Just 10 days to go before the launch of the exhibition and I’m busy with a range of different tasks: painting, framing, publicity, etc, etc.
But I am really looking forward to showing my new work. The fishy paintings are always a pleasure.
You can now see a wee preview of the paintings on my Gallery page. I’m interested to hear what you think.
I’m really excited that my ranges of mugs, pine prints and cards are now on sale at the Highland Wildlife Park. I am lucky to be one of a number of local artists with work in the gift shop.
The display was set up at the weekend and is looking great.
I also got the chance to have a wander around the park as well. I saw the polar bears – including the newest arrival playing around – the snow monkeys and wildcats kittens. And for the first time when I’ve visited, the elusive wolverine was out and about. The fantastic weather just capped the day.
I’m looking forward to working with the park: it’s a brilliant visitor attraction.
And look out for my new polar bear mug – it’s coming soon!
I’m excited to reveal details of my new summer exhibition, Superfly, which is on at Logie Steading from June 30 – July 8.
As you know, I’ve been working on loads of new paintings, trying to capture the magic of fishing that you don’t see because it’s underwater. These new works feature fishing flies that have just been cast across the loch. I’ve been striving to portray the way the light goes through the water. It’s all about showing how the bubbles and ripples distort the reflective film of the water.
I’ve also been inspired by the big fancy camera they used on the BBC’s Blue Planet 2 and I’ve tried to show what’s above and below the surface. Painting in this way allows me to add greater context to the underwater pictures.
The exhibition will be in the Long Room at Logie Steading, near Forres. The Long Room is between the whisky shop and farm shop, right next to the car park so you can’t miss it!
And you’re invited to the launch night on June 30, from 6-8pm, when you can enjoy your art with a wee glass of something and I’ll be around to chat about the paintings (or fishing!)
My craft fair season starts next month with Truck In2 Grantown.
There’s going to be more than a hundred lorries taking part in this charity event, which is taking place for the first time on Saturday May 12. The day kicks off with a massive convoy down the High Street, followed by a big display at the showfield. There will be trade stalls and entertainment, including an aftershow dance.
The whole thing is to support Friends of the Neuro Ward at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.
As well as this, I’ve been adding more events to the summer schedule: you can see the full calendar on my Events page.
Not been painting much this week. But I did manage to get out on the waters of Loch Morlich for some fishing.
I also had a go at taking pictures of my fly just beneath the surface. It’s one of my favourites – the olive green nymph – and it was the one that netted me a delicious trout earlier.
But on reviewing the photos, all I was getting was my feet. Very frustrating and confusing: I thought there must be something wrong with the camera.
First attempt: that round thing on the left is the lens cap
After a few attempts, I thought to turn off the two second timer, and hey presto – I started getting the pictures that I wanted.
However, I think the photos with the timer on were still pretty good. As Bob Ross would say: “We don’t make mistakes, just happy little accidents.”
Two second timer off
I’m still working away on my fishy pictures. Now that I’ve laid down the main colours, I’m starting on the details – the trees, mountains, water, rocks and fish (of course). This is the hard work of the painting and I’ll take my time to get it just right.
…Which leads me to a wee tip to help you. If after a while you decide to repaint the sky, turn your canvas upside down to prevent pesky blue drips ruining the lower part of your work.
As you can see in the picture below, I repainted the sky on this view of Loch Morlich after I painted in lots of detail in the foreground. Skies are easy to redo (more on those another time) but imagine how annoying it would be to see my lovely mountains and salmon ruined.
I’ve made good progress with my underwater paintings this week. Starting to build up the rays of light beneath the surface and some of the ripples. Still some way to go. Looking forward to adding some bubbles, flies and maybe a wee fish or two.
Progress might be slower in the next few weeks – it’s the start of trout season!
Having a wee change from the colourful landscape and going back to some underwater pictures. I’ve been laying down some soft backgrounds today. This is my favourite part of painting: you feel super-productive as you can start 20 pictures at once. Check back in a week to see my progress.
This year is set to be another busy one, though my events will be a bit closer to home than last year.
I’m still in the process of confirming other events, but so far I can reveal I’ll be joining Exclusively Highlands again for a series of craft fairs:
There’ll also be a summer exhibition at Logie Steading, near Forres. More information about that in the next few months.
I’ve added two new pine prints to the collection – Broomhill and Old Spey Bridge.
Anyone who has travelled between Aviemore and Grantown will know the billowing steam and the sound of the whistle of the Strathspey Railway engine as it takes passengers to Broomhill, near Nethy Bridge. I think it’s fitting that a series of paintings that has been inspired by old railway posters should have a railway image among them.
And the second is a bit closer to home – the Old Spey Bridge, a place full of childhood memories and loved by so many locals.
You can buy the two new prints – and the rest of the range at my online shop.
Or if you like to buy your pictures with a slice of cake, pop along to the 1896 Gallery & Coffee Shop in Boat of Garten where they are now on sale.
