Rhossili Bay

The above painting of Rhossili Bay sold this week. A great spot but a bit of a pain in the summer with traffic!

Not much else to report. Jac is still having accupuncture. He has had this since it cured his ACL injury. I am not really into New Age stuff, my wife will testify however one day Jac couldn't put his leg down and the next day he could. Within 3 sessions he fully was cured. We had previously been told he would need a full operation and 6 months rest.
So a monthly visit by our friendly animal accupuncturist is something I have no qualms with (even if Jac is a bit reluctant probably becuse he doesn't like sitting still for long!). She is actually a qualified veterinarian as well.

Lovely morning today. The red kite greeted me as I left the house with Jac and the sky was just changing colour forom its blues and pink. Unseasonably mild so must make the most of it.

Cefn Sidan

The above painting of Cefn Sidan is one I did as a demonstration for the work experience student we had over the weekend. It is only 7ins x 4ins but will probably look quite neat framed up.

Nantgarredig Bridge over the Towy

Here is the painting I did in June of Nantgarredig Bridge over the Towy . I did show it on my easel (link) but haven't got around to photographing it properly until today. I am more interested in painting than photography and it shows at times!

Off to Saundersfoot today with family. I am taking my small pochade box on the off chance I get the opportunity to use it.

Out of the Studio

Here are a couple more of my paintings from 2016. I note that my page views on the blog have passed 150,000 which although in the scheme of things not huge are substantial for a niche blog. More importantly over the years it has secured a constant supply of work and sales. 

Being an able artist is not enough in itself to secure success. A business plan, a marketting strategy and choice of subject are all vital along with a good helping of luck. I have been fortunate with lady luck and a very OCD wife and business partner who ensures perfection.

A selection of work

Here are a selection of the paintings I have done in 2016. I have a work experience student tomorrow so I guess I have to tidy the studio a bit. 

I have repaired at least temporarily the top of my tripod for my pochade box so I can go out painting on Sunday hopefully as the weather is promising.

Bad Winter

Well they say its going to be a bad winter, well who knows but here is an atmospheric painting of a Stannier crossing the Bascule Bridge at Carmarthen. The painting is sold. I am tempted to do another version but who knows. I am looking at doing a few nocturnes now.

We have been away for a couple of weeks walking, reading and I did do a painting. I have managed at least a couple of paintings outside from nature every month this year so far. I must admit January and February were a bit challenging but it is all too easy to sit in a warm studio working from "references" making excuses not to take the easel outside. I have really enjoyed the difference being outside and think it has benefited my technique. (On the other hand I do occasionally think when I am cold and the easel is being blown over, "Why am I doing this?").

Three Cliffs

The above is morning mist at Three Cliffs Bay, on the Gower. The painting is sold. It is a lovely spot but the tide can come in very quickly.

Alex and I have camped here and it is a lovely view from the cliff top.