SOLD

This is my latest Painting which I finished last night. The scene is inspired by the Park at the rear of my house. I have used this a few times  with different characters in the paintings. I have only just been able to pick up my brushes as Chrismas has taken over in the house. Now its passed by I have more time to think and be inspired.
 I had a wonderful weekend in Plymouth a couple of weeks ago and took some really nice photos of the little shops in the Barbican and of the Hoe with the lighthouse. I have never been to the sea in wintertime before and I found it wonderful to walk on the beach ,all be it a wee bit chilly. A cup of hot chocolate with cream and marshmallows at a beachside cafe soon warmed me up. I never realised how big Plymouth was until I rode in a wheel (Plymouth's version Of the London Eye). I was petrified by this but the view was phenomenal.The town was cheery with a skating rink and xmas market. Lovely  winter break all in all.
We got back to the full on rush of Christmas shopping ,school plays and Chrismification of the house and so Painting has gone on the back burner for at least two weeks.
Now its full steam ahead as my bank balance is looking sad and I have fees to find for my next Ou module. So I shall hope to get to work over the next few weeks with some serious art work.
I think I have told you that I do some work with young teenagers. I find their ideas for art really fabulous. I met a young person last week who was working in inks and bleach, something I have never considered doing my self until now. She had drawn a London scene with a reddish /orange ink wash sky and had drawn Big Ben in biro. She was taking out light spaces with bleach and the overall effect was outstanding. of course like most of the young people I meet, she didn't realise how fantastic she was. I myself do at times find it frustrating when painting to sell, that what I want to have a go at might not be what is popular out there in the market. I do try and do a bit of what makes me happy too . I have a brand new sketchbook, bought for me by my Husband and so far it is still blank ,but hoping to catch some ideas in it soon. Any way People, thanks for reading my blog, have a nice Chrismas break and a Happy new year to you all! Carolyn x x
Ps  If you like this work and want to buy, follow this link to my ebay site. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/170965373859?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649

I just had some really good news I'd like to share. I found out today that I passed the Social Psychology course I took with the Open University this year. I really want to thank all the people who have bought and continue to buy my paintings because I use the money from my art to finance my studies.
This year has been quite a challenge as I have struggled to work, paint and study which at times has had a huge impact on my family life. I am really grateful to my Husband and kids who have tolerated living with me whilst frantically painting or sitting behind a book or in front of a computer. Other things (like house work) have slacked at times while I am engaged in these other passions. Forward and onward to Cognitive Psychology next year and many more paintings which I shall need to do to pay for it.

I hope you like this winter scene which I did some while ago and sold.  I haven't managed to get a painting done this week but I have one ready drawn out and ready to paint and have just sold last weeks painting.
I have had a busy weekend attending a family party in Plymouth. Whilst there, I did some Christmas shopping in the Barbican and I remembered to take my camera so I happily snapped away at the fantastic little shops and winding cobbled streets there. I found the little streets so inspiring and was able to get a lot of things photographed that will end up in my paintings. For example I saw a purple VW campervan and VW yellow beetle. I spotted an old fasioned bycyle outside a cake shop and a very stylish woman with an umbrella. all of these things are stored on my memory card to include in my street scenes.
 From our hotel room on Plymouth Hoe we had a panoramic view of the sea and Cornish coastline opposite the Plymouth sound.  We could also see the very attractive lighthouse called Smeatons tower and big wheel which we went up in this morning leaving me terrified but with a view to die for.
I was on a small shingle beach this morning and tonight I am back at home freezing in my chilly victorian house even though I have a log fire blazing and the heating on. The high ceilings and large rooms make it hard to heat but I do love its original features. I hope to share more work and inspirations with you soon.