More painting

Before our weekend guests arrived, I managed to finished two paintings - the Numptys (what an awful name really, perhaps I should change it...) and a small seascape that was originally intended for the 30 x 30 sale, but will now be included in the larger summer sale.This burst of creativity was followed by an intense housework session in an effort to make our hovel hospitable. We go in for 'shabby chic', with the emphasis being on the 'shabby'.

The numptys

Today I Started the first painting for a new on-line only exhibition. This one is carrying on with my 'imaginary toys' series - I think of them as 'the Numptys' although they are really taken from some roughs I did for 'The Velveteen Rabbit'.

the first three tissue thin washes

Usually there's an element of granulation in the background washes...this simply means that the wash goes a little bit speckled. It is a very pleasing effect.

granulation

I like to surround myself with visual reference - I would love to have a big wall covered in corkboard, to pin layers and layers of sketchs, photos and ephemera to. But in my little den, I content myself with a few noticeboards.

Behind my chair I keep - yet more books...and favourite toys. Some of my most cherished titles here- 'Wind in the Willows', 'the Mouse and his Child', 'Santa Claus in Summer' and 'a Child's Garden of Verse',