The Little Ballerina

After not wetting my brushes for almost 2 months over Christmas and the New Year, I was getting desperate to get painting again.


When you think you might be a bit rusty, try and relax and enjoy it. Tell yourself it doesn't matter if it doesn't turn out, after all you don't have to show anyone if you don't want to, you're doing it for you.

Almost . . . In Despair . . .

In Despair . . . 

Have really got to like this square format for paintings, so tried it out recently on a couple of portraits in watercolour. This is named In Despair and is based on a ref with many thanks to Steve Evans. I do find this format gives even more focus into what's really important in the painting. The eyes . . . . The soul . . . . Your feelings . . .  

Almost . . . 

This one was painting just prior to "In Despair" and another ref thanks to Steve Evans.

Both paintings measure approx 20 x 20 cm and 34 x 34 cm Including Mount (Matt). Originals are without any words or large signatures, these are merely for display purposes. Both are available to purchase by contacting me at info@stephiebutler.com

Free Demonstration at Hobbycraft Store . . .

I will also be having a clearance sale of Prints and Originals as well as Greetings Cards.

Ideal for Christmas presents if you are looking for something different and special.

Eightbyeight Project

 

All artworks on their website have been donated to the eightbyeight Project by their creators,

to help them raise funds for Camille’s Appeal. 

  In April 2013 the eightbyeight Project are bringing an exciting and innovative exhibition to Eden Court, Inverness. 'Childhood Explored' will feature donations of work from around the UK and beyond, from professional, semi-professional, student and hobbyist artists, photographers, craftspeople and other creatives from diverse disciplines, celebrating what Childhood means to them, and rising awareness of Camille's Appeal’s vital work. All profits raised from the sale of work go directly to the charity

You will be able to purchase these or any other works through their website. www.eightbyeight.org

This is an amazing project that I first discovered when an artist friend Ruth Harris, donated her work and shared their facebook page. Numerous wonderful artist have now joined in and donated their work too. Please take a moment and look through their website HERE, where you will find lots of information along with the continually updating gallery of works that are being donated.

Please help support this wonderful cause. Go to www.eightbyeight.org where you can view the work as it's being added daily.

All profits from website and exhibition sales will be donated to Camille’s Appeal to help their work with children who are fighting or rehabilitating from cancer.

I wish them all the success with this project and am honoured be taking part in it. 

 

Little Africa...

                This is one I started towards the end of 2012 only just getting the first wash down, then not picking it up again until 2013. The object of painting then was not only of course portrait practice, but more so to get the brushes wet again after the Christmas holidays. 

I'm not sure if it always works, leaving it so long. Sometimes the moment has gone from the painting, the inspiring thoughts you first had when wanting to get it onto the paper. I find I'm usually better to start it again with renewed freshness.

Pure Watercolour
140lb Arches NOT Paper
Mostly W/N paints
Ref photo courtesy of WetCanvas

Catching up....

        I'm so far behind posting on my blog I'm not sure where to start in catching up with it all. I need to close 2012 before I can open 2013 and share what i've been working on so far this year. I know it's a bit late but it also helps me to keep a record of what i've done and where I am today....

       It was a busy end to last year in many ways as you might have gathered from my lack of postings, although I did keep mostly up to date on my Facebook Art Page. Some moments were to celebrate and some not, as like many families this year, illness seem to have dampened Xmas a little. So to close 2012 I will make it a quick round up.

Xmas collection in memory of Oliver

Firstly I want to say a very big   

Thank you... 

At the end of last year I was busy getting cards printed of my painting "Ho ho ho." as these went on sale through my website with all profits going to "Oliver's 4th Christmas collection for GOSH and Little Havens Children's Hospice 2012" . I want to say a very big Thank You too all those who bought cards and/or donated money to this fundraising. I handed over just over £50 to the family, which when you think how last minute it was, was a tremendous amount. I know how much it was appreciated and hope you take pride in knowing how you have helped the children and their families. I'll have them started earlier next year so hopefully we can raise lots more. Thank you again for you kind support.

 "Ho ho ho" also went along with me to the Essex Art Club Christmas meeting, where it was voted as best Painting chosen by the members. We do this yearly at both clubs I belong too. I was overwhelmed to have got 1st place at the Ilford Art Society, but to have got it here too... So I want to say a very big thank you to all the members that came along to both events, thank you so much for this, it made ending the year amazing and so very special to me. 

Take "Time to Reflect"

As artists we need to take time every once in a while to look back on how far we've come on our journey. I especially like to do this at the end of the year,  As artists we too often get despondent, wondering if perhaps we are not moving forward. Well, I bet if you took a look back to where you were this time last year you will get quite a shock, I know I always do and can say even more so in this past year. I really enjoy browsing through older work, remembering some that were real achievements and still being proud of them. A good tip is to also make sure you date the back of your paintings and sketches.  Taking a little time to look at what you've achieved over the past year no matter how small at times it may seem, gives you so much of a lift and inspires you onto the next step of the journey and it never hurts to pat yourself on the back once in a while and be proud, you've earned it. 

I hope you all had a great 2012 and are already having a creative 2013