while we're busy!

Tuesday Jan 31st: Its less than 4 months now before Valerie Stewart will be here in the UK to teach her 4 day portrait seminar in Capel St Mary. Bookings for this exciting class are still coming in, on the other hand, I've had a couple of cancellations too. I still have spaces on this course, if you'd like to come along and learn portraits. Over the 4 days you will be taught to paint 2 portraits of your choice; whether it's a family member or a celebrity, it's totally up to you. You can find more details of the class HERE If you'd like to enquire about this, or fancy booking in, just drop me a line or give me a call on 079500 32557 / 01473 311938.

Wednesday Jan 25th: You all know by now we love our music here. And I'm sure you'll agree there is a song for every mood. If you'd like to share my song of the day, the special song I like to play when things are just soooo perfect, CLICK HERE. It's playing in the background as I'm enjoying tea, crisps and cat watching. Enjoy xxx

Wednesday Jan 25th: There's one person in the household who is totally non-phased by the cuteness going on at Casa Bien. Stef never misses an opportunity to voice her opinions on the Sphynxs. You see, just over a year ago on the day I went to pick this special cargo up, she was (mistakenly) under the impression I was collecting some Pug puppies - something she's been wanting for a little while. She was most put out when 2 bald ugly cats joined the house instead. When she came home from work, she could see the fuss going on around the cat box. She poked her head in for a look, exclaimed 'Yuk' and promptly went to her room to prepare for a night out with workmates.

However, when she returned later that night, with more time on her hands, she had mellowed. 'Yuk' was quickly replaced with 'Can I pick one up?' So we let her, and she did, and she smiled and she made cootchy coo noises at the box, and gave the mum a little stroke, and the dad ....... (big softy).

But, just as she had almost redeemed herself she went and spoilt things by this ............. The image was soon on facebook much to the disgust of her sister. LOL - kid's eh? Little sods. I wouldn't mind, but she had just eaten!

Wednesday Jan 25th: We've had a lot of excitement over the past 24 hours. Plus, we have 5 new additions to the family. Finally, they have arrived! The kittens!!

Just as Jacky, a childhood friend, and I were pondering going out to lunch, Crinkle started acting a bit strange. Labour had started. We knew this thanks to the iPad close at hand and some googling. We coaxed her into a warm box filled with fluffy blankets and a hot water bottle.

She done what comes naturally and gave birth to 5 pretty little kittens. Both Ben and Soha downed tools and managed to make it home for the birth of the last 3. I'm so pleased the most important people were all there with her to watch this amazing event.

We got through gallons of coffee throughout the duration and just delighted in the feel good factor going on here at Casa Bien.

After the birth of baby number one, I popped a bottle of Champers in the fridge and we wetted their heads later that evening with a bottle of bubbly and Chinese.

Do you know, when my life took an amazing upward turn last year, I remember saying the only one thing that could make my life just perfect would be for the 2 sphynx's to breed.

...................and here we are with a complete little family, all happy and content.

Purrrrrrrrrrfect, it only is xxx

Wednesday Jan 25th: Over the weekend I managed to spend some time in my studio painting 'just for me'. That means basically I wasn't working on portrait commissions, I wasn't designing new stuff for classes, I just worked on a project that I'd had in mind last year. When giving a private class in a student's home, I spotted a really fabulous 2009 calender with amazing tropical scenery. Peggy, my student, lent the calender to me and I was pretty much spoilt for choice on where to start.

It was a hard decision between a sunset and a bright daytime scene. I settled for the daytime scene in the end and had a brilliant time painting along to lovely tunes.

With an exhibition coming up in a couple of months, I think this might be a potential entry. And being gallery wrapped - there's no need for a frame either. Double bonus.

Thursday Jan 19th: Although we haven't finalised dates and painting subject just yet, I can let readers know that we're going to have the most awesome seascape tutor over here again at the end of the year. I'll be hosting Joyce Ortner, who will be teaching a seminar in November. Not only that, Joyce has given me permission to teach her 'Anatomy of a Wave'. This painting subject is available to buy on DVD, for just £30 delivered, if you can't manage a class. This subject will be taught over 2 sessions. I'll be teaching the first phase on Wednesday 25th January and Wednesday 1st February. Phase 2 will be taught on Thursday 15th & 16th February. If you'd like to paint this 2-step seascape but the dates are not convenient, give me a call or drop me a line and we'll work something out. See the CLASS TIMETABLE for times.

Joyce has also mentioned that this is an ideal project to paint if you are interested in coming along to paint with her in November, it will break you into her specific technique and style and give you a bit of a head start.

Sunday Jan 15th: You all know how much I love my Christmases - well, we've just had another BIG one. My eldest daughter has just returned from her 2 weeks Christmas break away in the sun - avoiding all things Christmassy. But I can't have a Christmas without her, so we had our family celebrations yesterday. Using the last piece of meat from my works Christmas meat hamper, a massive joint of rolled turkey breast, the length of my elbow to finger tips. Ben gave the house a tidy up and laid the table up all posh and lovely while I got ready. (Isn't he good).

We had a late start to the day with daughters and their boyfriends arriving at 2.30pm. Dinner wasn't even in the oven by then. So we drank, laughed and chatted around the table for a couple of hours, catching up on all our news and adventures.

