Oil Painting Lessons

JANUARY 2010

For February's News page click HERE
Sunday 31st:   I'm not the only one who now looks down the garden at the feathered activity. For those of you who have visited me, you'll have seen the stone bust of Apollo at the front of the house. (Hence the name 'Apollo House'.) A couple of weeks ago we started work on the front of the house. It's our very last building project on the house (famous last words?) We've always fancied a rustic porch with sturdy beams. The foundations have been laid, the roof tiles have arrived, we just have to find the ideal beams for the job. Apollo had to be moved and he's only just appeared right next to my office window. In fact, it made me jump this morning, as I wasn't expecting him to be there. He looks quite comical as he smiles down at the garden birds and chickens - and I'm just thinking, he'd make the ideal subject for a monochromatic oil painting portrait.

Saturday 30th: Earlier this week I received a lovely box of various frames. They have all been made to a size that will showcase the little miniature paintings I have been making. I'm really spoilt for choice as I pretty much gave Steve, the framing specialist, a free licence to do 'whatever'.   My expectations were exceeded. Here's my Little Venice in it's deep wooden frame.

Friday 29th: Shopping baskets for the 2 new Lowell Speers DVD's are now both up and running. The floral project, which I hope you will all enjoy is this fantastic 2 bloomer shown here on the left. I'm delighted to supply his beautiful Bearded Iris floral step by step oil painting project. I've been watching Lowell this afternoon I couldn't help but think how he bears such a striking resemblance to Bob Ross. Lowell mentioned on one of his DVD's how it took him 30 years to get where he is. I'm sure Bob Ross also mentioned how a 30 minute painting actually took him 20 years (experience) and 30 minutes His experience shows in his ease of application producing amazing realistic effects so effortlessly. You'll certainly be getting excellent value for money with these DVD's at just £9.50 each.
Thursday 28th: I'm pleased to see.........the birds are enjoying their fresh stock of food :)
Thursday 28th: Keep your eyes peeled. I'm going to announce the availability of 2 more Lowell Speers DVD's as soon as I have time to create a couple of shopping baskets.  Lowell is not only a whizz with the florals, he's also a dab hand at the seascapes too.   I'll be supplying his seascape DVD (shown here on the left) at just £9.50 delivered to your door.  And there will be a pretty floral step-by-step project to add to your collection at the same price too.
Wednesday 27th: I have a piece of equipment that's been sat in my office for too long........unused. My little mini binoculars. I used to catch sight of movement and colour around all my little bird feeders that hang from a tree in the garden. I haven't seen any action for ages - even in the snow. The bird feeders look full enough, maybe my feathered friends have gone off me. Earlier in the week I stocked up on a wide range of garden bird food to see if I could entice them back into my garden. Well, late this afternoon the mystery was solved. I ventured down the garden, in the pouring rain to collect the feeders. The fat balls had gone black and solid. There was a congealed damp mush of seeds and grains at the bottom of several feeders - some had even sprouted shoots. The peanuts had gone mouldy. So, I sit here, hair soaking wet and bitter cold fingers after spending ages cleaning the feeders and restocking them in the hope that bird life returns tomorrow. I've thrown out 6 plastic feeders and I shall be after some more sturdy containers tomorrow. ......................and my binoculars are on the windowsill, ready :)
Tuesday 26th: Yesterday I mentioned Spring.........and this morning I got the distinct impression it really was just around the corner. As I drove to Heartlands the sun was bright and streaming through the window (must get my windscreen washed!). Had there been a touch more greenery on the trees it could have passed for a fresh March morning. Interestingly, in today's class were students who had been painting with me for over 2 years. There was also Marlene, a complete beginner. I asked Marlene if she was nervous bering in mind the other students' experience. She was. But, within 20 minutes after the class started she realised that a complete beginner can slot in very easily indeed. In fact, if you had pulled a complete stranger off the street and asked them to pick out who was the novice, who were the regulars and who was the teacher, they'd be hard pushed to make that decision. Don't believe me? Maybe you should give it a go - it's a money back guarantee to all first time students and I've not had to give a refund to any of my students yet. I've added more Heartland's dates to the Class timetable HERE if anyone would like to paint in this idyllic rural setting in beautiful Gipping.
