Tenby Harbour 3

The painting is slowly taking shape, with the latest houses being of muddier colours after last week’s pastels, as some of these are in the shade.  It is very detailed work and I am using a magnifier to get it as neat as possible.

This week, I have applied to exhibit at a Creative Greenhouse’s spring exhibition in Nottinghamshire.  I’ve been a member several years now and thought it was about time I took part in one of their events.   If successful, I will hear by mid January, but, according to the bumph, the closing date is also mid January (16^th), so I shouldn’t have long to wait. 

Snow bunnies

At art group, Maggie had completed a painting of a fantasy woodland scene with nymphs and a carved wooden tree, and Sue was working on some cockerels, while John continued with his pastel dog.  Jim, had returned after several weeks’ absence, as life had been busy for him.  He showed us a beautiful painting of snow-covered woodlands, with light and shade depicted faultlessly.   I wish my “snow bunnies” had come out as well as that.  Jim’s painting had been done from a better photograph than mine, though.  “It’s my show winner,” said Karen as group members gathered round and complimented him.

Karen herself was working on a painting of her mum, also a group member, who died late last year (see my post “Tribute to Madge” of November 2011).   She was using an old photograph as Madge had been quite glamorous in her youth, and I have a feeling the painting will be a present for Karen’s dad.

Last week I mentioned the Idle Valley Nature reserve, but little did I know I would get to visit it so soon.  That evening, as it turned out, I was there with the family, for an astronomy evening, as was group member John and his wife.  My role was as chief babysitter, and it was of course too dark to observe any wildlife, but I can confirm that the visitor centre is warm, and very child friendly, with a small kids’ area next to the café, where the toys and books kept our little one entertained for quite some time in between a star gazing walk and looking at Jupiter through various people’s telescopes.