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.