Sunday 30 December 2012

End of the Year....




It's that time when we reflect on the year that is coming to a close.   How was yours?
I feel as if I've just got off a roller coaster ride... the ups and downs have made this year one I won't forget.

The biggest event was being present at the birth of my first grandchild, a beautiful baby boy.



I was also thrilled to win 3rd runner up in the UKCPS Annual Open Exhibition.



















I treated myself to some special watercolours with the vouchers I received as my prize.





I'm still playing around with them, trying to get used to the colours.  It's like learning to paint again!
Here are two sketches, the first is painted with my usual Maimeri watercolours, the second with my new
Schmincke watercolours.








The blue skies and warm evening sun was on Christmas eve (aren't we lucky?)

There have been exhibitions and I've sold work so 2012 has been fairly successful, here's hoping that next year will be even better...without the roller coaster please!
Happy New Year to all. x


18 comments:

Sarah Melling said...

Happy New Year to you, Cathy! I look forward to another year of visits to enjoy your beautiful work!

Introverted Art said...

wow Cathy, these are beautiful watercolors...

debra morris said...

Lovely work Cathy. Congratulations on your grandchild. Wishing you a very Happy New Year

Judy said...

Beautiful work, Cathy! Happy New Year!

Vandy said...

Happy New Year, Cathy. I always love looking at your blog. Have fun with your paints in 2013.

Lucia B. said...

Dear Cathy, your works always look so bright and peaceful, their colours are a joy for the eye! Congratulations for the great events of this year in your life and in your artistic career. 2012 has been very difficult for me, I hope next year will be at least more relaxing... Happy new year!

Cathy Holtom said...

Thank you happy New year to you all!
Lucia - I'm hoping for a more relaxing year too :)

Unknown said...

Happy New Year to you too. I hope 2013 is even more successful for you and inspiring too.

Studio at the Farm said...

A very Happy new Year to you, Cathy!!!

Unknown said...

Cathy,
Congratulations on a completed 2012 with art sales and a lot of painting done. That is major success in my book. I am drooling over your new Schminke watercolor set. Do you find much difference in the paint compared to your Maimeri paint set? I studied your two pictures painted with each set and both have wonderful color. Maybe it's not the paint but the painter!

Unknown said...

Hi Barbara, the Schminke watercolours are much more creamy and have stronger pigments. I find I have to add a lot more water to get transparent colour. I'm still exploring what they can do and will post a better review next year!

Dan Kent said...

Happy New Year Cathy! Love your watercolors, no matter the paints. I am excited for you - it looks like the Rolls Royce of w/c paints! I have always been timid about changing my palette or brand. I admire your boldness. Happy New Year!

nanke's stuff said...

Cathy, you will love being a grandparent (I know you're loving it already - it's the best!). Congratulations on your artistic successes this year. I hope 2013 brings you many more. Good for you for treating yourself to the new watercolors - I'm sure you'll love them! nancy

Beth said...

Congrats on your win and I must tell you how much I love your sketches

Jane said...

Happy New Year to you too Cathy and here's to a year full of lots more of the joys and successes you have experienced in the past year (I love that baby foot photo, by the way). Your two different watercolours both have that luminosity and lightness of touch of yours - delightful as ever.

Sandra said...

Wow! what a year. The pictures are so well done. How delightful to have a grandbaby.

tree said...

Nice artwork!

Alex said...

Gorgeous artwork and congratulations on being a grandmother! :) so happy for you