Jane's Blog www.lakelandartcourses.co.uk

Easy steps to paint trees and water

2012-01-31T17:43:00.001Z

Blea Tarn watercolour by Jane Ward

Just finished this watercolour of Blea Tarn for The Online watercolourcourse it's exciting working on some new projects. This study shows easy steps to paint 'trees' and 'water' and using a limited palette an ideal way to improve colour mixing.

I once visited Blea Tarn very early in the morning, thinking the Langdale pikes would be beautifully reflected into the calm small tarn. It's quite a trek from Keswick to get to, so you can imagine I was little disappointed with the sun full on the pikes without not one shadow showing their wonderful shapes or even a slight reflection in the Tarn. The moral of the story is figure out the direction of sunlight before setting the alarm clock!

Walking in the snow at long last

2012-01-29T14:39:00.000Z

I want to share this photo, I was delighted with it. The cold mist was floating amongst the trees, and then a hint of sunshine caught it. I just needed the Deer that I saw later on! Going in search of snow yesterday found us walking up 'Dodd' not the biggest fell around but amazing views. Pennines on one side to the hills of Scotland on the other Clear skies and no wind a perfect place for a sandwich and hot Chocolate on the summit to admire the Northern fells. The met office is forecasting cold but sunny weather for Cumbria, fingers crossed for some outdoor painting/sketching.

Towards the Helvellyn range from Dodd, I wonder if Ken's been up here!

Walking in the first snow of 2012

Painting with an art group

2012-01-24T16:29:00.000Z

Autumn Morning, Derwentwater

I had a great day with the Mungisdale art group yesterday. We worked through a step by step of the painting above, what's exciting to see is the different styles and interpretation of every ones work. I also gave a brief talk about opaque and transparent colours, I feel it makes a difference to understanding the magical watercolour medium. In 'Autumn Morning' we only used mainly primary transparent colours which enabled us to give many washes and glazes without creating muddy colours. Creating a cool and warm palette can also help when painting distance, using Cobalt Blue helped to portray distant fells. Knowing how watercolours react and what they can achieve I feel helps enormously with positive painting.

I have one place left on Watercolour weekend for beginners Saturday 18th and 19th February if you would like more information email lakelandart@hotmail.co.uk

Fabriano Hot pressed and Daniel Smith watercolours

2012-01-19T12:16:00.000Z

Apples 1

Apples was the subject for my Wednesday monthly class. A real change from landscapes and quite challenging but above all fun. Fabriano hot pressed watercolour paper was used, I must say I was pleased with how it reacted to the intense watercolours, Daniel Smith Gamboge also came up trumps, I only have a few shades of these gorgeous watercolours but will certainly be adding to them in the future. Apples 1 was painted quickly as a practise run. Then Apples (2) I demonstrated to the class on Wednesday morning. Everyone had brought some fruit in and the results were excellent. I think it's a good idea to set up a still life, when the weather is not suitable for outdoor painting or you just need something different to paint. We all get caught up in our safety blankets and sometimes trying something new opens doors to new creativity.

Apples 2

The sunset on Wednesday over Keswick certainly caught my attention, I wonder what shades to use, maybe Naples yellow, blending into gamboge a touch of permanent rose and which blue? Maybe Pthalo or even Ultramarine!

Catbells a perfect walk from Keswick

2012-01-16T21:17:00.001Z

Beautiful sunny weather over the weekend, had my scrambling and slipping up Catbells.

It's a great walk for anyone staying in Keswick and gives wonderful views towards Skiddaw, on Saturday

the coast and Solway was in clear view. Looking towards Derwentwater on the left was sunny and bright but not really a painting scene. On the right hand side down into Newlands Valley cool frosty blues and yellow greens where the sun was warming the frost away, the distant misty fells of Buttermere just help to make this more of a painting.

Newlands from Catbells

Ard Crags and Causey Pike from Catbells, these well named fells are

'Ard to get up and can Causey a little scramble to the top pike'

Looking back to Catbells from Latrigg

Buttermere inspired by George Harrison

2012-01-06T15:09:00.000Z

Buttemere painted in watercolours

Size 14.5 x 6.5 inches unframed

For Sale £95.00

Just finished Buttermere watercolour, I so enjoyed painting this on Two Rivers paper

using a very limited palette of three primary colours.

Listening to George Harrison playing 'All things must pass' fantastic to paint along to

and a beautiful Album.

To purchase this watercolour email lakelandart@hotmail.co.uk

Bluebell Wood Signed Print

2012-01-05T15:25:00.000Z

Bluebell Wood Signed print

Framed £50.00 + £7 next day postage

Size 14.5 x 20 inches approx

Dare I say 'Dire Damp Day' in Keswick

2012-01-04T17:09:00.008Z

The resolutions are still on track, mind looking out of my art room, see above it's been

another 'Dire Damp Day' But I've stayed inspired. Mind I've not been over the doorstep yet!

