Happy New Year 2016

Happy New Year. The later half of last year went in a complete blur and apologies for not posting anything since July. Much of my painting was curtailed from late August through to October due to my son being injured in the Shoreham Air Disaster. Thankfully he has made a good recovery.

In December, I had an exhibition at the Watermill theatre restaurant in Bagnor, Newbury entitled "Venice at the Watermill". See photos below including a Gondolas painting finished since Open studios.

Venice at the Watermill

Gondola's in the late afternoon light

Amazing light in Rome

It is amazing what wonderful sunlight can do to your mood. I really loved the light in this market square, Campo de' Fiori in Rome. There were lovely shadows in the market place from the stalls and the people. I can still imagine just sitting down for lunch or a coffee.

Sunlight and shadows, Campo de'Fiori 

I managed to finish it just in time for open studios. It was much admired!

Open studio final update

Thanks to everyone who visited my open studios during May. The last day was very busy! I had lovely comments in my visitors book, the demonstrations were very popular.

I have included more stages of the painting I started at the beginning of the open studio - see below. Will post the final version in my blog when it is finished.

Painting after first weekend

Friday 15th May

Saturday 16th May

Sunday 17th May

Open studios update and photos

Thanks to all the visitors who came to visit me over the first weekend. I have been delighted by the lovely comments about my artwork and also about what people learned behind the scenes. I am open for a further weekend on Friday 15th, Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th, 11am-5pm. I am also happy to open at any time by appointment in May.

I have included a few photos of the studio and paintings on walls for those who are not able to visit.

As part of the open studio I have started a new large painting, below are some photos of the progress at different stages. I will also be demonstrating my paper preparation techniques as detailed in a previous blog entry.

Large canvas with sienna ground

First stage sketch to get an idea of composition

First colours on canvas

Open Studio - 2nd-4th May 11am-5pm

Only 2 days to go now before my studio is open. See the directory details for times and directions at http://www.open-studios.org.uk/.

I will be demonstrating some of the mediums I use such as painting canvas's in acrylic, demonstrating how I prepare paper for life drawing and also painting watercolour sketches.

I have included some photos below of the stages of a painting I am currently working on. It was a warm day with people browsing the art stalls along the river in Rome. The dappled sunlight through the plane trees was wonderful. The painting is almost finished so come and see it in my studio.

New Venice watercolours

Only 4 days to go to open studios and today I am looking through my sketches of Venice to mount a few of them. My favourite are those of gondolas on the Grand Canal. I can picture the gondolas bobbing up and down and the postures of the gondoliers as they delicately steer their boats. You need to have incredible strength .. I am sure it is not as easy as it looks. Below are a few of my recent favourites:-

These watercolours are done with Schmincke pan watercolours and a large squirrel brush for either washing or finer marks. I use a sepia crayon to capture a few key lines. I always need to remind myself to keep it simple. Sometimes less is more in these small sketches.

If you want to learn more about my watercolour painting, come along to my open studio in May or email liz@lizmilburn.co.uk to visit by appointment.

New cards for Open Studios 2015

I have been packaging up my new cards which are prints of my latest Rome paintings. I'm pleased with the quality, they bring back happy memories of Rome. See photos below, they will be available to buy at my Open Studio in May.