Back of Millfield Terrace in winter

Back of Millfield Terrace in winter
Watercolour and acrylic ink

Another recent snowy watercolour based on one of my favourite local painting spots, the allotments in Sleaford. 

I started this one with a fairly careful pencil drawing and some blue masking fluid to reserve the highlights. I knew that getting this structure in place early on would enable me to apply the paint and ink freely in later stages.

Firstly the warm sky and reflections in greenhouse glass plus some warmth for the snow in the foreground.

Next I used a mix of ultramarine blue watercolour and sepia acrylic ink diluted with water for the snow in shadow areas and the shadowy backs of the terraced houses, sheds, fences etc.

When that was all dry I went back in with neat ink and a wet brush to confirm all the darkest passages. All that was left to do then was the peeling off of the masking fluid when the paint was dry.

COUNTDOWN!! Only 32 days until my big exhibition begins in Nottingham UK...

8th to 18th January 2014 10.30am - 4.00pm at 71 Friar Lane Nottingham NG1 6DH

More sketches!

Some more sketches to show you today- Oscar sleeping, sketches on the beach and Milly being told 'just stay like that for ten minutes please!'.

I'm excited today because I've ordered some new plein air painting kit. I know you think I have it all already and it's true I have quite a range but in the end I knew I'd have to turn to America for the best in lightweight and portable. There are times when I need to be able to fit everything in a rucksack and carry it on my back. I've ordered the 11" x 14" palette/ panel holder which holds panels any height and from 5" to 20" in width. That's the kind of flexibility I was after. (My little Rover pochade is easy to carry but I'm restricted to 6" x 8" panels)

I considered the 'optional wine cup holder' but wasn't altogether sure it would hold my coffee cup so....

http://www.openboxm.com/