Good indoor painting weather, music on, heating on, plenty of coffee and away you go.

This is my latest Online watercolour project, it's a great one to follow and using a limited palette with some great tips and techniques included. If you would like to sign up and do the Online Watercolour course of six projects for £45 just let me know and I'll send you the 1st one to get started. Perfect for these Dire Damp Days

And if those Dire Damp days get too much, there is nothing like a painting holiday in Italy

to look forward to I've a few places left on 23rd to 30th June. Blue skies, warm sunshine, perfect lapping water to paint beside and Italian food, what more can I say just get in touch lakelandart@hotmail.co.uk

Hippy happy New year from Keswick

2012-01-03T17:49:00.001Z

Happy New year to everyone, lets hope its a good one. I always feel quite excited at the prospect

of a new year. I've stretched some watercolour paper so ready for whatever is going to inspire!

Maybe not the weather, today and the last two weeks in Keswick has been pretty dire, no walking in snow covered fells or teetering on the ice. It's been let's battle against the winds and driving rain.

But let's hope not for long! Do I make resolutions? Of course I do

Every year to loose weight, get fitter and try and cut down on Red wine, Chocolate and Coffee

These usually go out the window before the 1st week of January!

This years

Be inspired,stay inspired, and open my mind to new ideas and adventures. Make dreams come true.

I'll keep you posted on how they go along, it could be exciting times.

Barrow on Boxing Day

Skiddaw about 4.15pm today

From a blustery, no it was, I think pretty gale force at the top of Latrigg

looking towards Derwentwater.

My top five Winter paintings

2011-12-24T14:20:00.000Z

Well here is my top five winter paintings, I enjoyed going back and finding some of my old favourites and there certainly will be no new snow in Keswick tomorrow for Christmas day, the met office is

forecasting 13 degrees!

Number five Skiddaw in Winter painted in pastels

Number four Sharp Edge painted in pastels on the wonderful 'Wallis paper'

I had ten sheets shipped across from America

Number three Stickle Tarn painted in Pastels.

I was supposed to be sketching at Grasmere but the magnificent Langdales caught my attention instead, so after a slippery walk up to Stickle Tarn which was all worth it for the stunning cold view.

Number two Winter flock painted in Oils, I saw enjoyed painting this little picture

Number One Striding Edge of course, this was the painting that gave me the confidence to go for a dream.

'Alf Roberts' off 'Coronation Street' bought my first Striding Edge at The British Painters Exhibition.

Happy Christmas to everyone

and Many thanks for following my blog it really does help me keep creative.

My top ten winter paintings

2011-12-22T15:11:00.000Z

With temperatures around a barmy 11 degrees, I don't think we will be having a white Christmas here in Keswick, but I still have my fingers crossed. So here is my top ten favourite winter paintings just to remind you of a white Christmas. I'll post the top five tomorrow.

Castlerigg Stone Circle painted in pastels.

Sharp Edge painted in watercolours

The lost valley, Glencoe painted in watercolours. This really was sketched on site, be it a quick sketch!

On the Edge painted in pastels.

After a three hour slog to the top, I knew the view would be breathtaking, a sketch with crampons on.

Rannoch Moor, Scottish Highlands painted in pastels. Two puffa jackets need for this sketch and this was just in the car.

A little beauty on Derwentwater

2011-12-16T18:22:00.000Z

Beautiful, Beautiful morning down at Derwentwater, it was a little grey to start and then the clouds opened and 'Wow' the fells look so magnificent with snow and the lake was still and silent.

Panaramic Catbells and Friars Crag perfect reflections

The best seat in the house, perched on the end of Friars Crag

What materials to buy a beginner of watercolor

2011-12-11T13:45:00.000Z

When you start watercolour painting it can be a bit daunting knowing what materials to buy. Here is a list that I would suggest and is ideal for starting the Watercolor Online Course this course is ideal for beginners and those who would like to improve further with watercolours at £45.00 for six projects if you would like more information just email me

Watercolour paper either a block which means it is already stretched and ready for painting, after finishing simply take a knife and run it round the edges and take the paper off, you are then ready to work on a new piece of paper.
A watercolour pad or singular piece of watercolour paper these all come in different weights 140lb I find that this does need stretching or 200lb or even 300lb both of these can be painted on without stretching. I like to work on a 'Not' surface. This has a very slightly rough texture ideal for landscape painting.
Bockingford, Fabriano or Arches are all excellent watercolour paper.

