Watercolours With Life: Fascinated By Nature

Monday 22 August 2011

Fascinated By Nature

Natures Treasure

Blackberries appearing in a Soft Watercolour Wash

My blog has gone quiet and so have I. The last few weeks have been very full but over the last few days I have been enjoying the simple side of country life. I have walked my fluffy pup Bailey in wonderful countryside and harvested natures' treasure. I have made Blackberry Jam from a fabulous recipe, delicious Blackbery Crumble and other culinary delights. Next to make is the Blackberry Whiskey which will need to be hidden for six months before it can be sampled. I don't actually drink spirits but it can be used as a terrific base for homemade ice cream although friends have also poured it on top which they say is also delicious!

I have stood quietly and looked at the fruits as they hang on heavily laden twigs and branches. They are often on top of hedgerows and can be found hiding underneath thick foliage but usually behind tall stems of nettles that seem to protect them from all being picked! I have performed balancing acts to reach the highest and most awkwardly located juicy best berries. All the while realizing the most difficult to reach branches always seemed to hold the best fruit.

Creating in my kitchen rather than my studio gave me a welcome break for my brain giving it time to absorb the information it has been taking in from the sights and thoughts while I was alone. It is amazing how much we can learn from nature.

Reaching for what is difficult brings rewards.

Striving to be a better artist is more satisfying than accepting what we think we can achieve.

With this in mind I thought of the way I used to paint blackberries and Autumn scenes in the past. I want more this year as my mentality as an artist is changing. I want light, interest, drama and a feeling of life more than ever in my work. As I am writing my next book I want it to be really exciting and tempting to all who read it. I want to inspire in a way that has everyone believing they can be far better than they already are no matter what level that is.

And so this weeks experiments have started today with wonderful washes zinging with life and mystery.They aren't all blackberries as I have strawberry jam on the go, elderberry cordial and sloe gin.You can imagine what my kitchen and studio looks like.

How I wish I could share the magical aroma from my kitchen!

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If you are looking for inspiration please go to the countryside and look at all on offer. Apart from berries there are wonderful hazel nuts, hogweed is now at its' best with seedheads begging to be painted and have you ever noticed how beautiful nettles can be? Each seaonsbrings new subjects for the creative and imaginative artist.

Don't miss out,get out there and pick some subjects,paint them and if they are edible cook them too! I'll be making nettle tea next! Afetr I have painted the nettles of course!

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2 comments:

Yvonne said...: Wonderful post. I really enjoyed reading it. I too am fascinated by nature and in the middle of an art break of sorts. I never tire of seeing things in nature on walks or drives. Have a good day.; 22 August 2011 at 12:30
Jean Haines SWA, SFP said...: Hi Yvonne,nature gives us so many beautiful things to paint doesn't it,throughout the year. Every day I see a new subject I can't wait to work on with watercolour!

I wish you a wonderful day too and thank you so much for your message:) Jean; 30 August 2011 at 01:10

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The Artist Magazine : Book Review

Jean Haines' Atmospheric Watercolours

"The book is nothing less than a paean to the wet in wet technique. If that's your thing, prepare to be amazed. Jean Haines credits Jean Louis Morelle, and in many ways this book is the sequel to Morelle's remarkable, but very technical work, showing the wealth of creative possibilities the technique offers. A lot of the images are barely recognisable and yet you instinctively know what they are. I wish I knew how, because this is impressionism taken to its logical conclusion and reminiscent of some of the later work by JMW Turner. You will have to take it from me that "First signs of a face appearing magically from a first wash of watercolour" is pure alchemy. This is an extraordinary book."

"Amazing Ways With Watercolour:" Fastest Selling DVD!

"Amazing Ways With Watercolour" from Town House Films is the fastest selling DVD with the company to date! Record breaking pre-orders for this much awaited film saw requests for copies flooding in from all over the world. A wonderful introduction into working with watercolour minus the use of a preliminary sketch this DVD removes the fear, stress or pressure from worry about how to use watercolour. Instead the focus is on having fun, enjoying vibrant colour combinations and allowing the medium to create the subjects with just a little help from the artist. A really exciting new DVD to own. Whilst the DVD sold out in the first few months since its' release due to popularity it is now in stock and available directly from Town House Films.

http://www.townhousefilms.co.uk

How To Paint Colour and Light in Watercolour

"How to Paint Colour and Light in Watercolour" Jeans first book was launched at the Mall Galleries in 2010 at the SWA Society for Women Artists Annual Exhibition. Many copies have been sold world wide. It is available on Amazon.com, Search Press, SAA Society for All Artists and Ken Bromley.

"This book is a wonderful introduction into Jeans' way of working and gives an insight into her way of thinking and approach to a large variety of subjects. All painted minus the use of a preliminary sketch."