"It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...."

November has been such a busy month ! Besides completing a few more paintings I have had other things going on   in my world ....
Firstly, my painting "The Ploughing Match " was very kindly included in the November edition of the Sussex Living magazine . This was great as it's distributed in my village and surrounding area.

 Then in between painting I've been making a few things ready for Christmas. I enjoy the challenge of making things out of bits and bobs and it always makes me think of my childhood days, eagerly watching the children's program "Blue Peter" and rushing off to find an empty toilet roll and some sticky back plastic !
My first task was to make a paper mache train. Instead of Christmas crackers this year I thought a bright sparkly train would be more fun as we have 2 young children visiting .  Each truck will hold a bag of  surprise goodies for each person :)

Paper mache Christmas train

I then decided to make something festive to go in the garden. Out came the hammer, nails and tin snips . It didn't take long to find some old pieces of wood and with a bit of paint and added decorations ( made from an old biscuit tin)  this was the result.  I'm going to "plant" them in a large container with some sprigs of holly by our front door... :)

wood scrap snowmen and tree

After all the hammering and sawing I thought I would head off to make something a bit more genteel. A good rummage through my material box resulted in enough oddments to make some Christmas table mats. Our old ones were looking a bit faded and not very festive so I went for a simple tree design that seemed to work rather well :)

Christmas tree table mats

Finally (unless inspiration hits in again) I made a tree topper. I like the old fashioned Father Christmas figures and wanted to make something similar. It's only about 7 inches high so it was a bit fiddly in parts!  I could have used polymer clay for his face but I thought paper mache would be a more traditional material and more challenging (I enjoy a challenge) . I attached his head onto a cardboard cone then added the clothes etc.
He didn't turn out too bad and I learned a lot . It was a fun and interesting project from the initial design to working out the best ways of getting the results I wanted...

Father Christmas tree topper

Soon I celebrate my Birthday and then it will be Christmas...I'm wondering what will be more exciting...the presents or the packaging they come in! Ho ho ho!
   
                                                                            *****

Complete guide to painting in acrylics

On another note I am pleased to announce that my painting "He loves me, he loves me not" has been published in the "Complete guide to painting in acrylics" by Lorena Kloosterboer .... exciting days!

"He loves Me, he loves Me Not..."

The book contains work from 97 artists and is available from Amazon
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Complete-Painting-Acrylics-Lorena-Kloosterboer/dp/178221187X/ref=pd_sim_sbs_b_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=0MGXEQWCFYBG8J14612V

"Winter Warmer" Winter/Christmas still life painting

As we approach December and the weather turns colder my thoughts are of Christmas and the dark Winter months ahead. I'm hoping that this year we shall see some snow and not have to endure the storms of last year.
There is something wonderful about wrapping up warm and walking through the freshly fallen snow. Perhaps it's the way that it reflects the light making everything seem brighter, or maybe the way that it absorbs sound, giving a quiet and peaceful atmosphere.
It all makes a Winter's walk quite magical, then, as the sun starts to sink in the sky and the cold chill wind sets in, it's good to return home and indulge in a little "Winter Warmer" ;)
                                 
                                   "Winter Warmer"
                                                 Acrylic on box canvas 18"x 14"x 1.5"

Winter still life painting. Acrylic on canvas 

                                                 https://www.artgallery.co.uk/artist/paula_oakley_2

"Winter Warmer" Bags, pillows, cards and prints

Cards, tote bags, prints and throw pillows available http://www.redbubble.com/people/poak/works/13099776-winter-warmer

"Autumn in the air" and " The edge of Autumn" Paintings from an Autumn walk in Sussex

An Autumn walk in Newick, East Sussex

Although the Autumn hasn't been as colourful this year I have still found some lovely picturesque walks to explore.
After living in the village of Newick for 4 years I am still discovering new paths, scenery and inspirations!
Recently I followed a route that took me from the south outskirts of the village, around the boundary of Newick Park and on to the village of Spithurst.
With clear blue skies and glorious sunshine you could really sense the arrival of Autumn.
The walk took me past a lake, pond, woodland and fields.....just about everything I could wish for !

