It's now mid February and quite a while since I visited my blog .  

Winter's been dreary , wet and sadly very uninspiring .

 No walking as the paths are boggy and the rain is relentless ! 

I've been reflecting on things  in my art world recently. So much has changed over the past 5 years . I see galleries closing and artists like myself struggling to make sales.  Once I was selling 1-2 paintings a month which kept me nicely ticking over . Now it's one every 3-4 months which makes it very hard and I wonder how long I can continue. 

The online galleries have always been a good sales platform for me but many are now raising their fees, commission rates etc .  On average you only get  around  50-60%  of the selling price of a painting  and that has to cover materials , overheads and gallery subscription fees.  Being an artist is NOT an easy life ! 

Many artists supplement their income by teaching which keeps them afloat. It's something that just wouldn't work for me though   , I'm just not a teacher . 

I'm really not sure what the future holds .

 I love painting, it's what I do . 

With that in mind I have been "escaping" the dreary weather by forward thinking to the brighter days of Spring  . 

Firstly a small painting (35cms x 25cms) of the Cow Parsley and fields at the bottom of Ditchling beacon , lots of lovely Spring greens! 

                                                    Spring Pastures

Original acrylic painting of the  Spring pastures and fields  at the base of Ditchling beacon  

 Next came the Bluebells , wonderful memories from a forest walk last year at Warninglid . 

    

 "Let's escape this dreary day and walk along the forest path, .

where Bluebells flower ,

in scented breeze,

 

where leaves unfurl among the trees. 

 

Let's escape this dreary day and walk along the forest path,

 

in sunlight haze,

 

whilst songbirds sing ,

 

where we'll delight in days of Spring. "

 

                                           "Forest Ways and Bluebell Days" 

                                                             Acrylic on canvas 24" x18"

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Original acrylic painting of a forest path  through the Bluebells . 

 

 

 

Springtime on the South Downs

Paintings for sale

Springtime  arrived and all I can say is "WOW!"  It's been so wonderfully sunny and the blossom has been stunning!
 I've not painted anything for a few weeks though. Sadly sales this year are dreadful ,  not just for me but for many , many other artists as well. I've no idea if things will improve or for how long I'll be able to continue painting. Only time will tell on that . 

In the present circumstances the sunshine has been a real blessing . It's been really good to get out and about in the tranquility of countryside around me.  Fabulous views and the scent of blossom in air . 

My first walks were around Wivelsfield and Chelwood Gate . Days of beautiful Bluebells , carpets of  Wild Garlic and some lovely old twisted trees .

 

Bluebells and Wild Garlic on my walk

   My Chelwood Gate walk took me along some very old paths  to Furner's Green and  Sheffield mill  

The path from Furner's Green to Sheffield mill

  Bluebell season is always short lived and it's a matter of getting out and about as much as possible to see them . I'm surrounded by woods that are full of them but this year I decided to explore a few different paths and places . I wasn't disappointed  and I discovered some interesting places along the way .

The Bluebells faded  and were quickly replaced by an explosion of Cow Parsley and Hawthorn blossom. Everywhere turned white and green ! 

 The Hawthorn has put on a magnificent display this year , I presume it's because of the weather being so dry, hot and sunny.   

This time my walks took me around Lewes Brooks. It's a nice easy flat walk and a must for bird watchers . The new wetlands at Lewes are great place to just sit and watch the wildlife 

Cow Parsley and Hawthorn blossom around Lewes Brooks

                                 

Of course I couldn't let Spring pass without a couple of walks on the South Downs . 

My first was to Ditchling beacon, it was more of a wander rather than a walk , a delightful dawdle . 

 I decided to descend via Westmeston bostal as it was one of the very few paths that I hadn't walked.  It's not great underfoot. Steep, rain worn and rutted, with loose flints and chalk ....   my knees didn't thank me for that one! Ha ha!  

It was all so very pretty . Lots of wildflowers and the views were stunning  ....

