At last–something to write about!

"A quiet day after recent snow, Manapouri."

I know, I know... I haven't written to you folk out there since last February and I was so determined to be more diligent about getting blogs out – hopefully, at least once a month. However, I now feel that I have something to write about.

Like so many others – I find it hard to get started, especially when it's a major task (or at least it feels like that) and so other things get put aside. I've been working on teaching DVDs, (the major task), and so other jobs around the house, and even painting, have been neglected.

However, the painting above is quite recent and was done in desperation really as I had a weekend painting school and had not painted for several weeks.

 I've talked with friends about the times when you don't paint and feel inadequate when you get started again. Consequently, I was worried that I would struggle to do a decent demonstration painting to get the school started. We often discuss these things when we're out painting and I think most of us feel the same.

So... Sam, my grandson and I went out searching so that I could feel more confident and this painting was the outcome.

I think this is probably the first I have done that is centred around just a bunch of trees, but they struck a chord with  me at the time, and with the rough surroundings–lanky grass, weeds, and snow on the low hills in the background, I thought they made a good subject.

I'm pleased with the outcome and so made it the subject of my  latest teaching disc that has just been released on vimeo - you'll find it on my DVD page. It will also be coming out on a disc in the next week or two... but I'm already busy planning the next one.

I think my editing skills are improving slowly so there should be more time available for this blog page. Hopefully!