April 18th 2020
Hi everyone, this is my first attempt using alkyd oil paints, after using water soluble oils. So, I started with a little trepidation, and slight unease, regarding the alkyds qualities, for example how much sansador thinner would I need, how efficiently could I clean the brushes afterwards etc.
I think I like the alkyds and will persevere with them. See me applying the paint here.
I was inspired to paint trees, with shadows, after watching a wonderful art demo recently by the American artist, Albert Handell, facilitated by Eric Rhoades at Streamline Art Videos. See and listen to the wonderful Albert, explaining how he works and the to see him applying paint, see video here.
So I walked George to the Westwood, and saw these two trees. One, a beech, had some lovely shadows on its trunk, the other tree, a sycamore was brighter, with hints of scaly pink. The sun illuminated the trees providing the effect I was looking for, that is, shadows on the main trunk. Though warm in the shelter of the wood, the fresh, sharp, easterly wind, coming off the nearby North Sea reminded me that it is still early spring.
I was delighted to see some interesting birds, in particular, a pair of bull finches and a tree creeper. Not seen any swallows yet but a good friend informs me they are flying over the River Hull, by Figham Common. I also saw a large white butterfly which, though not unusual, cheered me up as I watched it skillfully dancing on the wind, maneuvering with great dexterity amongst the crowded bushes. Then I saw a little gem. I approached a butterfly, it looked like a usual, common fritillary, sunbathing on the grass, I was delighted to see it was a beautifully fresh comma. Elsewhere, I saw diminutive small blues racing here and there.
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