Local Art Club Demonstration

I was asked to demonstrate painting in chalk pastel at an art club, and found it a very nerve racking experience.

I decided to work on another howling wolf (I'll be posting its progress later on) as I feel very relaxed with the subject as I figured work working while others watched could be a bit uncomfortable. I realised that I would have to talk as I painted too.

My set up at the demo - I even brought my own easel.

I really enjoyed it. Only a few had worked in chalk pastel before and as a result I had a lot of questions which was brilliant. The time flew, and I had a lot of positive feedback. I was even happy with the result.

It was a good experience.

Acers in Autumn

Acers in Autumn. Chalk pastel on mount board.

I lived for many years in South Korea, and it had 4 very distinct seasons. I have never experienced cold like I did in the winter. Spring was beautiful with cherry blossoms everywhere. Summer brought stifling humidity and typhoons (which were really scary). Autumn was stunning with warm, comfortable weather and every autumn colour you can imagine on every tree; burgundies, bright reds, oranges, golden yellows all set against cloudless blue skies.

I spent a lot of time in Gyeongiu, Korea's original captial, amongst it's temples and monuments painting and drawing. What a pleasure. This is where I worked on the original pastel painting of acers in autumn.

The original painting has sold, but prints and cards are still available on Etsy and Folksy.

National Trust for Scotland Commission

I was commissioned to paint the house and gardens at the Scottish National Trust's Greenbank Garden by the Trust as a gift for their retiring manager...

 I had forgotten how much I love architecture. Watch this space for more architecture paintings...

Scottish Highland Cow

Highland Cow, chalk pastel on board

If you are not from Scotland, Highland Cows are an unusual sight. They are huge, hairy (very), long horned (at all sorts of angles), come in a reddy brown blonde colour or black and rarely seem to move. I often wonder how they see (their hair falls over their eyes), but the calves are super cute.

This painting has sold, but you can buy prints and greetings cards through my shops on Etsy and Folksy.

I plan on doing a series of paintings. Watch this space.

Koi Carp

Koi Carp painted using chalk pastel on pastel paper.

I've just sold this painting. I'm sorry to see it go, I have to admit.

New Paintings

Here are a couple of new watercolours I have been working on... You can find out more about them at my Etsy shop.

Japanese Irises

Autumn Stream

Notelets for sale online

I have decided to combine my greetings cards into groups and sell them as notelets.

This way customers can buy selections of 5 cards at a cheaper price than buying 5 individually - you can still buy them separately.

You can find them in my shop.

Landscapes, including Arran Sunset, Sailing by Jura,
Kintra Beach Sunset, Iona Blue, Walking the Dog, Findhorn

Landscapes including Out to Sea, Smokey Jura,
Arran Rains, New Year's Day Troon, From Morar

Wildlife including Highland Cow, Howling Like The Wolf,
Snow Leopard, Proud Peacock, Snowshoe Hare

Woodland including Bluebell Stroll, Autumn Acers,
Blossoms and Hazel, Bluebell Sunshine, Snowdrop Carpet

5th Blog Anniversary

As of today I have been writing this blog for 5 years!

Here are my 3 most popular posts...

3. Running Cheetah 

 2. Time Constraints

 1. Snow Leopard

 Happy anniversary to me!

Introduction to Traditional Media: Watercolour

I will freely admit that I find painting in watercolour extremely difficult. Even so, I've written an article on the subject.

Wildflowers by Tracy Butler

I do use watercolours, but I decided to interview several artists in order to gain different points of view and experiences. Their contribution to my article was invaluable; so a big thank you goes to Alma Wolfson, Jessica Wolfson and Sheila Gold.

You can read the article here.

Sketching at Kelvingrove Art Gallery

I decided to do some sketching at Kelvingrove Art Gallery.

I had my trusty fold away stool, conte pencils, a clipboard with different coloured paper on it, and most importantly my iPod and favourite music.

From a bronze bust

My music is the only way I can block out the rest of the world, and allows me to enter my own as I nod away to favourite songs.

Well, except when someone comes along wanting to look at my work. Most people do it subtly over my shoulder or as they pass, but this one was a new one. She stood right in front of me peering down and then asked me what I was drawing and why I had stopped. I took a deep breath, and calmly pointed out that I was drawing the bust directly behind her, and that she was standing between me and my subject, so I could no longer see it. She just shrugged and walked away. I think she was surprised I couldn't see through her.

I really did have  a brilliant day. Sketching away from the studio should be done far more often.