Paintings on the web

 Not many of my paintings will appear on the blog pages, as they never seem to look good - not with my photographic efforts anyway. Reflections from the surface seem to distort the view and few seem to have the colour and depth which they have in reality. The `life` is missing somehow.

I have read other  people`s blogs about this same problem.  However, most can be seen on my  website - paintingsbyfrances.co.uk.  Maybe this is where I need a proffessional photographer friend!

I will include this one  though which has always been on of my favourites.

Last Light on the Fleet - oil 16X12"

Winter days

January 31st.

Where has January gone - isn`t it amazing how the days fly by- a month of grey days and sadly no painting inspiration until today. The rain has not stimulated me to get out with the camera, but a few hurried walks have been enjoyed by my four legged friends. But Oh! the mud, sloshing puddles and dirty tummies!

 

I had some stunning snow pictures sent me -  a  bit too

detailed for my painting style at present - but maybe I`ll have a go later.

I did have a go at a broader snowy subject which was appreciated as a Christmas present. and will include it here. 

 I`m just glad the snow is gone though, as apart from worrying about slipping it made the westies look anything but persil white! 

Occasionally we go to Egdon wood near Portesham for our daily walk where  there are wide open views across the hills north over Martinstown, a view I always sit and study through the trees.

The rolling hills, spotted with sheep, form deep sheltered valleys which provide an enviable, tranquil hideaway for the modern farmhouse. . 

Inspired by that scene today saw the beginning of my 2013 painting -we shall see what it brings.

Winter on the Ridgeway (acrylic 20x12)



Local views

As can be seen in the photo the open skies out over the sea are really beautiful at times. The first thing I look at every morning when pulling back the curtains is the sky!  It seems to set the mood for the day especailly a solid grey one!
Looking through sky pictures reminded me of a song we sang at school `once upon a time`.

                                                                   After the sun the rain,

After the rain the sun;

This is the way of life

`Til the work be done.

These two photos from my `to paint` portfolio,
are of Herbury island, part of the Fleet Lagoon shoreline.
 It`s not really an island but at very high tides
becomes one.

It`s such a beautiful area and makes one feel so

priviledged to be able to go and

enjoy it whenever the spirit moves.

And aren`t they both worth painting?
Click on them for a larger view.

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Moments of inspiration

Just about anywhere in Dorset gives an artist the buzz which sets you yearning for the paint brushes.
When walking in forest, fields and beaches - you see we have everything in Dorset - often one comes upon a view or moment of magical light or sheer beauty which stops you in your tracks.
One such moment happened a couple of days ago when walking in the fields along the Fleet shoreline and looking towards Portland.
It was one of those typical winter dull grey misty days, when suddenly a streak of invisable sunlight, not seen until it touched the water, set vivid sparkling stars dancing in a small area on the dark grey sea.  It was mesmerising, a beautiful sight and a reminder that even on the darkest days, the sun is still there!  And I didn`t have my camera!

View from  Sea Barn,Fleet
Two more from my `pictures to paint` portfolio.Living in an area like this one doesn`t need to walk very far for inspiration and ideas.

Spring In Egdon  Forest
The forty shades of green are just amazing at any time of year - but the soft lime greens of early Spring are something so special.