Monday 25th: Over the last few days, when I've had a few minutes, I've been having a jiggle about with the website. Some jiggling has gone on behind the scenes and some jiggling has affected the way some of my webpages now appear. I've tended to update my website on automatic pilot mode for a long time now and I've not really paid attention to how things can perhaps be refined, made a little easier on the eye (and the screen). So.................if you see a few little changes, don't be alarmed. You would not believe how many photos I deleted yesterday from the website album.....some as old as 2006.   I guess it's my little premature Spring Clean!
Sunday 24th: I had an opportunity to start today's class at 10am instead of 12.30pm and very, very luckily all the students who were booked in didn't mind the earlier start. Of course, an early start meant we were done and dusted by 3pm and it was good to clear away while it was still light.   And for once, I can keep everything to hand as I'll be teaching 'Cold Snap' again on Tuesday at Heartlands in Gipping, near Stowmarket (10am - 3pm). We have space for one more student and if you'd like to have a go at this pretty pastel mixed media painting, do give me a call on 01473 311938 or 079500 32557.   Full address details can be found HERE.
Saturday 23rd: I saved the leftover paint from class on Friday, scraped it up and set it out on a clean palette. I'd prepared a tiny canvas earlier in the week as I'd planned to make a mini version after the class. Alas, other events cropped up and by the time I had some free time, it was a bit too late to make a start. But today, I finished my tasks earlier than anticipated - so I was able to dedicate the afternoon to fussing over 'Little Venice'. This tidler will be framed and will also be entered into exhibition later this year.
Saturday 23rd: I hadn't planned on writing on Sues News today. But that changed when I checked my e-mails first thing this morning. Rebeka, my student, earlier this week left with a bag of painting supplies and DVD's.  She has made a rather lovely version of 'Golden Lake' just by following my step by step guide. Hard to believe it's only her second ever painting - and this one she done by herself.
Friday 22nd: Just a bit of fun really.......but if you want to see how I rescued a very used and abused painting brush you'll see all in my forum HERE under the heading 'What would you do with this'. If nothing else, it might make you think twice before throwing a brush away.
Friday 22nd: Just incase anyone else would like to have a go at the 'Venetia' painting of Venice - I've added another couple of dates on the Class Timetable. Both dates fall on a Saturday and the cost of each lesson is just £35. If you prefer to chose your own 2 dates, you can opt to paint this as a private lesson - in which case, the cost will be £45 for each lesson. This can easily be painted over 2 consecutive days, there's no need to wait a week to complete stage 2. It just so happens my student earlier this week has a daughter living in Venice, whom she visits quite regularly. She fully intends to return to paint this scene sometime soon. She was telling me about how lovely Venice is and I really am longing for a trip there - maybe a Spring mini break. So while the website has been updating, I've been having a little look to see what's on offer. I'd love to make it over there sometime this year.
Friday 22nd: Well, both I and my student rose to the challenge and the results, I feel, speak for themselves. When I was asked to make the Venetian scene a class subject I was not really certain about it (at first). One thing I knew for sure - it could not be done in a single sitting. So, as you've seen on the timetable and Sue's News, it was broken down into 2 shorter classes. Well, the second stage was finished today and I guess the overall time for the 2 classes was in the region of 7 hours, give or take. I think you will have to agree, my student has done a fabulous job - and she fully intends to get this hung in her home. I've been showing the photo (a much larger version) to both Alan and Tris (my daughter's partner). Alan was raving about the water effects and the blended sky - Tris thought the painting was one of mine. I'll put a larger image in my forum so you can see the details better. Well done Sue G xxx
Thursday 21st: I don't mind admitting I'm having a struggle losing those Christmas pounds. I've lost a few, I put them back on again. I lose a few more, then give into temptation (oh, there are so many) and on they go again. I'll have a baking session, using up my eggs, and the smell will call me over to the cooling rack and the cake tins. This week, I'm determined, but I do need to refrain from baking. And that means the rest of the family suffer. They have no cakes and no treats to add to their packed lunches, or a quick fix when they come in from work. Well, they need suffer no more thanks to a very kind neighbour, Deb. Deb's sister runs her own business 'The Wheaten Mill' - she's in the baking trade. Deb has just brought over 2 lovely cakes that have replenished my supplies. I'm sure not only Alan and Stef will be grateful, but I can also serve a slice or two in tomorrow's class. Not only that, as I'm not surrounded by baking smells, I know I'll not be tempted to deviate. If you fancy a homemade treat, look no further than 'The Wheaten Mill' - they have a pretty impressive website too (HERE) and an even more impressive Outlets list..........

