peg dolls

As part of their 19th century studies, the children made peg doll characters. They were each given a peg and a page of hints/tips as to what might make good arms, how to do hair etc. The figures that returned were fantastic. They were all different. Clothing had been made from fabric scraps, paper or even just painted on. Many had obviously enjoyed the parental touch but that is very much a positive - interacting, helping with their childs homework can only be a good thing. I love the big, baggy shorts on the footy player !

recent sketch

Managed to do a quick sketch today. A couple of ladies enjoying a spot of afternoon tea at a genteel establishment somewhere 'in town'. Played around with the shadows on the picture - they're deliberately meant to be 'not quite right'. Am thinking of painting up a version. What do you reckon?

perspective

Today we painted some small studies of tonal (aerial) perspective. We started with a very pale grey mix and then just added more black for successively darker tones. We didn't use any water as it would have made the paint too thin. I love the texture of those hills in the last picture.

new folksy items

Have just listed 3 pieces of art in my Folksy shop. The only thing is - these are all wearable!!
They are all mixed media pieces on 5x5cm canvas board, each with a regular brooch fastening bonded onto the back.
They look great whether they are being worn or displayed on the dressing table.
Would love to hear any comments.

brass band

The evocative strains of a brass band can always be guaranteed to draw a crowd. The pomp, spectacle, and rousing tunes serve to tug gently at the heart strings of most northern folk. Despite the demise of the mining & textile industries, many bands are still in existence. A village fete would not be complete without a stirring soundtrack provided by the local brass band.

20x20cm, mixed media on canvas board.

on a roll

Another painting - with a bit more going on than 'normal'.

'Card Players'

13x18cm, mixed media on canvas board.

painted up

Delivery boy picture completed.

13x18cm, mixed media on canvas board.