Ditchling beacon and Westmeston bostal

Finally I headed down to Rodmell . I took the path over to Telscombe and back via Cricketing bottom. I couldn't believe that it's been 10 years since I last done this walk . Where did that time go ?  Not only was the Hawthorn in blossom but I was treated to a purple field full of Phacelia and Red Clover which looked amazing!  

Rodmell to Telscombe

I have to say that this really is my favourite time of the year !

 I feel like I'm sneaking in like a naughty child !  Ha ha! 

 I had hoped to start posting more reguarly this year but it just hasn't happened . Best intentions and all that.  

I'm blaming the weather, wet dreary weather, it makes it very hard to get out and about . The footpaths are flooded and so very muddy ! 

I've been relying on my reference photos from last year to keep me going with my paintings .  It's not a bad thing as it means I get to revisit the wonderful views and glorious sunshine of the South Downs and the footpaths around me .

The three paintings that I have completed so far this year

 I'm also busy planning new walks and places to explore .......I just need some sunshine !

South Downs Poppies

Poppies on the South Downs in Sussex

A beautiful sunny day in late June took me for a walk on the South Downs.
My plan was to start at Rodmell village , walk up Mill hill , and descend at Swanborough, then back to Lewes via the brooks ...

My route

At the top of Mill hill I joined The South Downs Way , here at the top is one of my favourite sign posts leading you to the Abergavenny Arms at Rodmell..

The sign at the top of Mill Hill

Then heading north  I couldn't help admiring the stunning views along the way. But the path is a concrete track and not easy on the feet!

Views from my walk on the South Downs

Arriving near the top of Swanborough Hill I noticed a track to my left and a white barn on the hill in the distance, I thought it would make a good place to stop for lunch .
From the barn the views headed south towards Rottingdean and Ovingdean , the sea lined the horizon and splashes of bright red poppies lit up the views!
Looking south the bright white chalk track contrasted brilliantly with the colours of the wild flowers !
Most of the fields this year are filled with crops of barley that gently sway in the coastal breeze, mimicking the waves of the near by sea .
It's hard to describe, but I have tried to capture it in my painting...

                                                 "South Downs Poppies"
                                                       Acrylic on canvas 18"x 24" 

"South Downs poppies" Acrylic painting

 
To capture the scene a little more I decided to paint a small picture of the view south overlooking the sea towards Rottingdean....
                                          "Poppies to the sea"
                                Acrylic on canvas 12" x 10" 

Painting the poppies on the South Downs

 

"A glimpse of Marbled White" Painting the wild flowers on Malling Down, Lewes

Malling Down nature reserve, Lewes, Sussex

The arrival of July takes me on a walk up Malling Down on the outskirts of Lewes.
 It's quite a steep walk but worth every moment! The views across the Sussex Weald are magnificent

Views from Malling Down overlooking the Sussex Weald

and as you can see I couldn't have wished for better weather.
Malling down is a nature reserve renowned at this time of year for it's wild flowers and butterflies. I wasn't too sure what to expect but as I approached the steep slopes of the coombe the area became increasingly more colourful with the vast array of flowers and grasses. I spent quite a while here just taking it all in and watching hundreds of Marbled White butterflies dance among the flower heads.
Pure heaven!
This is also a great place to get a good view of Lewes town nestled among the South Downs.

The coombe, Malling, Lewes

All in all a perfect day and I really wanted to try and capture some of it's essence in a painting....

                                 "A glimpse of Marbled White"
                               Acrylic on canvas 32"x 18"x 1.5"
 

"A glimpse of Marbled White" 

Close up views of the painting...

"Beyond to Kingston Ridge" Painting the South Downs

The view of The South Downs looking towards Kingston, Lewes, Sussex

There's still a couple of areas on the outskirts of Lewes that I have not yet explored so I decided to rectify this and headed to the west side of the town . It was a partially sunny day , not glorious sunshine but enough for a very pleasant walk .
I set off by following the track that runs behind Lewes prison and headed off on a circular route over the downs as shown below by the dotted line.

