Latest paintings and a few camel sketches.

High time I posted something on my blog me thinks! Since June I've tried to add something to my blog each week and say a few words about any work I've been producing. Last week however I spent more time re felting the flat roof on our kitchen extension and going for a rather nice cycle ride with my friend Andy on Sunday so that put pay to the bloging. I have managed to keep chipping away at my sketching and painting though over the last couple of weeks so here's an update on what I've been doing.

 

 

 

Dog walker over Westcliff Gardens

Oil on board 8" x 12"

 

These two were both started as demonstration pieces for my art classes.  I started the Westcliff one a few weeks ago with a college class then finished it last Friday before the start of my drawing on location class.  The dog walker was a welcome addition to the scene which would have been a little dull without him. 

 

 

Old Leigh High Street

Oil on board 10" x 12"

 

I've been trying to encourage my Wednesday class members to go out a bit more and draw and paint from the fabulous location we have in Old Leigh.  This one started as a demo at the start of one of the classes from just outside the sailing club on the ramp and then I carried on over another 3 early morning sessions before class to complete it.  Old Leigh is pretty empty first thing in the mornings, mostly delivery trucks and people working in the local businesses then in the summer the crowds start to arrive by lunch time.

 

 

Osbourne's Shell fish Cafe and benches

Oil on canvas 8" x 20"

 

I liked had my eye on this view for a wile and previously made sketches of it and wondered if I could paint it so I thought I'd give it a go and see if I could get away with it.   I painted it by sitting on a bench outside the Crooked Billet pub opposite as the benches are right by the road and cars and lorries pass very closely so there wasn't room to set up an easel so as I wanted this wide view I balance a small canvas on my paint box which all worked out well.  The left hand side was painted a couple of weeks ago then I returned this afternoon when I thought the light would be the same to complete the right side with the figures buy the windows. 

A few sketches from the last few days.  Camels from the circus which is next to Southend airport in Rochford and a sketch of people in Rayleigh high street.