Thursday 21st: The 'Peaceful Evening' painting went down really well with today's group and it filled the second half of my demonstration. The art group start at 9.30am and finish around 1pm. Normally my demo will take about an hour. Today, I aimed for a 2 hour demo and was hoping that I could find enough things to paint and talk about for all that time. I was pleasantly surprised to find I managed a 2 hour spot with ease - in fact, I bet I could do 3 hours at a push (not that anyone would want to sit and watch me paint for that long). As always, I take my mobile art shop, which contains all things oily and wet on wet and also a range of equipment for other media. This always go down well at Art Groups as there's something for everyone. There's something to suit every pockets too, from brushes at just £1 to DVD sets at over £100. The group would like me to return and given them a bespoke oil painting class. Of course, not only am I more than happy to do this, I'm also willing to give a discount. If any readers are members of similar groups in the area - do feel free to drop me a line or give me a call if you'd like a similar service. I'm told I'm great entertainment..........and I might even turn up wearing 'those' boots, which would be a giggle if nothing else!!!

Wednesday 20th: It's been a little while since I painted 'Peaceful Evening' and I really fell in love with the colours all over again. The strong bright yellows and the rich reds - quite a warming painting to make on cold days like these. I'd been wondering what to paint in my art group demo tomorrow as I know several members have already seen mountain scenes. So, I think, while it's fresh in my mind, I'll spin out another version for them. I hope the bright, warm colours delights the group as much as it has in today's class. If anyone would like me to give a live demonstration for their art group (or any other group for that matter), do contact me by email or give me a call on 01473 311938 / 07950032557.

Wednesday 20th: One of my students made her way to me via public transport from London today. There's a direct train from Liverpool Street Station, leaving at around 8am, arriving just after 9am in Ipswich. It only takes me 10 minutes (at that time of day, traffic permitting) to get to the station so I was able to pick her up and we enjoyed a hot drink and shortbread before the class started. It was Rebeka's first time ever at oil painting and she was amazed at the results she achieved. I'm eagerly waiting to see what her friends and family think of her work. 'They'll never believe I made this all by myself', she kept saying. So I took photos for her on her phone camera, which she eagerly sent to her fiends. Rebeka reeled off all the other paintings she wanted to make, so I think she'll be taking that train journey a few times. I was able to secure her painting and protect it so she could take it home with her. She was guarding it with her life when I dropped her back at the station!

Tuesday 19th: I really must get a photo done of my boots. I've mentioned them on Facebook and people are wanting to see them.....to see what all the fuss is about. I've tried to take a photo of them myself - but I have to be wearing them for them to be fully appreciated (if that's the word). Very difficult. I brought them on pure whim with some Christmas money. Just saw them, picked my size, tried them on and they were mine within minutes. No thought went into it, didn't even need a pair of boots. My eldest daughter is sceptical about them - my youngest daughter loves them and wants a pair exactly like them. Alan think's they are great but should be worn with a skirt instead of jeans or leggings. I nearly wore them to the cinema - but lost my bottle. But.......they did get their first airing last night when my services were called upon. My secretarial skills were required to take the minutes of a committee meeting and from the waist up I think I looked the part, with my laptop and specs. From the waist down was another matter though. I'll see if I can get one of the kids to take a photo and you'll see why I'm a little uncertain about my Christmas treat. (Edit - photo courtesy of Stef) (Further Edit - I'm blaming my hormones)