The fields were golden and delightfully edged by vibrant red poppies swaying gently in the breeze.

  The views were wonderful !
 Looking south (over Ashcombe house towards the village of Kingston) the harvest fields  perfectly complimented the lush green slopes of the South Downs.
From my view point I could  also see the recently restored Ashcombe Windmill with it's unusual six sails  http://www.sussexmillsgroup.org.uk/ashcombe.htm  .
I just loved this view and couldn't wait to get painting!

                       "Beyond to Kingston Ridge"
                           

"Beyond to Kingston Ridge" Painting of the South Downs at Lewes, Sussex

                                    Acrylic on canvas 24"x 18" 
                                 If you wish to see this and my other artworks please visit my gallery
                                         https://www.artfinder.com/paula-oakley

Buttercups, tractors and the South Downs Society

Buttercups, tractor painting and the South Downs

It's been a busy but rather wonderful week. Summer is here and I've been out and about on several walks enjoying the sunshine and scenery.
In between I have also been  working on a commission painting.
 Earlier in the year I was asked if I would paint a vintage Fordson tractor. Now....I'm no tractor expert and although I was given a reference photo I prefer to work from my own. Not only can I  capture the angles and details that I need but it ensures that my paintings are original .
So my quest began! As luck would have it I spotted an advert for the Cuckoo Fair at Laughton ( just out side of Lewes) a big country fair embracing rural life from times gone by.

The Cuckoo Fair, Laughton,East Sussex

 On the day of the event the weather was bright and sunny and to my delight I found just what I needed!
Now all I needed was a backdrop to create a suitable composition.
I chose a landscape view from Lewes Brooks , at this time of year bright yellow blankets of buttercups fill the fields and the South Downs are rich green ....perfect!
The view includes glimpses of the picturesque village of Rodmell , Swanborough Hill and Kingston Ridge.
I have to admit that it wasn't an easy painting , it took about 45 hours and just as many cups of coffee! Ha ha ! But I got there in the end....
                              "Fordson on the Brooks" 
                                   Acrylic on canvas 24"x 18"

Painting a vintage Fordson tractor 

   ....and the fiddly, time consuming bits! 

Close up of the Fordson engine detail

 Now as you are by now aware I am a great lover of the South Downs .
 They are of course female....voluptuous curves adorned with floral gems and scented like no other! 

View East from Telscombe

I have recently discovered the South Downs Society. 
In their own words ...

"We fight campaigns against inappropriate development and fund conservation projects
We take an active role in safeguarding and improving the rights of way network and extending areas of open access land across the National Park
We encourage the public to learn more about the National Park
As the National Park Society we watch over the activities of the National Park Authority as a challenging friend including suggesting things they might do to enhance the National Park"

 A few weeks ago I entered a competition on their Facebook page , it required recognizing a particular image from the South Downs. It was by total coincidence a place that I had passed on my walk that very morning! On Monday I was delighted to be informed that I had won !
My prize was a goody bag selection of their gifts that can also be purchased from their web site http://www.southdownssociety.org.uk/support-us/merchandise-2/

A gift selection from The South Downs Society

 Never was a prize so perfectly matched to it's recipient ! (The box of chocolates didn't last long enough to be photographed )
Well, only one thing to do now and that's to sit out in the garden and enjoy the sunshine with a good cup of coffee...... just PERFECT!

"Piddinghoe Reflections"

The river Ouse at Piddinghoe, Sussex

The Spring sunshine took me to Piddinghoe. A picturesque village on the banks of the river Ouse just south of Lewes.
 The church here is has an unusual round tower and surrounded by a mass of snowdrops in early Spring.

  The village also has the only remaining bottle shaped brick kiln in the country ,which you can just see behind the house...

Brick kiln at Piddinghoe

  My path took me along the river bank and past the farm where I lived for a while back in the mid 1960's. It seemed strange to think I was walking in the footsteps of my past !

