A big family gathering for a picnic in the park

planning the painting, mustn't forget anyone

the finished family portrait, just a few changes from the sketch

A family portrait is such a personal gift, and this was one big family! I had lots of photographs to work from and worked out a way to fit everyone in to one big picture in my sketchbook. Once the family were happy with the sketch I went ahead with a larger version on heavy watercolour paper.
This one measures just over 60cm across.
Happy Birthday to the Dad of the family, I hope that this is a good surprise!

LyndseySmith: Inifinity in the North Laine - steps to a painting...

LyndseySmith: 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 co...

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!

a painting to remember the family home

Before downsizing from the family home, a gift from the children and grandchildren to the parents was this family portrait to remember happy days getting together and playing in the garden. The couple had also recently celebrated a landmark anniversary, and the cake is behind. Rough plan to finished painting, there were a few changes but not much, don't forget the family cat!

A wedding at Anne of Cleves House

A commissioned Family Portrait recently finished in watercolour, to remember a wedding celebration at Anne of Cleves House in Lewes.

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!

A painting for the Season at Glyndebourne

all planned out in pencil

pick out the lines in pen

when the watercolours go on it becomes less of a muddle of line

all finished!

close up on some of the characters

Last summer Chalk Gallery artists visited Glyndebourne Opera House, and we had an exhibition of work inspired by our visit. For me it had to be the picnickers on the lawn! They were all drawn from my imagination, apart from a few characters in their costume and a couple based on Danielle De Niese and Gus Christie with their faithful friends. Cheers!

This painting has recently been printed as a jigsaw puzzle and is sold to raise money for the friends of Eastbourne Hospital.