The Clampets had landed...

I've just received photographs of the most beautiful house and I now have the pleasure of drawing this up and then adding a splash of colour to bring it to life.  I love doing House Portraits and over the years have painted a variety of property types in watercolours and oils from cute tiny terraces, barn conversions to the grand old residence in it's own grounds.

If I can, in addition to working from customer photos, I like to visit or at least drive by to have a nosey and also get a feel for the property and see how it sits in it's surroundings.  Some I have had the pleasure of visiting and on many occasions have turned up in my old white campervan with my dog and the neighbours must have thought The Clampets had arrived or I was sussing out the joint. I was in a way but not for nicking anything other than ideas and the atmosphere

On two occasions I had to wait for the electric gates to be opened to let old Stan the Van in but having said that more often than not I have been commissioned to paint what I call normal properties such as the suburban semi, the row of terraced or a middle terrace "but let's pretend we have no neighbours" and we did.. their house was the main star with the others fading out.

So I'm really looking forward to starting my current commission.  I am working to the customers budget and colour palette but obviously in my style.  It won't be photographic, that's not me at all, but hopefully will capture the essence of their lovely home with it's sweeping drive and beautiful gardens.

That reminds me,  I once did one where they wanted it wonky and the lovely garden the main feature.  I was also asked to paint their two cats, which I did... one was in a tree and the ginger one was just about to dive into the bushes!

More info is on my  commissions page which also mentions other types of commission works undertaken

so please shout up if I can help..

Take care  Karina xx

welcome February

So pleased that we are into February and on today's muddy walk it was great to see snowdrops and new growth as Spring draws nearer. 😀

A nice start to February for me was seeing one of my paintings on the front cover of Country Images Magazine after being asked to send a selection to choose from.  They chose "On Blueberry Hill" which is a watercolour available framed or as a giclee print.

I've also noticed that the evenings are getting a bit lighter which is just great.  I don't mind the cold but it's the wet damp weather and anyone with a dog will know that walks mean muddy paw prints ....everywhere!  🐾

I have however been warm and cosy in my new studio and got quite a few paintings "on the go" for my new series called "Ramble On" inspired by walks with Bruno.  (I'm hoping these will be dry for my exhibition in March at Cromford Studio and Gallery)

Wednesday February 8th 10.30 to 12.30 sees the start of my new Derbyshire Art Group which I am running with artist friend Ruth Gray (we are www.purpleandgrey.co.uk)  

  

Our Art Group is open to all creatives who want to meet likeminded people in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere so pop in and join us

Ok I'm off to get the kettle on and answer a few emails..keep dry and warm

Love Karina xx

and Bruno x 🐶