progress of a painting for Leeds castle Christmas card

plans in my sketch book

pencil drawing following my rough sketch

nice and tidy with pen

the snow comes alive with blue shadows

all done!

and dusted! (with glitter)

Last year I painted a greetings card for Leeds Castle, featuring the queens and King Henry VIII among others, and following that a Christmas card was needed.
I took the same view, altering the angle slightly so that the fairground and Christmas market could be seen across the moat. some of the same characters are in the winter scene, but with additions of course.
Both cards are now for sale in the Leeds Castle shop, and the Christmas card is all glittery : )

Inifinity in the North Laine - steps to a painting

initial sketch in A4 Seawhite sketch book

drawing out on heavyweight Bockingford paper

drawn out in pen, bigger and ready for colour

I usually start with the colours of the building

grounding helps, and I decide on a sky and shadows

its the last details that take the longest

Infinity Foods stands on a corner of the North Laine in Brighton, a busy buzzy area that is great for a wander, and something to eat. Exciting shops, always something different. And plenty of seagulls!

Sunshine and Sunflowers in France

first plans in sketch book

drawing out on thick watercolour paper

finished painting

sunshine and sunflowers! detail

Here is the development of a commission from last spring, to bring a little sunshine to the blog (especially as I am working away on snowy paintings at the moment!)
this couple love to walk and cycle on holidays in the Vendee, France. The sunflowers were a joy to paint!