Walking from Newick to Spithurst, East Sussex

After a while my path lead me onto a farm track where the still waters of a small pond caught my attention....this was definitely to be my next painting.....

                                                  "Autumn in the air"
                                    Acrylic on canvas 18"x 24"

"Autumn in the air" Autumn painting from the Sussex countryside

                              
                                                    "The edge of Autumn" 
                                        Acrylic on canvas 24"x 18"

"The edge of Autumn" Acrylic painting on canvas

               More Sussex paintings http://paula-paintmyworld.blogspot.co.uk/p/the-sussex-coast-on-canvas.html#.VGy0_slOzIU

"Lakeside Autumn" Painting the Autumn colours in Sussex

Autumn arriving in Sussex

I have sadly said my farewell to the Summer and I'm now ready to embrace the Autumn in all it's wonderful glory!
Not only does the countryside become ablaze with colour but this is also the season that Sussex comes alive with celebrations of bonfires and fireworks.
 Newick never fails to put on a good show .

Newick bonfire night

 I'm looking forward to bonfire....bangers ...and of course.....beer! ;)
In the meantime I have planned several walks that will take me through some beautiful woodland that I'm sure will be inspirational! All I need now is a little bit of sunshine as my Autumn companion.
I thought I would start my journey with something small and vibrant, a beautiful scene of still waters and reflections from the village of Slaugham ...
                                                  "Lakeside Autumn"
                                Acrylic on box canvas 18"x 14"x 1.5"

Painting the Autumn reflections at the mill pond in Slaugham, Sussex

My next painting was inspired from a walk I recenty took along the bridle path in South Chailey.  The trees are just changing into their Autumn colours and the sun shone through to lighten my way.
A beautiful and serene scene.

                                               "Gateway to Autumn" 
                                        SOLD

"Gateway to Autumn" Painting the Autumn paths of Chailey, Sussex

 
                                                  

A piece of Sussex Summer for Christmas. Sussex themed gifts, cards and prints for sale

If like me you are reluctant to leave the wonderful Sussex Summer days behind then please take a look at the selection of cards, prints, bags and cushions I have available on Redbubble.
A treat for yourself or a unique gift for someone this Christmas :)
Here are some examples, please click on the links for more.

Sussex Summer throw pillows

Throw pillows for sale

Sussex Summer tote bags

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Tote bags for sale

Sussex cards and prints for sale

 Cards and prints

Sussex calendars for sale

Sussex landscapes and seaside calendars for sale

"Tide out and Fish tales" painting the fishing boats of Hastings, Sussex

Fishing boats on The Stade in Hastings, Sussex

I just couldn't leave the Summer behind without revisiting the wonderful fishing boats at Hastings on the East Sussex coast. They really are one of my favourite subjects to paint.
This is the second time I have painted this particular boat, the red paint work looks so colourful against the Summer sky !
I loved the way that the composition represents the end of the working day. The gloves sitting on the poles to dry, the ladder leading the way home, the nets all tidy and ready for the next day and finally the departing seagulls.
I like to think that the weary fishermen have now headed off for a good meal, a good pint and recount the stories and tales of the day .
                                             "Tide out and Fish tales"
                                     Acrylic on canvas 24"x 18"

Painting the boats at Hastings, Sussex

"Sea Spray and Sun Cream" and "Seaside Shadows" Painting the girls on Brighton beach

As the Summer comes to an end I couldn't leave it without capturing the pretty girls sunbathing on the beach at Brighton.
I loved the way they just seemed to abandon everything and succumb to the last rays of the Summer sunshine.
 The waves crashing on the beach seemed to add to the over powering moment of indulgence.

                                             "Sea Spray and Sun Cream"
                                      Acrylic on canvas 24"x 16"

Painting the girls on Brighton beach

                                                 

Well as I've painted the girls with the emphasis on the sun I thought I would go the other way and concentrate on the shadows.
I was busy people watching on Brighton pier and loved the way that the shadows were cast and their silhouettes on the deck chairs.
I am working from 3 different photos so the first thing I had to do was to get the continuity of the railings right and the wooden planks of the pier, I was then able to start work on the deck chairs.

