Spring…

I drove south on the 2nd of February with two good reasons for travelling, the first to tutor a three day course at West Dean and the other being the imminent arrival of my second grandchild.

The people in the group at West Dean, all had such a positive attitude, different charactors as always, but they melded together, were friendly and sharing with each other. A pleasure for me to work with.

We started with a gentle confidence building exersize, looking at the subject and then mixing the colours as they saw them. Painting the mixes into squares. Much less pressure than going straight to the subject.

Then to paint the subject using just the colours chosen from an edited palette.

They did it all so beautifully.

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Spring was starting to emerge as I was waiting for the baby’s arrival. Snowdrops, primroses and a few daffodils.

Baby Erica was born 16 days past due date. It was a relief and joy. I have since returned home, but without my dear dog Maybelle who ran out of steam on Wednesday 6th March. A fine life, and gentle end aged 15.

I am still catching my breath from the February excitement, managing to get my mind to resolving painting conundrums. Some to improve, some to ponder on, some to destroy. When I make a mount for the work, it is the final test. I can truly see if they are right to be photographed and signed – or put back into the ‘work in progress’ pile, or torn up and on the floor disguarded.