Wonderful Workshops

I can't complain that I haven't had time to paint this week because I've seriously indulged not once, but twice! (GASP!)

Well for a start how could I clean the house when it's been so dark? 

At 3.00pm I've had to turn on lamps for goodness sake.

I dread to think what I'll see when the sun eventually does shine, but apparently that's not going to happen until at least next Tuesday... if we're lucky. 

So for now all my guilt is shut up tight into the broom cupboard. 

But can you guess what the subject matter was for my art group this week?

A Rainy Afternoon!!!! 

As you can imagine I was thrilled 

I have to say I struggled with this one, not only for the subject, but also trying to keep my piece loose.

I nearly freaked out trying to get a little precision on a building whilst using the palette knife.
I apologised to all my fellow desk mates but they seemed to think it was a giggle... so they're now off my Christmas card list!  

I definitely need more time to work on this... so I'm not going to show you it this week.

I wouldn't wish that on anyone never mind my arty friends. 

I'm still attempting to catch up after being away and had completely forgotten that I'd signed up for a workshop.

Thankfully I'd entered it into my phone diary so didn't miss it. 

I had a great time which was organised by the Jack Tierney Gallery in Cults, Aberdeenshire.

The very talented visiting Russian artist Sofia Perina-Miller gave incredible demo's (four in all) and her enthusiasm was infectious, so we all had a play too.

Her work is so incredibly vibrant and free flowing. 

No pencil in sight. 

Here she is painting a poinsettia. 

Sofia sees everything in intense colour and transfers that to her paintings.
If you'd like to see more of Sofia's work... click here or visit her Facebook page here

Her energy was tangible and listening to her talk about all of her projects, plans and future work left me feeling a little dizzy. She apparently only has about three to four hours sleep a night. 

(I knew that's were I would find some more time... now I just have to try sleep deprivation... although somehow I don't think it'll be for me... I'm a dizzy blonde already at times) 

I now have an extensive art supplies wish list for Christmas, but unfortunately I don't think I've been that good.... I'll have to work on it!

St.Petersburg White Nights Wooden Box Set
Shin-Gansai watercolour pan
600gsm cold pressed paper 
to name but three...

Here's a painting I managed to do within the time restraints.

I always like to outline in pen so was thrilled when Sofia said that we needed to do that on our finished paintings. 

Yay... I knew I liked her 

This second piece isn't finished but I'll maybe have a play with it using the paints I already have. 

It's so dark here so photographs lately leave a lot to be desired...soz!

I'll certainly be looking out for more workshops to attend and Sofia says she will return in the spring.
Roll on spring for so many reasons...

And finally and more appropriately my sincere apologies if you have visited me recently and I haven't returned the call.

I've been away twice in the last few weeks and there's still two little trips planned (although these aren't cast in stone) I will be revisiting my posts to catch up with replies as and when I can.

In the meantime why don't you nip over to Kristin and Eva's Paint Party Friday there's always lots to see.

I'm also linking to Dion Dior's Friday Sketches... click here to visit Dion

And the Artist's Play Room over at Jenn's Just Add Water Silly blog

Happy Friday everyone... have fun and hopefully I'll see you again soon
(I'll be concentrating on the Christmas festivities after this weekw)

xoxo