Off Into The Waves

6x8" oil on canvas board. $45. Available here

So, this unquestionably turned out a bit cheesy, which isn't really my thing. I prefer landscapes that you can project your own mood onto. But I guess flipping through all those old photos made me a little nostalgic! I questioned myself the whole way through about whether to paint out or leave the figure. I left it, deciding I was happy with how it was painted. Even without it, the painting has a similar mood - that 'memory of a happy summer holiday'  feeling. I think the colour palette is what does it! I might try another version sometime that's a bit more toned-down.

I'm happy with this painting - but I definitely surprised myself with how it turned out, because as I say, it's not the kind of image I'd usually seek to create. Still, I hope it strikes a chord with people!

Summer, The Solent

10x12" oil on canvas board. $75 Available here

A view from the Round Tower in Portsmouth, looking out over the Solent. I really enjoyed capturing the subtle shifts of blue and green in the water, and trying to depict the way the light dances across the waves.

Regent's Canal, London

7x10" acrylic on paper. $50. Available here

On our most recent trip to London we walked along Regent's Canal- it was a gorgeous sunny day and the light was fantastic! I really loved this particular view, with the curving tree trunks along the wall, and the light hitting the boat in just the right spots. This painting gave me the opportunity to paint a few things I've wanted to work on- dappled light, and a brick wall. I'm quite pleased with how it came out!

Little Boat in Kotor, Montenegro

5x7" acrylic on canvas board. $40. Available here 

Another "Virtual Paintout" in Montenegro- I really enjoyed painting these little boats, there are so many of them scattered along the waterfront and they're all calling to me, so I may do more little studies of them in future. I'm particularly proud of the composition on this one, though. And it doubles as an entry for the Mountains challenge on DPW!

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HMS Warrior, Portsmouth

5x7" oil on canvas board. $40. Available here

This is painted from a photo I took in Portsmouth while visiting the Historic Dockyard. It was a real challenge to capture all of the masts and rigging on such a small scale.

Red Boat, Wesport Quay

6x6 inches, acrylic on canvas board. SOLD

All those curves are so difficult to keep in perspective! I was really drawn to how the bright red stood out against the greys and greens surrounding it. This was one of the most challenging paintings I’ve done in quite a while.

White Boat, Portsmouth

6x6 inches, oil on canvas board. $40

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I don't think I've ever painted a boat before! Or at least, never finished a painting of one. I took a bunch of photos on a trip to Portsmouth recently, and while looking through them the other day I spotted this little boat, bright white against the teal water. It looked like an interesting challenge so I gave it a go. I'm quite pleased with the result!

Once again I was testing out a different palette: Cad Red Dark, Phthalo Blue, Viridian, Naples Yellow, Payne's Grey and White. I may have to use this one again, I love the warmth and vibrancy of it.