Features, foul weather and Valentine's...

January is coming to an end and still the weather is grim! It's really frustrating as I would love to paint some more landscapes but the rain and wind do not make a good mixture for photography.
I've been out and about around the village outskirts but it's just so wet and muddy...

I discovered an old abandoned farm that's full of charm and character. Unfortunately I can't explore it as it's on private land, but maybe I will return to it in the Summertime and see it in a better light.
The storms have brought so many trees down that parts of the wood look like some sort of Jurassic landscape, it's such a shame but I'm sure new growth will soon arrive and the next generation will be able to enjoy the woodland that I have got to know over the past 5 years here in Newick.
Sometimes on my walks I discover the most unlikely things, twice last week I found myself having to look twice. Firstly I spotted 7 goldfish in a small, fast flowing country stream, they looked liked they were having a wonderful time! I guess that the recent downpours have caused someone's pond to flood and overflow resulting in the liberation of their fish.

My next surprise was during a frosty morning walk along the old disused railway line. As I turned the corner I came upon a very large and very hairy camel! I certainly wasn't expecting to see that ! Apparently his origins were from Mongolia so he didn't mind our cold wet weather. I have to say he was rather handsome in his own way.....

But not quite my ideal painting subject !
Going back to the subject of painting I have had a good January, starting off with the Artist and Illustrator magazine choosing  "Swanning around" as part of their January online exhibition .

"Swanning Around" Painting the swans on Piltdown pond

Secondly the Printers Inc ran a feature on me for their blog Behind the easel which was fun to take part in . I have several artworks available from them as canvas or photo prints http://pa4438.wix.com/paulaoakleyart#!buy-prints-and-posters

Then finally and most excitingly was Daler Rowney inviting me to be a featured artist on their website. I am really pleased to have been asked and to discover how much they like my paintings.
All my work is created with their System 3 acrylics so it's a very apt place for me to be seen :)
Daler Rowney featured artist

In the mean time I have been having a little fun , with Valentine's day fast approaching I thought I would be a little romantic, 8"x 8" to be precise ....
                                                        "Love Buttons"
                                                       Acrylic on canvas board

Still life made with love and buttons

 
I have also just started a similar painting but on a slightly bigger canvas so watch this space :)
.....and here it is..
                                                     "Button Love"
                                           Acrylic on box canvas 16"x 12"x 1.5"

"Button Love" fun still life

  

"Red,White and Booze"...acrylic painting

With the Queen's 60th Jubilee approaching I have seen several paintings inspired by the event. All very commercial, stereotypical and quite boring!
A public holiday has been declared, a day for street parties, hog roasts and bonfires!
 So I have decided to paint my version of the celebrations, flags,beer, nibbles and wine! It may not be to everyone's taste but it will be to mine !
The beer I'm using is a delightful ale called "Spitfire", brewed in Kent by Shepherd and Neame Spitfire ale

 It will be BIGGER, BRIGHTER, BOLDER AND.....BRITISH! :)
"Red,White and Booze" Acrylic on box canvas, 24"x 20"x 1.5".. Enjoy......;)

Day 1, laying the table......

Working on the under painting

Day 2, starting the glass  work...

Painting in the glass and beer

Day 3, a bit of detail......                                                                                                           

Creating the detail that brings the picture to life

Day 4, adding the nibbles and glass....  (Not a very good photo as the weather's grim today and the light is bad :/ )                                                                             

Putting in the final details

...and finished! My tribute to the jubilee celebrations!!!!

"Red,White and Booze"

Acrylic on box canvas

24"x20"x1.5" (Sold)

"Red, White and Booze"

...and it won the "Best of British " competition!!!! :) view more...

Featured!!!
Wow! I have just received the latest copy of the Artist and Illustrators magazine to find that my painting "He Loves Me, He loves Me Not" is the "Painting of the month" :) I'm delighted :))))

and as an added bonus I won a prize :)

:)))))))))