At last I've finally completed my poppy painting and I am really pleased with the results. Art is often about experimentation and in this painting I experimented with creating the sky with a graded wash in cobalt blue, the first time I've tried this technique. The shadows on the flower heads were underpainted with a dark maroony-blue and then the red was glazed on afterwards in several layers. Maybe this is  an unusual technique with watercolours but who says what you can and can't do??? When I'm painting I like to experiment to see what effects can be achieved. The lovely RJ, even as I am writing this blog is busy framing this painting and also 'firecracker lillies' for me in anticipation of the remaining exhibitions I have this year. Thats the Mellis exhibition and also the Waveney Springs exhibition - shops in Diss are particpating so artists work will be on display, plus open studios in September - come and see the Artist's studios. I am hoping to start work  on 'Anna' a pencil portrait of our lovely and beautiful french  friend who lives in Portugal.

All the artists belonging to the Mellis Arts group are busy preparing for the Mellis Festival which is happening on 21st July,  10.30am - late. We will be exhibiting in the MultiYork store and also in our permanent Courtyard Gallery at the The Railway Tavern in Mellis. Ther'es a fantastic 16 foot bench thats been designed and made by Metal Dave who lives in the village and this morning it was all hands on deck to add the wooden slats that make up the back and seating. This can be viewed opposite the pub and outside Ghed's house. Ghed has been the insitgator of the the Mellis Festival and is doing a wonderful job of organising the festival and also in  bringing the community together. There will also be the unveiling of the stained glass telephone box by the pub. People have been working hard on individual designs for the  windows and Hilarywho makes and designs stained glass has been the person behind this and everyone has been using her workshop and materials. There are so many gifted and creative people in Mellis, amazing for such a small village. So it will all be happening in Mellis on 21st July - don't miss it!!!