Watercolour paint comes in either tubes or pan sets I prefer tubes when painting indoors I find I can achieve more tonal strength with these, but pan sets are ideal for outdoor painting.
Winsor and Newton or Daler Rowney both do student quality which is ideal to start painting with and then to move onto artist quality

The First Online Watercolour Course uses the following colours
Ultramarine Blue, Cobalt Blue, Winsor Blue, Gamboge Yellow, Raw Sienna, Yellow Ochre, Burnt Sienna, Viridian, Permanent Rose, Cadmium Red and some White Gouache paint

Brushes I enjoy using a 1inch Hake, number 12 and 8 round, 1inch flat synthetic and number 6 and 4 sable riggers these can all be bought from http://www.rosemaryandco.com/

Mixing palettes can be bought but working at home you can't beat white china saucers!
A large container for water, I like the large collapsible water containers.
2b pencil, rubber, masking tape and a small sponge I find a household washing up sponge ideal torn into small pieces

Wild weather in Keswick

2011-12-09T16:35:00.000Z

What weather Britain is having, Keswick nearly saw terrible floods yesterday, the new flood defences were certainly tested. With the river Greta rising at a rapid rate. Today however the winds have dropped and fresh wet snow on the fells and just the occasional hail storm, brought some of us down to the Lakeshore to see how high it was.This is the ticket office for the launch and luckily it looks like it just missed been flooded.

'Barf' what a strange name for a small mountain! With snow and mist circling around it's rocky top, it looked quite Alpine.I wanted to paint today, but inspiration didn't get there and with daylight hours at a minuim time ran out. Instead inspiration hit a big pan of Leek, bacon and potato soup!

Christmas cards for artists

2011-12-07T17:26:00.000Z

Even the old post boxes can make a painting. I demonstrated a similar picture to this once, and it makes a perfect Christmas card! A little snow on the dry stone wall, Cadmium red of course for the box and you can even pop your own message on the post box. Because once you start sending out painted Christmas cards to friends and family that's it, they won't be happy with a box standard M&S card!

Or you can cheat and I do have a pack of five Christmas cards for £7 inc p&p

Today in the Lakes it's been pretty nasty weather and tomorrow is supposed to be worse!

I've been sending out Christmas vouchers for painting holidays, they come with a personalised card and can be put towards any Workshop, Course or Italian holiday.

Just email for more details

lakelandart@hotmail.co.uk

Castlerigg Stone circle

2011-12-06T18:52:00.001Z

I don't know how long it's( It's been Snow!) going to last but here are a couple of photo's I took this afternoon. Leaving Keswick and driving up to the Castlerigg stone circle, the temperature dropped and the snow appeared. The stone circle has a tremendous view with Clough head reaching down to Helvellyn and round to Dalehead and across to Grizdale, this is without mentioning mighty Blencathra and Skiddaw. I had the pochade box but was spoilt for what to paint and not enough time.

But a famous actors quote ' I'll be back'

The first Snow showers

2011-12-05T19:05:00.000Z

Misty snow showers on Derwentwater
Grey, cold and lots of snow flurries in Keswick the first taste of winter. With this happening and so my seasonal painting will change I'm sure! Gone maybe are warm Oranges and replaced with harmonising Blues and Liliacs . Donning full winter wear, ready to face Antarctic conditions a walk through Springs wood and down to Derwentwater, with barely a soul to be seen. It is a joy at this time of the year having the lake free from crowds.

Watercolour and pastels on fisher 400

2011-11-30T17:13:00.000Z

There's nothing quite like trying a new painting technique/ method on a wet grey day. Put the music on and be a little carefree. I decided to have a go at a watercolour base with pastel on top. I stretched some fisher 400 pastel paper, but could have managed without stretching. Then applied some wet in wet transparent watercolour mixes letting them merge together. You can see that a large bumble bee took the place of St Herberts Island on Derwentwater. But I was feeling carefree so no worries.

Stage two came when the paper was bone dry and back to flat it did lift a little with the watercolour. I wanted to create a pale distance feel to the Lake and back fells with a little more detail for Catbells. I enjoy working with underpainting and find pastels much easier this way. So after painting the background and lake I started on the foreground with much brighter and more detailed shapes and colours. I find squinting does help to paint negative shapes ie the foliage.

So the outcome Watercolour base with Pastels, I really enjoyed working this way the Fisher 4oo paper worked a treat with plenty of tooth, for those who don't like the pastel sandpaper why not try a stretched piece of canson paper.

