Espresso

I didn't know if this would still work as I haven't been active on blogger for nearly a year.  I always say to myself that I will try harder, but never seem to manage it.  Winter is a slower period for us down south, so let's see.

Another cafe scene - Melissa's in central Cape Town.  Called it Espresso.

Lady in Red

I realise I totally neglect my blog.  Computer technology is overtaking me and I seem to spend less time painting and more time trying to work out how to use all this techno stuff.
But to keep the link in cyberspace (or the clouds or wherever it is!), I thought I better put some work up.

Genadendal Locals

So long since the last blog ... time just seems to run away.
Just thought I'd break the ice and post this painting of two Genadendal locals chatting on a (broken) bench.  I also did a separate little painting of the older fellow.
And then let's see how I go keeping this up again.

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!

Watercolour Lessons

Only just over a week and, although it's freezing in the computer room, here I am!

I have mentioned before that I've been going once a week for watercolour classes.  Now, although watercolour is not my main medium - I am an oil lover and a wannabe pastel artist - I do love the freshness of the medium and I believe that learning about anything is good for one.  So, it's many thanks to Penny Steynor for being so patient with me and leading me through some processes to try and improve my watercolour techniques.

These are just a few I've done and am willing to put up for other eyes to see.

Rhodes Memorial which is on the slopes of Table Mountain just next to the University of Cape Town.  They are in the process of cutting down the pines and replacing them with indigenous flora so soon there will be none of these "old stone pines" left.  This was done plein air - outside on my very first lesson in March.

Done from one of Penny's photographs, she spends a lot of time on the beach taking snapshots of boats and birds and other sea sort of things.

Another of Penny's photos, this time of a trumpeter playing with his troupe during the 2nd of January Cape Town Minstrels (or "Coon Carnival") celebrations, which are a feature of the Cape Town summer.

For my Son 18"x24"

It's my son, Howard's, birthday tomorrow and this is the 'gift' I will be taking to the family when I make my way over to Sweden in February next year. I really enjoyed painting my grandson and thanks to Margie Johnson for her guidance.