As I paint more and more outside so my studio paintings become less and less. However, they are vital for learning, experimenting and giving more time to each painting. Here are some of my paintings that I have produced this year so far.
The weather and seasons always play a big part in painting outdoors. I’ve been looking forward to seeing the new greens of spring after the greys and browns of winter.
With such changeable weather this Spring the chance for good quality painting has been limited. I’ve painted in the rain, overcast skys and extreme cold and these conditions don’t create the best work. But I’ve been pleased with the outcomes considering the limitations of the weather.
I’ve been painting with groups a lot recently , such as the Surrey Hills Plein Air Group, London Plein Air group and painting with friends. This has had the effect of keeping me active and going to locations i would not normally think of going to.
This was my first 1/2 imperial sized watercolour painting outdoors. It was painted at the Victoria Tower Gardens with the London Plein Air Group. The weather was pretty dull but it allowed me to use interesting colours in the sky and
Every time I start a painting there is always a stage where I question my process, the colours I use, the composition and a host of other thoughts. So I’m always looking to improve or just freshen up my paintings.
Richard Torn (a wonderful watercolour artist) has been a big influence for me but I’ve always struggled to work out his methods. So when a course demonstrating his process work came up I jumped at the chance to learn more.
I painted this scene, following closely his style and ideas. The artist said I’d done well. So I’m using this painting to inspire and inform my future work.
I used conte crayon to map out the shapes and shadows.
Blocks of colour and masking fluid provide structure. Giving depth and texture
The stream has now colours and the trees are taking shape. Keeping the colours sharp is key
The final painting. Masking fluid has been removed and darks have more colour in them
I’m now waiting for Spring to continue my journey, so that I can get out painting, find the spring colours, highlights and shadows.
I’ve not posted on this site for a while but I’ve still been painting in my sketchbook. This year I’ve been to the Lakes and North Wales but the rest of the paintings are of my various sessions outdoors in Surrey with the Surrey Hills Plein Air Group and Leatherhead Art Club.
Lake District sketches with the London Plein Air Group
North Wales: Anglesey
Surrey Paint Outs
Sussex
A mixture of plein air and studio work , created over March and April 2022
A new year and I’m looking at developing new ideas in my art. I don’t want to lose my watercolour techniques but try to introduce new colours, tools and compositions. Here are my paintings for the first two months of 2022, a mixture of plein air and studio work. Plus I’ve returned to Virtual Ribble with some paintings from Google Street View.
Here are my paintings for November and December 2021. A mixture of plein air and studio work.
As busy month with the LAC Autumn Exhibition in progress and some commissions to work on. I did manage to get out and paint thoguh and enjoyed the sessions as we move deeper into Autumn. I’m trying some ink based work and will keep these going as they may help with my watercolours in the future.
Hugh's Sketchbook 