Watercolour Stage

'Catbells'

Painted in pastels

For Sale at Moot Hall ,Keswick

Thursday 1st, Friday 2nd and Saturday 3rd December 11

Lake Iseo watercolour paintings

2011-11-28T12:26:00.000Z

Here are some of my Lake Iseo paintings some where painted on location enjoying warm sunshine, beautiful light and enticing smells of Jasmine, and gently lapping turquoise waters. Others were painted in my studio with Italian music playing and good Italian coffee at the ready. I hope you enjoy.

Una vacanza pittura Italiana

2011-11-23T21:49:00.000Z

Come and paint in the Italian Lakes and stay in one of the most beautiful hotels in Italy

This is one of many reviews about the wonderful Rivalago Hotel, I wanted to share with you ........Tucked away down a narrow road ,off the main thoroughfare in Sulzano,lies an Italian gem. Hotel Rivalago has been lovingly created with flair and imagination by owners Antonella and Gianluca-two of the nicest people you will ever meet.They are proud of their achievement.And rightly so. Crisp,cool,inviting,friendly,restfull-the beautiful interior is very easy on the eye.Floral arrangements are dotted around the hotel creating a freshness and relaxing ambience.Attention to detail is truly amazing.And service has that extra special touch. Ideally positioned on the side of LAKE ISEO-the nicest of the Italian lakes.Relax in the outdoor pool which is just metres away from the lake.Sunbathe on the wood-decked terrace, with the water lapping underneath.You will not find a better view. The beautifully appointed bedrooms are spacious and comfortable and have an airy, intimate feel............. You can see why it makes an ideal location for a 'Lakeland Art Course,do get in touch if you would like a brochure or more details

lakelandart@hotmail.co.uk

http://www.rivalago.it/

Swaledales in the snow

2011-11-21T15:28:00.003Z

Winter Flock painted in Oils by Jane Ward

Signed Mounted prints £30 + £5 p&p

My fellow artist friend Alan took a fantastic photo of these gorgeous Sheep and he was kind enough to let me have a bash at the Flock so I've Just finished this painting, and I must say I really enjoyed painting it using Oils, I'm going to have a go with watercolours and see how different the outcome is. I used once again a very limited palette and tried to get light into the painting, I think it may be more difficult in watercolours but we'll see, I'll keep you posted.

Striding Edge, Helvellyn signed print

2011-11-15T15:08:00.000Z

Striding Edge, Helvellyn

Signed print by Jane Ward

Signed, Mounted and Framed £50.00

Signed and Mounted £28.00

Size 300x210 mm

A classic view of the most famous ridge walk in the Lake District.

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A wash of Watercolour

2011-11-02T17:06:00.000Z

Calm Waters Derwentwater painted in Watercolours

It's all go here in Lakeland Studio, with my exhibition looming on Sunday, we have paintings dotted all round the house, I'm really looking forward to seeing it hanging at Moot Hall in Keswick. With Italian scenes amongst Lakeland fells and Scottish dramatic peaks painted in watercolours, pastels and some of my new pochade paintings. If you are passing come in and say hello.

I painted Calm Waters with a very limited palette of 3 colours and with no pencil sketching, just straight in with a wash of colour, I used a 'pentel aqua brush, I find these brushes that come in a pack of three sizes are excellent for tonal paintings, and for quick outdoor colour washes.

Favourite tea room walk in the Lake District.

2011-10-28T17:38:00.000+01:00

Walking to Watendlath from Rosthwaite for a cup of tea is a delightful experience. After dropping some leaflets at Scafell Hotel for the painting holiday next year, Bex's and I climbed up the sunny path on Rosthwaite fell.This is my favourite walk to a tea room and sharing it with someone who has never been before is a joy. Dare I say the leaves are just a wonderful colour, the Lakes at this time of the year are amazing. I suggested looking through the pine trees below reminded my of the colours in the south of France!

So up the fell we went and then down into the small picturesque hamlet for a pot of Earl Grey and flapjack, had a look in on some herdwicks.

More bronzed leaves waiting to be painted!

Then back up the fell and down once again into Rosthwaite all for a cup of tea!

Catbells painted in Oils Size 10x 8 inches

I've just mounted this ready for my exhibition next week at

Moot Hall Keswick starting Sun 6th November.

A walk up Latrigg

2011-10-24T17:12:00.000+01:00

A quick walk up Latrigg, with the weather sunny and warm I wondered how many more days we might have like this.I wanted to start a painting today but nothing quite caught my attention. Sketchbook and paints were even taken up Latrigg but brought home unused! My excuse was 'the wind at the top was pretty gusty' So today was a taking note of colours, I've noticed that some Autumn leaves are really Opaque especially in the foreground while the transparent ones seem to be in the distance. Might try out this theory!

Love the negative shapes the branches make.

Sparkling Derwentwater in the distance

Storm clouds looming over Derwentwater.