Je vous souhaite un trés bon weekend.. Have a great weekend with, or without friends, but definitely  with good food and a good book and some exercise, like gardening! Next week’s post is all about the washing day. A chore we either hate..or love. If you want to be inspired to do laundry, then remember […]

Spring is supposed to have arrived, but on some days? I wonder if I made a mistake with the seasons..maybe we are moving into winter? Noo..n..it is spring, surely. In spite of icy weather, we have lilacs blooming profusely, wisterias drooping low with heavy blooms, tulips swaying their hips and young ones grazing in the [...]

Here is Cathy's painting of the Dog Park at the dam. Cathy wrote that she thought of Ivy when she was painting these images. Ivy is my greyhound.   Ivy would really have had fun with the water and the other dogs.  I love seeing the dogs having so much fun in the water.  Below is the back side of the postcard with the words removed so you can see that Ca […]

This past month has had more than a few challenges, funny how they come in bunches. The weather was in a tug-of-war between winter and tiny tantalizing bursts of spring. Days were becoming heavy. An unexpected knock at the door reversed my inner grayness. A smiling delivery man handed me a huge bouquet radiating Sunshine and Light. The timing was as perfect […]

The good thing about manning my own exhibition is that I get to chat to visitors, see old friends and paint in between times, I'm making a collection while I'm there and this is one of them, which has now found a new home!Still Life with Mini Pansies. Watercolour, SOLDwebsiteExhibition details

Log cabin quilt, 24" x 24", paper pieced using batik fabrics. I uploaded these three photos and gave my post a title, and looked back to find a link on my blog for the quilt I did in another colourway...and found it has the same three shots and title...how boring and predictable! Oh well, here it is, the little quilt I've been doing off and on […]

We had the loveliest West Coast weather here. On a bright and warm star-filled Saturday morning, my darling husband passed away peacefully in his own bed with three of his family around him. There is not a hand book or guide for these things, they happen and you are stunned.I will love him always: Philip was my best friend for 50 years and my husband for 47. […]

Margaret asked the question, "I am a quilter but I want to change. I've collected other art materials over the years and think it is time to actually use them. How did you decide to give up quilting?"  I'll bet others are interested in my answer and maybe have their own unique reasons for changing their art focus and questions or advice […]

This is a request to any of my artist friends, whose blogs I follow or who read this one.  Would you consider painting, drawing, collaging, doodling a small artwork 13cm x 18cm in aid of a fantastic charity...read on and see if you can help... Secret Art for Water is an exhibition and sale of original postcard-sized artworks in support of the Falmouth Rotary […]

#3 Something of joy—The gallery where I work and paint# 4 Socks—The fleece socks I wore everynight on Mt Kilimamjaro#5 Pine trees—On one of the many islands dotting the coast of Maine#8 A coffee pot—My beloved latte maker#9 A lock...or three#11 Gloves—My fingerless gloves for winter running#12 The oldest thing in my refrigerator#13 A pillow#15 A pencil#16 So […]

Suzanne McDermottJournal entry, 28 April 13Step BackPerspective is not something we "get." Perspective develops, evolves. The need for perspective indicates a problem that requires a solution. In my experience, I've learned that whether the problem I'm facing is emotional, technical, creative, or in relationship with another person, I am […]

Bolsa Chica Salt MarshInk on paperThis was a beautiful California spring day with clear sky and a slight breeze.  I walked the path for about an hour, sketching about every 20 or 30 minuets.  This one is with the ocean behind me facing north/east.

Harvest Golds at GreenanOil on canvas  30 x 30 cmBridget Hunter 2013A favourite sketching place near the ruins of Greenan Castle, Ayr.It's been hectic trying to get all 6 paintings finished. And there's been lots of paint scraped off which is really such a waste of materials.So, I'm trying to change the frantic way I paint and take time to sto […]

Two sketches today. A few groans but I timed the first one, the French plant holder with geraniums – and everyone was done and dusted in 31 mins! Perfect timing for Adeline to arrive and pop the Madeleines onto a small plate for the 2nd sketch. Again all done and coloured in the time left and all very yummy looking. So of course this stands you in good stead […]

I came across a version of this painting that I did a couple of years ago when I was cleaning my office and decided to try it again, taking more care with lighting and adding a background to the new … Continue reading →

The restaurant was done on masa paper from a smaller painting I had done in plein air. I like the masa for the weathered look to the buildings.