It all looked so very colourful (unlike my black and white photo ) and the reflections upon the river as it headed out to sea made the view just perfect to paint! 
                                     "Piddinghoe Reflections"

"Piddinghoe Reflections" Acrylic on canvas

 
Prints, cards, bags ....

  available at Here

Finally, an extract from Rudyard Kipling's Poem "Sussex"
"And the deep ghylls that breed
Huge oaks and old, the which we hold
No more than Sussex weed;
Or south where windy Piddinghoe’s
Begilded dolphin veers
And red beside wide-bankèd Ouse
Lie down our Sussex steers. "

Painting "Lewes Rooftops" (Sussex)

Lewes town, Sussex

Lewes is the county town of Sussex. It's a town steeped in history, character, architecture and traditions.
I went to school here and live just 6 miles away but on my recent visit I decided to go as a tourist rather than a shopper.
It was a lovely sunny Spring day just right for a walk around the castle and climbing up the battlements to admire the views. They were spectacular and inspiring!
I wanted a view to paint that would capture a  typical part of the scenery and surroundings. A view that in my youth I would have taken for granted and not appreciated in the way that I do now.
Looking south west towards Swanborough hill (The South Downs Way runs along the top), the rooftops and chimneys backed by the soft gentle slopes of the South Downs was just perfect!

The painting took quite a few hours to complete but the detail kept the composition interesting and challenging to work on......
                                                 "Lewes Rooftops"
                                   Acrylic on canvas 24"x18"

"Lewes Rooftops" Acrylic painting on canvas

 Prints, cards etc now available , click on link to view the full range Paula Oakley at Redbubble

 

"Blackcap" Walking and painting the South Downs of Sussex

Blackcap on the South Downs

Spring has arrived!
 At last we have some good weather days to be able to go exploring again.
I chose a good clear day and decided I would take a walk along the South Downs just west of Lewes.
Starting at Offham I headed west over Mount Harry and on to  Blackcap, at 676ft this was a very steep walk!
 It was all worth it as the views were stunning. You get glimpses through the valleys of the coast to the south and wonderful panoramic views of the Sussex Weald to the north.
At the top is a small wooded area planted to commemorate the Queen's coronation...

Commemorative stone at Blackcap

At this time of year the fields below are a dazzling patchwork of fresh greens and bright yellow crops of rape which look just amazing in the sunshine...

Rape crops in the Sussex Weald

 The next part of my journey was all down hill....a very long way down hill !
 It was the part I enjoyed the most.
 A well walked chalk path twisting and turning down the steep slopes of the South Downs as if it would go on forever!

The chalk track down Blackcap

It was the view from the bottom of this track that inspired my painting.
 Views of the Sussex Weald, rape crops and the chalk path...Spring has definitely arrived!
                                    "Blackcap Down"
                                                Acrylic on box canvas 18"x 24"x1.5"

The view from the path coming down from Blackcap

Painting the "Sussex Sea" . Birling Gap, East Sussex

Birling Gap, East Sussex

I've been watching how our stormy Winter weather has been having such a dramatic effect on our coastline. So many landmarks have been destroyed or damaged by the severe wind and rain.
The constant onslaught of the sea and it's relentless waves have been changing the shape of our beaches.
Cornwall and Devon have had the worst but here too in East Sussex we have not escaped the storms and there have been several landslides on the cliffs where in just a few seconds they crumble away into the sea.
One such place is Birling Gap on the South Downs. Since Christmas there have been two 9ft landslides, the first bringing the old cottages on the top of the cliff even closer to the edge!

The cottages at Birling Gap

I remembered when we went there on New Years Day last year. It was a beautiful day with bright sunshine that made the chalk white cliffs of the Seven Sisters almost glow! Several people were there indulging in their New Year swim , a tradition I hasten to add that you won't find me taking part in! Brrrrrrr!
Anyway, with the recent events and my memories I thought I would paint a picture of a more colourful and less destructive time. I have chosen the view from the beach looking towards the cliffs of Seaford Head.
                                                               "Sussex Sea"
                                                     Acrylic on box canvas 18"x 24" x1.5"

The view of Seaford Head from Birling Gap