Christmas Hols

Did a quick painting on the way back from Broad Street DIY.

Went for a blow over Malvern with the boys and did a quick sketch of British Camp whilst they tackled the final hill.

Peter Falk

Don't know why I picked this character other than that I wanted someone with an interesting face. First 'portrait' in oils. Tricky to get right tones. No way is it finished but don't really know how to progress.

Quick Still Life

Did in evening class. The others persuaded me to leave it as it was and not to fiddle!

Starting in oils

Since the summer hols, I have started dabbling with oils. Enjoying it. Only thing is, it takes so LNG to dry!

Worcester Shopping

Bec and I spent the morning shopping in Worcester. Whilst she was having fun in her favourite shop, I sat with my back to the cathedral and did a quick sketch of the high street shopping area.

Camberley High Street

Whilst the others were spending ages round the shops, I stood on the corner of the High Street and had fun painting the jumble of shops (above the modern facades, the buildings still had logs of their original features). As still not confident about sketching in public, was relieved that only 3 people stopped to look (and they were all very nice).

Westbury Court Gardens

The end of a lovely weekend camping south of Hereford. The sun came out late afternoon and we sat here (Bec engrossed in her book). Before we knew it, we were being kicked out as they were closing up!

Shropshire

Bec and I had a lovely weekend in Shropshire. We took our National Trust and English Heritage cards and zipped round loads of super places. Our first stop was Much Wenlock Priory which was so peaceful. We sat on a bench where Bec read and I did a quick sketch.

Summer Break in Wales

Bec and I took the boys on holiday to Wales. Got a last minute booking at a lovely barn conversion cottage near Aberaeron.

First ride of the Summer Hols!

Went for a nice gentle cycle around Feckenham and Hanbury. Beautiful day. Flopped dwn in the corner of a field and did a couple of quick sketches. Tired after a really hard year so lacked patience to draw. Hope it comes back!

Neighbour's New Frontage

One of our neighbours had a nice new driveway.

Minehead Whitsun Bank Holiday

Had a lovely few days in Minehead. This sketch done on a windy morning with an achy back!

Can't get that horse!

Just can't seem to get that horse's likeness!

Gronau

We went on the Bromsgrove twinning visit to Gronau in Germany.
Quick sketch done on the coach on the way. The others are in Gronau itself, the first being our hosts pub and the other their local church.

Life Drawing Two

Second go. Much more popular this time - about twelve people. Tried my hand at new conte sticks. Found them nice to use but needed a larger scale!

Windy Day Cycle Ride

Decided to go for a cycle ride to wake myself up. Threw in my little black book just in case! A really windy day!

It he tree in the first sketch grabbed my attention as I cycled down a lane in the lee of Piper's Hill so I sat down on the verge and did a quick sketch.

I then intended to go to Hanbury Hall but when I arrived there was informed it was shut, somI cycled along a little further and cut though a field. Unfortunately, the hall was obscured by trees so I decided to sketch the orangery. So cold I drew with gloves on. The wind kept blowing my pages over!

Tardebigge Farm

This time a very quick sketch (took my bike this time).

Tardebigge Farm

Just bought an Alwyn Crawshaw book (2nd hand) entitled The Half Hour Painter. Thought I'd have a go. Drove along to a spot on one of my usual cycle routes whilst Miles was at karate and tried my hand. Took a bit longer than half an hour though!

Good Friday Bike Ride

The late snow we have had had pretty much cleared and we woke up to a sunny first day of the Easter Hols. So I decided to go on one of my favourite cycle rides - Belbroughton, Chaddesley Corbett and Rushock.

First sketch was done sitting at back of Holy Trinity Church at Belbroughton.
Second one is of one of my favourite pubs - The Talbot at Chaddesley Corbett.

Sun went in after Chaddesley stop so most of the return journey wes done with numb fingers - ouch!

Steven Gerrard

As I had decorated Dom's bedroom, I thought it would be nice to try and do a Liverpool picture for his wall. Much as I hate copying anything other than my own photos, I found this picture of Steven Gerrard on the Internet. The first is the second stage of the pastel painting and the later one is the fourth. Looks more like Prince Charles in a Liverpool kit to me!

A little horse!

Kenilworth Castle

Bec had to do a risk assessment recci. I snatched 15 min. Very cold but I had a coffee to warm me up.

Life class

I attended a life drawing session - my first one. Very hard!

Very old paintings from my sketchpad