Dishing up around 5 ish, we enjoyed a completely stress free (and massive 3 course) Christmas lunch, complete with presents, cards, crackers. Of course, we had to end the meal with a few games before retiring, full up, to the lounge for more games. We enjoyed watching a great stand up comic, Micky Flanagan, which rounded off the evening just perfect.

In fact, it was so lovely I think we may well celebrate Christmas at least once a month for the rest of they year. Mad ? You betcha :)

Sunday Jan 15th: Another new venue has been added to the class timetable. We'll be teaching in Edwardstone Village Hall in March where we will be showing how to paint the Northern Lights. We've got a couple of classes coming up on the American Air Force Bases too. It's going to be busy times ahead for Ben and myself - but all good fun. Do keep an eye open on the class timetable page as it's updated periodically - HERE

Monday Jan 9th: A new painting class, just added to the class timetable page, might interest a few of you. I'll be teaching this snowscape in Groton Village Hall, located between Hadleigh and Sudbury, on Saturday February 18th. The cost of the class is just £40 with all equipment and materials included in the price. If you'd like to come along and help launch this new venue do drop me a line or give me a call.

Sunday Jan 8th: Normally when I teach a pop art class, I like to paint a subject which I know I can sell straight away. In today's class though, I decided to paint a little pop art for myself.

Being huge Kasabian fans, I thought their logo from their recent Velociraptor tour and CD would be ideal. The 10 x 10 inch canvas also sits really nicely by the music system, without being too over powering.

Seems like I might have to paint another one - daughter number 1 wants one too. I'll be running another pop art class in a couple of weeks - Sunday January 22nd, so if you'd like to have a go, do drop me a line or give me a call. 01473 311938

Thursday Jan 5th: Ben is currently working on developing his own website. It's in it's very early stages at the moment and I'm sure the content will come and go and change periodically. I can remember when I started my first website, and I know there's a few of you regulars who can remember it too. It consisted of a gallery, the customary 'about me' page and some exhibition info. That was well before I ever started teaching and way before I offered painting supplies and DVD's. My, how things change. Anyway, if you'd like to pay Ben's site a visit, I know he would appreciate it. It's just a baby at the moment and I look forward to seeing it grow. Click here for a direct link .......... BenoArt Any encouragement or feedback will be greatly appreciated - and thanks for your support xx

Wednesday Jan 4th: I managed some more studio time this afternoon and carried on working on my Magic Moment by Joyce Ortner. I didn't manage to complete it as I felt a compelling urge to have a little baking session. You know how it is, there's things to use up else they will get slung. Anyway, although the painting needs another session, Stef & Ben now have some home made goodies for their packed lunches. I'll resist the urge to post a picture of the lush cheese scones and concentrate on the art. When comparing this to the one below, it illustrates just how much more definition you can get with a second layer of highlights and other detailing.

Tuesday Jan 3rd: Back to work: After a morning of stocktaking and sorting internet orders, I decided to shut myself in the studio and tackle another Joyce Ortner seascape project. A couple of years ago I followed her step-by-step DVD guide for 'Magic Moment'. I was quite pleased with the result, but having since painted with her in person, I can see a hundred and one things I could have done differently. So, I want to paint it again to compare the two. This project is most definately a 2 day mission as the paint needs to dry so you can accentuate the highlights etc. Here's what I have at the end of day one.

Ben decided to join me - he too is working on a seascape. Like me, he is making this at least a 2 session jobby. I know it doesn't look anything like a seascape at the moment, but I've seen his plans for the bottom half, and it is going to be quite dramatic - as soon as he makes his final decision on his colour mixes.

Anyways ....... speaking of Joyce Ortner and seascapes, you might want to keep your eyes on Sue's News as there's a high chance we'll see her over here for another workshop later in the year.

Tuesday Jan 3rd: One on my New Year resolutions is to have a sketch pad and pencils/charcoals close at hand. It's good to doodle and sketch, maybe even create a few thumbnails for future compositions. So last night I dug out the charcoals, a few tins of pencils, a couple of sketch books so Ben can have a fiddle too. Sat with my feet up in front of the fire, telly on some random station, I wondered what to draw.

I decided on a little Salvador Dali-esque type sketch. Inspired by a beautiful Dali calender I received for Christmas.

An enjoyable little exercise, taking no time at all, and it keeps one's hand in, so to speak.

Monday Jan 2nd: Well after posting the painting I made last week by following the Joyce Ortner DVD there's been a nice little flurry of sales. The only remaining Joyce Ortner DVD's I have in stock now are 'Anatomy of a Wave' and 'Seven Elements of Seascape Painting' - with very limited stock on both. If expert and in depth seascape tuition is something you'd like to gain then I suggest getting your order in sooner rather than later as once they've gone, they've gone. Joyce left me a stock of her seascape DVD's, brushes and painting packets when she was here last, enabling me to supply the European market without having the delays and extra expenses of customs, duty, handling charges, taxes and overseas postal charges.

She takes you through a very informative step-by-step process, covering the technicalities of waves and the whys and wherefores of her chosen palette/colour mixing.

CLICK HERE for a shortcut to her remaining DVD stock.