Sunday 31 August 2014

Sketchbook Sunday








My is sketchbook is always on hand even early in the morning.  This simple teabag was such a pretty colour  (some kind of flower and fruit mix) that I was tempted to make a little watercolour sketch.
Perhaps I'll have a go painting with the tea next time!






This man was enjoying an 'aperitivo' outside a bar....but the big terracotta vase was in my way.  I did think of putting a dog there instead, but I'm not very good at dogs.  The big vases should have plants or a bush of some kind but sadly there was only a few weeds and lots of cigarette butt ends.


I've also been practicing some figure drawing using http://artists.pixelovely.com/
A useful site that gives you the choice of many poses, faces, hands and feet.....better than watching TV in the evening!

Here are some more.





Sunday 24 August 2014

Somewhere in the Middle




Living on an island it seems pretty normal to paint the coastline and boats but some of my favourite views are inland.  The Sicily I love is somewhere in the middle of nowhere.  A road that takes you winding up and over the hills, big wide spaces and endless scenery.
I'm not sure I would find this spot again, but I imagine that in the summer months the hill becomes sandy yellow as the hot sun beats down.  Quite a lonely place to live too!

Oil on mdf panel 40x40cms

Sunday 17 August 2014

Tea With a View



oil painting on mdf panel  24x28 cms 


A couple enjoying a rest from sightseeing caught my eye as they sat sipping drinks on a terrace.  It was the light on the chap's hat that kept my attention, they were also sitting at the table with the best view and to be honest I was envious!
The restaurant was high up looking over the sea and rooftops on a glorious sunny day, what more could you ask for, except for a seat outside on the terrace...ggrrrrrr.

I wanted to try something different so I  collaged some ripped newspaper, tissue and wallpapery bits to make a border.  Not sure if it worked or not but the idea was to capture the old fashioned atmosphere of the restaurant.






I've no idea who the couple are but the man had a white beard and could have been American or Canadian   If you do happen to recognise yourself in this painting or perhaps friends who had a holiday in Sicily this June please let me know.
I have forgiven them for grabbing the best table by the way!



Sunday 10 August 2014

Summer Sketching





I've photographed a few pages from my sketchbook, the first is a corner of my friend's house.
It was built by my friend's grandfather in 1920's and stands on top of a hill over looking the coast.
I'm very tempted to make a larger painting of it.







A slice of water melon...very summery!  This was a melon grown across the road...this year a lemon grove was turned into a little market garden.  This is happening more and more as work gets harder to find and  people are going back to their roots, trying to make a business out of the resources they have.
The  melon was delicious by the way!






A windy afternoon  and a quick sketch on the beach.  this one is in my smallest moleskine sketchbook, the one that slips into the side pocket of my bag.
I hope you're having a good summer!

Sunday 3 August 2014

Flotilla







Freshly painted fishing boats drawn up on the beach in readiness for the annual 'festa' , when a small flotilla sets off around the bay.  It's a popular occasion which the whole village comes out to see, hoping of course for sunny afternoon. 

My painting is in mixed media on mdf board, 25x50 cms