I think one of the things that keeps me away from blogging, is the slowness of our computer networks in this country.  It sometimes takes forever to download some blogs - I can go and make a cup of tea while I wait!


But that's just another excuse!  I have been exceptionally busy, but luckily the last exhibition for the year is now over (just one more but I'm not involved in the organising).  But when you've been away from the old easel for so long, it takes an effort to get back into the swing of things.  With summer almost here, it should get easier.

I did this particular painting some time ago.  It's of Sossusvlei in Namibia, the oldest desert in the world.  A lot of the sand is red/orange and very beautiful and this particular vlei is a popular tourist area.

The picture was taken by my watercolour teacher when she was on holiday in Namibia, so a special thank you to Penny for letting me use her photo.

A big thank you to all of you who continue to visit and give me that support that keeps me going.  I do visit every now and then but usually briefly and don't leave messages.

From Sweden

I think I've worked out that since I joined the art society council, my time spent on the computer is taken up with society things - hence the lack of desire at the end of the day to blog.

And I do regret not blogging when I finally get round to see what I'm missing.  The work out there in blogland is absolutely terrific and reading the blogs makes me feel connected to a wonderful art family.  All my intentions to blog regularly are there - they just don't seem to come to fruition.

We have just had our annual selection weekend and again, my job was doing the computer work and keeping track of the judges scores.  It was a hectic two days and I didn't do so well this year - only one painting was accepted out of three.  Never mind - just have to keep trying.

I am posting these two portraits of my daughter-in-law's young cousins in Sweden.  Her uncle asked me to paint them and I did struggle with Sophie because of the lack of light and shade on her face.  But they were happy, and that's what counts.  Two beautiful young people indeed.

Izak

Sophie

A Warmer side to Africa

I've been back for a while now, but as usual my blog has suffered while other more pressing things needed to be done.  And, as usual, I haven't been visiting anyone.  And it's cold in the computer room!

But I have been going to my watercolour classes and have desperately been painting for our annual selection day.  Even now I don't know whether what I have is going to be good enough - doubt raising its ugly head!  It won't be these as paintings done in a class are not eligible, but my watercolours are improving.  I thought I'd put these two together - the elephants and the Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe - as Zim used to be home to great herds of these amazing animals.

Will try and visit soon, but thanks to everyone for keeping me going.

I'm off Again

I thought I would at least be able to post once a month and visit all the blogs, but of course, time has run away again and I'm off to Sweden tomorrow to visit my little family!

So, I think I will have some time on my hands when I'm there, and I am definitely going to try and visit everyone.

For my trip I've painted four portraits so that was also a bit of a rush.  At least I finished in enough time for them to dry.  Needless to say, all my other painting has taken a back seat and I'm only taking a sketch book to Sweden with me.

So, just to keep this blog alive, these are two portraits I did as a commission for a very lovely lady who comes to my fabric painting lessons.  It's nice when you get paid to do what you love, and I loved painting these.

Ashley

Ryan

The Gardener's Bicycle

I've been up since the early hours going through all the blogs on my side bar and haven't yet touched others that I visit when I'm on line!  I'm sorry if I've missed you or haven't left a message and I thank you all for continuing to visit my humble blog and leave comments.

I'm finding it's taking me longer and longer to finish a painting.  And during school term (because of teaching) I find I'm only seriously painting once a week.  Monday is my watercolour class, Tuesday to Thursday taken up with everything else, and Friday morning left for painting with the group.

As a result I found that after the last exhibition, I have very little (actually absolutely nothing that I would consider suitable) for the next exhibition which is just around the corner.  So I really have to pull my finger out and get into my little studio and do some work.

This was done in the Friday group and sold on the opening night of the last exhibition.  Bicycles will always remind me of Ramesh Jhawar who is an expert bicycle painter.  This was taken on a plein air outing at a private home - just around a corner I found this gem - the gardener's bicycle propped against the garden shed.

Dry Dock

Gosh it's almost mid-Feb - time has just slipped by.

In January I seemed to be on the go the whole time, with 3 exhibitions to paint for.  And then on top of everything it's been so darned hot!  It must be the hottest January we've had in years with temperatures in the mid-30's (C that is).  The other day, I'm sure it topped 40!  But it's cooling down a little now, so the energy levels start to rise again.

I did rather well at the last exhibition which was the South African Society of Artists Merit Exhibition which I qualified for last year.  Sold a total of 5 paintings which was rather nice.  Considering on the previous 2, I only sold one.

This is one that sold.  It was done from a photo taken whilst plein air painting (or trying to) at the Waterfront in Cape Town centre.  It's called Dry Dock.

I had a quick trip around all my blogging friends, but haven't left any messages.  Will try and revisit in the next day or two.  Thanks for putting up with my tardiness!

A Christmas Gift

Some time ago, I did a painting of two delightful dogs, Saffie and Lulu (will be posting them soon).  The owner's sister saw the picture and between the two of them, came up with the idea to have their mother's precious dog painted for her for Christmas.

Now, because it was a Christmas present, I never got to meet the dog or take my own photographs.  It can be a bit unnerving painting from photographs of someone you've never met, but in the end we agreed on the best way to crop the picture and this is the result.

Her name is Emmy and she is much loved by her owners.  And you can understand why, looking at that cute face!

Today is January 1.  

Today is the start of a new year that I hope will bring all the richest blessings, peace, harmony and happiness into all your lives.