Tuesday 19th: I needed to refresh my memory on a little area on the 'Venetia' painting. I'm teaching the second stage of it later this week. I've actually ended up painting the whole thing again, partly to increase my speed and partly to double check the bit I wasn't 100% sure about. (You can see I don't leave anything to chance when it comes to a painting class!) What I'm left with is a completely different colour tone - which just illustrates how colour mixes can change a painting. Probably mood has a big influence too. A bold and fearless student will paint a completely different painting to a quiet and timid person. If you scroll down you'll see the much richer and deeper earlier version of the same composition.

Monday 18th: WOW - I'm sure many of you have already heard of the rave reviews on the spectacular 3D Film - Avatar........ Yesterday we decided to pop along to the cinema and give it a look for ourselves. It's one of the most fabulously filmed movies I've ever seen and the 3D effects are amazing. But, if you were to ask me what I enjoyed avatar2

the very best - it's the colours. Psychadelic, very bright and surreal, it's an absolute feast for your eyes. My favourite characters are the little jellyfish floating seeds - I could put up with a few of those floating around me. If you haven't seen it yet, it really is a must, suitable for 12 years and over it will appeal to just about every one, I'm sure.

Sunday 17th: I've made some updates to my 'Art For Sale' page. Something I've been meaning to do since before Christmas. I've included a handful of mini oil paintings, with prices ranging from £25 to £35 for these lovely little small sized oils. Some are gallery wrapped (which means the sides of the canvas is painted) and some are not. Being on the small size, they wouldn't break the bank if you had them professionally framed. I've a few more of these tiddlers to add - and some big 'uns too. Details of what's new and on offer can be found HERE

Friday 15th: Here's an update of my portrait. I spent a little more time adding the skin tone, a few highlights and some shadow colour. I'm eager to get those eyes detailed. The solid dark irises make the painting look a little harsh at the moment.

Friday 15th: What a plonka. I loaded up my motor with my demo gear and various bits and bobs ready to set off to give a talk to the ladies of the Women's Institute. I'm pleased Alan offered to drive as it was a really foggy night. The venue was out in the sticks and the road conditions were sometimes a little hairy. We hit a flood that had my hands covering my eyes. We took 2 wrong turns (thanks to an ill-informed sat nav) but eventually arrived at our destination in one piece. Thing is..................we were 2 weeks early!!! Oh well, it gave the car a good run now it's finally back on the road.

Wednesday 13th: It's been lovely, to get back into a bit of portraiture again and I'm glad I thought ahead and prepped a canvas in advance. Yesterday afternoon I worked on a close up shot, a little frustrating at first but I soon got in the swing of it. Considering this underpainting stage is made using just one colour, I managed to cover my whole palette with varying tones. This first stage was made using just 3 brushes and of course, I had the lovely Valerie Stewart right beside me. Well..........on screen anyway. I used Valerie's Demo DVD to guide the order of things and to remind me of the different strokes used. One thing that amazes me, Valerie is painting a classic portrait of a girl in her DVD tuition, yet from her tuition we are able to adapt the technique to any subject we choose. You'll be forgiven if you do not recognise the subject at this stage......but if you nail it straight away I know I'm onto a winner. There are still some slots left on the Valerie Stewart 4 day Portrait Seminar in June if anyone is interested in learning this technique with the lady herself....... details can be found HERE.

