Another train sketch

on the way up to the View from the Shard on Tuesday, I had another sketch on the train. It was only later that I realised that my sketch on the left page of the book actually joined well with the previous sketch on the right...it wasnt planned!

The Royal Visit - The Queen and Prince Philip visit Harveys Brewery, Lewes

Today is the day...a right Royal visit to Lewes. Hope that the Queen and Prince Philip get their Harvey's Crate to take back to the palace!

House and Family portrait commission

Here is the other commission that I finished recently, and I can now share on here.

One little dog likes to take their daughter for a walk! The other is happiest watching the world go by from a comfy spot in the front window!

Commission for Plumpton Racecourse staff

Now I can show you a painting I finished recently on commission by the staff at Plumpton Racecourse, as a leaving present.
All the team and directors were to be in the picture, and Claire's dog, who often accompanies her to work.
The astro turf isn't being strimmed, by the way, although I realise now that it looks a bit like it is!!

more sketching on a train

On the way up to London midday Wednesday

On the way home around 10pm Wednesday

Hooray! A day in London full of self indulgence with three exhibitions to visit, and sketchbook in bag.

The first train I got on heading to Victoria was so full and I was squeezed into a group of four seats with three lads. Sketching just wasnt going to happen here, so I hopped off at Haywards Heath and got the Bedford train, which was actually a much more sensible option as I could travel direct to Black

friars with no need for underground.

Anyway, this train had much more room and i was able to sketch the man opposite me who happily had his nose in the paper. Another couple joined him at Gatwick and they were deep in conversation. Sketching makes the journey fly!!

After a wonderful day with trips to The Cheapside Hoard at the Museum of London, the Illustration exhibition at the British Library and finally a wander around the gorgeous Affordable Art Fair at Battersea, I was able to sketch again on my way home.

Fab day... 

Market Street life - Lewes Food Market in winter

Here is my latest painting...a wintery snowy version of a painting done some time ago, of the Lewes Friday Food Market, at the Old Market Tower, in Market Street, Lewes.
I love painting snow for a change, and little gloves and wellies on my people!
Spot the bargain just picked up from the Lewes Flea Market, down the road...

Plumpton Crossing Gates and Signal Box

Plumpton's historic and listed signal box and manually operated gates are under threat from modernisation. Sadly we might not see this scene next year, so I thought I would paint it for Christmas. I have brought back the steam train and the signal box posters of old, but brought them in with 21st century Plumpton walkers.
I had some very rough handmade paper by Two Rivers. It suited the snow, and I fancied painting something a bit more, free. The paper just suited what I had in mind. I see a few things to finish, I have left the top off my signal...but I must try not to get too wrapped up in detail for a change!!....

Cards for Good Causes now open in Lewes

The Cards for Good Causes shop is now open in Lewes, just down Fisher Street, behind Ask, just off the High Street. They currently have my Winter Cheer card in stock (detailed above) featuring Harveys Brewery and  carol singers on Cliffe Bridge on a snowy winter afternoon.
They should have my new Lewes Castle Gate Carollers card in stock later this week.

Market Street life - George Justice

and finished! A bit further down the road, George Justice goes about business as it has for over one hundred years...

Market Street life - Famiglia

Finished...a warm and friendly spot for lunch in Market Street, Lewes.

Market Street Life..starting the paint washes

It was a dark and dreary day today, and I started the day painting all the shades of grey. It was good when I could cheer things up (if only on the paper) with some bright blue skies. The colours are a bit exaggerated here because the photo was taken in pretty dull conditions!

I am looking forward to a bright new tomorrow now, and I can start laying on some more cheery colours!

sketching on the train

I have had several London trips recently, and I have been furtively sketching other passengers. Trying to do it without them noticing!
I have been enjoying the graphitint pencil, and using a water brush to wash over the lines and bring in sone tone and soft shadow.
I also love the wobbly line that the motion of the train gives. I think it adds some life to the drawing.
I want to keep travelling now..it's becoming addictive!

Cyclist and friends in Market Street, Lewes

Here is a closer look at the Cyclist in Market Street...spot her passenger?

Market Street life 2 - George Justice, Lewes

another sketch and drawing, of another very long established business in Market Street, Lewes.
I can't wait to get painting!

Market Street life - Lewes, Famiglia

I have been beavering away on a couple of paintings for the next Chalk Gallery hang, having just finished some commissions, which I can put on here later in the month.
There are lots of little businesses in Market Street, Lewes, and this one always catches my eye (and my nose!!)
All drawn out now and ready to paint. Not much change from sketch to drawing, but I have included the very edges of the buildings on the opposite sides of the road, to give the painting the feel of being in a very narrow street.

Lots of painting going on..

I have just finished a commission which I cant show, yet...and am half way through another. I have just roughed a couple of sketches for some Lewes shops too. So many things I want to paint! It is getting harder now the darker nights are closing in, giving me less time in the day!
Here is a little peek at one of the commissions I am currently painting, as it was earlier today. Once again I am enjoying watching paint dry!!

Looking closer at The Cockpit, Blackfriars

I went to the preview last night, of the Society of Graphic Fine Art Exhibition at the Menier Gallery, in Southwark Street, London Bridge. My painting of the Cockpit is exhibited there for the next two weeks.
I was happy to overhear a couple of ladies discussing my picture...they really were looking, because they had spotted William Shakespeare (who had lived where The Cockpit now stands) and they even spotted my Juliet!
Thanks girls you made my night!