How to paint clouds and sunsets in watercolour

How to paint clouds and sunsets in watercolour

I am teaching how to paint clouds in watercolour by splitting the lesson into two parts. This week we looked taking out clouds with tissue paper and working into them. Also we looked at sunsets which are notoriously difficult by simplifying them and using a layering technique. 

"Inspired by Dylan", An art exhibition by Zoe's Ostreme and Swansea Grand Theatre Art Group

"Inspired by Dylan" 

An art exhibition by Zoe's Ostreme and Swansea Grand Theatre Art Group

To celebrate Dylan Thomas 100th anniversary Zoe’s Ostreme and Grand Theatre Art Group are exhibiting paintings inspired by Dylan Thomas and his works including Under Milkwood. They have used vintage pages of Dylan Thomas’ text (some of which are from Oxfame Bookshop) to paint on in a form of collage as well as being inspired by his powerful quotes and writings. This has created a exciting collection of paintings that will be intermingled around the bookshop in support of Oxfam.

Jen, one of the artists exhibiting said “ In this exhibition a picture literally paints a thousand words.”

Zoë’s Art Group includes members of professional artist Zoë James-Williams art classes which she teaches at The Ostreme Centre, Mumbles and Swansea Grand Theatre. Zoë is a contemporary figurative artist and the first Artist in Residence in Swansea Grand Theatre. Many of the group also exhibited professionally and are excited to be supporting such a great cause.

“We were delighted to be invited by Oxfam Bookshop to display our Dylan inspired work as it is the perfect compliment and will enable the viewer to see his work in a different light and we are delighted to support Oxfam in any way we can.” says artist Zoë James-Williams.

Many of the artists exhibiting will be present to discuss their work at the Create Night hosts by Oxfam bookshop on June 17th. 

All are welcome!

Links to Dylan

Zoe's Art Group participating in The Many Faces of Dylan Event

Some of the groups art work inspired by Dylan Thomas that will be on display in the exhibition

How to draw still life

Summer Term started off with still life. 

It is so important to study objects in front of you as well as work from photos and other people's paintings. We looked at the different textures and the effect of light on the fruit and vegetables. Also we looked at traditional composition  as well as how other artists such as Georgio Morandi have  gone against convention and placed still life in a straight line for eg. As you can see this really inspired some of the students. I always like to encourage experimentation and pushing the boundaries. Traditional techniques are great as a starting point but don't forget to try out more experimental techniques as well. 

Still Life in a straight line by Georgio Morandi

Sir Peter Blake

Very privileged to meet Sir Peter Blake at The Mumbles Marvelous Weekend hosted by Cover to Cover Bookshop. Thrilled to have a signed copy of his illustrated monumental book Under Milk Wood.

Carmen Painting performed by Maria Alexandrova

Carmen

Carmen was performed by Bolshoi Prima Ballerina Maria Alexandrova.

It is mixed media on purple Ingres Paper

I really wanted to capture the fire and passion of the performance. it was Amazing!

Lecture given by Lady Sheila Hale about Titian at Swansea University

Went to a fascinating lecture given by the delightful Lady Sheila Hale about Titian at Swansea University tonight. Beautiful paintings by an enigmatic artist. It was wonderful to see his work chronologically and how he developed as an artist. Also the lecture was peppered with delightful little stories such as the Titian which is now slightly damaged due to it being kept in the owners bathroom for 20 years!!

 The Venetians were certainly a spicy lot, I think there must have been something in the water due to the many nudes Titian was commissioned to paint alongside his portraits and religious work. 
One of my favourites is The Venus of Urbino which strongly influenced one of my favourite paintings of all time, The Rockeby Venus by Velasquez. I love the flowing lines of the pose. 

Quite interesting that Titian was not know to be a master draughtsman, in fact Michelangelo berated him for not drawing enough! I think you'll agree he seemed to get by ;)