Wednesday 13th: My oil painting, made on 6th, has received quite a bit of feedback from visitors, website fans and art forums. And so, for this reason I've decided to make it a new Class Subject. Not only that, I am keeping it exactly as it is - which is small.........measuring 9 x 12 inches. Plus......it's on canvas paper, so I am sticking to that also. This means, when the painting is dry it can be mounted and framed very easily and economically. Because of the differences in size, materials, brushes used and time, compared to a normal class, I am able to offer the lesson at a cheaper rate. So, we'll be painting this on Sunday February 21st in Capel St Mary Village Hall (and also in Heartlands in February - date to be confirmed). The cost of the class will be just £38 per person. You can find class details HERE. A larger image of the painting subject can be found HERE. It's been named 'Contemplation' thanks to the input from one of my dear students.

Tuesday 12th: I have rescheduled tomorrow's class 'Woodland's End' to Saturday 6th February. In fairness, I only advertised this class on the website a week ago, which was a little ambitious on my part and very short notice for students too. Details and images of the up coming painting subjects and dates can be found HERE.

Tuesday 12th: Today saw the first stage of 'Venetia' completed. It's the first time I've taught a single painting subject over 2 seperate classes. There's just too much of 'Venetia' to be done in a single session. Instead of a normal 5 hour class, this is broken down to 2 x 3 hour classes. That way, energy levels stay high. We've re-scheduled the second date for 22nd January by mutual agreement. As this class finished earlier than normal I was able to take advantage of the set up and get to work on a new portrait. I'd already prepped the canvas the previous night, so it was ready for the first shading stage. It's nice to work on a portrait from scratch again.......

Monday 11th: It was the first meeting of the year for the Art For Fun art group. Many of us turned up to a very frosty hall to spend a couple of hours catching up with news and working on our varying art projects. While we were waiting for the heating to be sorted out I chatted to several members. I was thrilled to hear one member had sold the painting she made in the acrylic workshop I gave the group some months ago. Here's what we painted (left). Well done Carol. Another member showed me her version of the same project but using a different colour group. Another member had made a version in watercolour, filled with rich crimsons, blues and purples. All great stuff indeed. I worked on something that will save me a little time during tomorrow's class. If I can mix business with pleasure like this I really don't mind. (Thanks for the lift Angela - looking forward to seeing your finished Guinea Fowl.)

Monday 11th: If you're a visitor to my art forum 'Sue's Arty Party' you'll have already seen another version of 'Bamburgh Castle', painted by Jim. Jim has used water mixable oils in his version, which makes brush cleaning a kitchen sink task. If you pop over to the forum you'll see a larger image of Jim's really pretty painting. I'm instantly drawn to the rock highlights and the little windows in the castle, not to mention the birds swooping in, which can't be seen here. Jim painted this scene by following my latest step-by-step tuitional DVD, released just before Christmas. If you fancy having a go at this for yourself, in the comfort of your own home, in your own time CLICK HERE for the details and shopping cart. For just £11.75, delivered to your door I think you'll agree it's good value for your own private lesson.

Sunday 10th: I've come to realise my office PC is a bit of a Trigger's broom. Remember Trigger from Only Fools and Horses? He claimed he'd had his road sweepers' broom for over 20 years......and then went on to tell how the broom has had 17 new heads and 14 new handles. I brought my office PC back in '97 and slowly, bit by bit the head and the handles have been changed - several times. In fact - the only remaining original piece was the mouse! That final part has been replaced too. I must have been a good girl last year because Santa knew exactly what rings my bell when he brought me the blingy-est mouse I've ever seen. Encrusted with shimmering and sparkly crystals I can click away in my office with a new (and very girly) vigour.

Saturday 9th: My lady today braved the elements to come along to make a Pop Art Portrait. Ronni was previously booked in before Christmas as she wanted to make a unique gift for her partner. However, flu kicked in and she couldn't go ahead with the lesson. Luckily though, her partner's birthday is next week. Ronni was a little nervous at first, with no artistic skills she was certain she wouldn't be able to make this. But, after I assured her she would be leaving with a painting to be proud of, she relaxed and quickly began to enjoy the lesson. She even commented a couple of times 'This is such good therapy'. If you'd like to try this really popular and trendy style of painting you will find all the details HERE

Thursday 7th: Artistic expression seems to be running in the family today. I've got a lovely ice sculpture of 'Jezza' in my back garden. Jezza was the name of my daughter's marine crab, named after Jeremy Beadle. (You had to see the size of his pincers for this to make sense!). Her and her boyfriend, Tristan, have spent some time in the garden, wrapped up in many layers, building this unique little snow creature. He's about 6 foot wide. Bless.