Getting the railings and woodwork in the right place .

The stripes on the chairs needed about 5 layers of paint to get opacity that I required.
 This can get a bit monotonous so to help me keep my concentration I started on the wooden chair frames.

Building up the layers on the chairs

Once the basic blocks of colour were dry I was able to flit about adding thin washes of paint. I also made a start on the shadows, these will transform the painting making it look really different

Starting to add the shadows and build up washes of colour

 .Finally the shadows are ....I hope you like it! :)
                                    "Seaside Shadows"

Seaside Shadows, painting of the girls relaxing on Brighton Pier, Sussex

              Tote bags and throw pillows are available from Redbubble  http://www.redbubble.com/people/poak/shop/throw-pillows?ref=artist_shop_product_refinement

"Seaside Shadows" Tote bags and throw pillows

 

 

 

Artist of the Year

Artgallery.co.uk are running an "Artist of the year " competition that runs from now until December.
I'm probably the least competitive person you will ever meet and have no chance of winning, but I thought I would support them as most of my sales have come from their site.
So, if you would like to vote for me it would be very much appreciated :)
Just click on the link and vote at the top of the Artgallery page

                                 https://www.artgallery.co.uk/artist/paula_oakley_2

                                                  THANK YOU  :) x

"Dray Days of Summer" Second painting of the Harveys brewery dray

Harveys dray and the John Harvey Tavern, Lewes, Sussex

I have decided to paint the Harveys brewery dray again but this time in front of the wonderful flint built building of the John Harvey Tavern in Bear yard, Lewes.
I was returning from a lovely Summer's walk to the top of Mount Caburn when I spotted the dray out side of the Tavern.
 Last time I painted them it was being pulled by Monty and Winston the beautiful shire horses. This time Monty was having a break as the roads were taking their toll on his hooves. His handsome stand in was called Guinness, a very apt name!
There's a lot of detail to go in to the painting not to mention all the flint on the walls! It will be an interesting challenge and a great subject to paint.
After sketching out the composition I have started work on the flint walls. There's quite a few bits and pieces to go on the walls so I need to get them painted and dry before I can add the hanging baskets etc.

Painting in the flint walls of the John Harvey Tavern

I've made a bit more progress today. The windows seem to be taking a long time so I've decided to flit back and forth so I don't get bored with one area.
I have also started to paint in where some of the other bits are going to go. There seems to be so many things to include and the more I study the photos I'm working from then the more I see!
 I hope to work on the horses tomorrow as they will take several layers to get the depth and colour that I want , but I also want to finish the tavern and paint the cart and the roof and.....and...and....

Work continues on the Tavern and begins on the dray

Busy day today! I have been painting for about 6 hours and have almost reached the half way mark.
It's good to get the horses started and to start adding some finer detail to other areas. A lot of shading has gone in today as well which starts to bring it to life...

Starting to paint in the horses and detail on other areas

I have spent today concentrating on the left hand side. I don't think there is much more left to do on the cart other than some small detail.

Painting in the cart

 Finally I have finished , it's been an interesting and enjoyable subject to and no doubt will not be the last time I paint it. Harveys also have a wonderful blue and red show dray that I would just love to paint!
                         
                                           "Dray Days of Summer"

"Dray Days of Summer" Acrylic on canvas

   "Draught and Dray" http://paula-paintmyworld.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/draught-and-dray-painting-horse-drawn.html#.U_OIrWOFDIU


If you would like to know more about the Lewes breweries ten you might like to see this    https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1088290864/ale-tales-ale-and-hearty-brewing-heritage-book

"Southern Steam"

Steam engines at the Bluebell Railway

 We live just a couple of miles away from the Bluebell Railway and can often hear the "toot toot" of the steam trains from our garden.
It's an interesting place to visit and a delight to see a part our heritage in all it's glory!
My subject is the Class B473 locomotive. It was built in 1898 for the London, Brighton and South Coast railway so it seemed fitting to add it to my "Sussex by the Sea" collection...
                                                   "Southern Steam"
                                Acrylic on box canvas 20"x 16"x 1.5"

Painting the steam train B473 from the Bluebell Railway

Wall view of "Southern Steam"

This is the second engine I have painted from the Bluebell Railway, my previous one was titled "Full Steam" and is available as a ceramic picture tile .

"Full Steam" ceramic picture tile by Fiesta Studios 

http://www.prezents.com/Full-Steam-Decorative-Ceramic-Tile-By-Paula-Oakley-p2099.html

If you are interested in steam engines and the people that worked on them then you will love this blog
http://locksands.wordpress.com/2014/09/13/my-grandfathers-clock/

Painting Brighton beach. Part 2

Brighton beach,fresh fish and West Pier

Just a pebbles throw away from the Carousel on Brighton beach  is the Fishermen's museum and kiosks selling fresh fish and various sea foods.
I spent some time here watching a man bravely feeding bread to the seagulls. They're quite alarming when swooping down for food but it was a good photo opportunity !
The view out to sea is dominated by the rusty ruins of the old West Pier that closed in 1975. It has since suffered from collapse, fire and storms leaving little but memories of times gone by.
It's now just an over sized perch for the seagulls .
I thought I would include it in my second Brighton beach painting before it disappears forever !
Sadly whilst painting it I heard news of a fire on Eastbourne's Pier 40 miles along the coast. It all seems such a shame, another part of our coastal heritage in ruins  .

Fire on Eastbourne pier, July 2014

So my painting seems very poignant at this time....


                                               "Flight to West pier"

Painting the view towards West pier at Brighton

                                     
                                Painting Brighton Beach part 1

Paintings of Brighton beach, Part 1

Brighton beach

"Oh I do like to be beside the seaside " :)
 So in this wonderful weather that's where I went !
I took myself down to Brighton again whilst the sun was shining. The tourist season is now well underway and the beach is full of fun and colour.
I usually avoid Brighton at this time of year as it gets so busy, but I wanted to capture some Summertime views . I wasn't disappointed and came back with lots of ideas for painting.
There will definitely be two on the easel from my day out.
The first is the carousel that's situated on the beach. Bright, colourful and seaside fun.
                                                "Seaside Carousel"
                                     Acrylic on box canvas 16"x 20"x 1.5"
I loved this view of the carousel as it looks like the horses are galloping out to sea .
A subject with lots of detail and so vibrant!!!
 I started work on the canopy first , there's a lot of lights to paint in so I thought I can skip back and forth to avoid getting bored.

Starting work on the canopy

We now have a heat wave which makes painting with acrylics very hard ! The paint dries on the brush before you can get it on the canvas, especially with the small brushes that I'm using.

Starting to add the horses to the carousel

I have persevered and made a little more progress to the top and also started to paint in the horses.

Painting in the base

Putting in the base means I can now flit about the painting adding bits as I go and building up the layers on the larger areas. I really need to add more of the lights next .

 

Most of today was spent adding the lights! When the canopy is finished I will give it a wash of dark vermilion to put it in the shade. 

.....a few days later.....

The hot weather has meant progress has been frustratingly slow but I have plodded on and finally finished! ....

"Seaside Carousel" Brighton beach painting

                                             
    More paintings of Brighton "Helter Skelter", "Pier View"
                                                  "Brighton pavilion"

Painting Cuckmere Haven and the Seven Sisters

Some of my paintings of Cuckmere Haven and the Seven Sisters

Cuckmere Haven is one of my favourite places. The views over the sea against the backdrop of the Seven Sisters is stunning. So much colour and all so beautiful!
This is the fifth time I have painted a scene from the area and probably not the last.
I started my walk at Seaford beach climbing  up the steep slope of Seaford Head . Not exactly the easiest of walks but well worth the effort !

The walk along the cliff's edge was delightful, bright sunshine, warm breezes and an array of wild flowers to brighten my route

Walking along the cliff top at Seaford Head

The path took me past Hope Gap and on to the coast guard cottages at Cuckmere Haven and yet more wonderful views.

                                            "Cuckmere Haven"
                                         Acrylic on box canvas 32" x 16"x 1.5" 

Painting of the cottages and Seven Sisters