Thursday 7th: It's lovely, it's pretty and it's fresh looking....and we've had our white Christmas BUT ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!! Steffi was told by her boss not to venture into work today (she was already 10 miles down the road when she took the message). My walking trip with some local ladies was cancelled, I was really looking forward to that too, armed with camera for some seascape shots. They meet once a month for an amble and today we were supposed to head for Felixstowe for a walk from the Pier to the Ferry, which I'm told is 4 miles. With a stop for coffee and a fish and chip lunch what could have been nicer. Perhaps they'll re-schedule this one, I hope so :(

Wednesday 6th: By hook or by crook I was determined to get painting today. And I made sure that things were in my favour by setting everything up last night. It's been a relaxing day, but the picture has been put together in fits and starts. I've taken time out to make phone calls, do a bit of admin work, got distracted on the net and even had a neighbour over for coffee. But I did keep coming back to it and adding bits. This is what we have so far and I might carry on with it - I might not. It might end up being a new painting subject or I might fiddle it to death and it might not. I already know I shall be framing it and I will enter it into my first exhibition of the year. What shall I call it? any ideas?

Wednesday 6th: Some clever bod has found out how to put avatars on their forum posts. It certainly makes the forum look a little more colourful. If you're familiar with my forum you'll know it has a wall image and that's my 'tribute' to one of Roger Water's (Pink Floyd) most splendid pieces of work 'The Wall'. So thanks Steve, you've brightened it up and I hope others follow suit. To jump over to my forum 'Sue's Arty Party' CLICK HERE It's not the busiest in the world, but it's friendly and a fun place to find out things.

Tuesday 5th: With treacherous road (and path) conditions and the forecast of more snow on the way we have to be sensible about private class appointments. I've been contacting students since the snow came in December, giving them the option to cancel and re-book. So for anyone with up-coming classes scheduled, don't worry about last minute cancellations. I'd rather we are all safe than sorry. Although the main road through the village is clear, the pavements are thick ice. My heart was in my mouth several times yesterday as I walked to the Post Office. Quite often, walking in the road was the easiest option. And the few yards I have to walk to my studio, storage unit and chicken run are just as bad. We know it's bad when the chickens won't come out. The amount of times I venture out to crack the ice off their water.............

Tuesday 5th: As promised yesterday, I've added a few more classes to the Class Timetable page (CLICK HERE). As the groups will be smaller, I'll be able to manage to hold a Pop Art Portrait Class. These have really been popular and students have been painting both celebrities and family members alike. The choice of painting subject is entirely up to you. The feedback from students on their portraits has been incredible and I know many of my students are keeping busy making commissions for family and friends. It's addictive and because it's done in acylics it drys quickly - plus, when you paint for yourself at home, you can choose to either set aside a day to complete one or spend just 15 minutes a day working on your pop art until it's finished. Either way, it's a very rewarding painting project to do and you'll never be lost for gift ideas once you know how to do this properly. I'll leave you with this snap of one of my students having fun with their Pop Art Portrait - LOL

Monday 4th: Unfortunately I am unable to hold classes at the Green Room in Stowmarket until late Spring. So it seems a really good opportunity to introduce some smaller classes to be held at my home in Capel St Mary. The classes will be a maximum of 4 students so it will be quite cosy. It also gives me a chance to bring to you some of the older, yet popular painting subjects. These are subjects that I will not be painting in the main Capel Classes, held at weekends, purely because many of my students are regular and have painted them already. Do have a look at the new additions to the Class Timetable HERE and if you'd like to come along to one of these lessons then drop me a line or give me a call on 07950032557. I'll be adding a few more painting subjects over the next few days.