Going Small
I decided that I’d like to try my hand at a series of small works. The motivation was partly lack of space but I’m actually enjoying the challenge of simplifying the detail of each image whilst still retaining my first emotional response.
In the Studio
Workshop 2019
Places are allocated on a first come, first served basis so please book early. To check availability please contact me by email: janerhodes@gmail.com
| Subject | Date |
| Pastels, using tonal underpainting | Wednesday 16th January |
| Paint a canvas – without brushes | Saturday 16th February |
| Watercolour Ways – using different surfaces | Wednesday 13th March |
| Pastels Again | Saturday 13th April |
| Oil Painting in Simple Stages | Wednesday 22nd May |
| Let’s Start with Figures, mixed medium | Wednesday 10th July |
| Impressionistic Pastels | Saturday 14th September |
| Using Mixed Media with Collage | Wednesday 23rd October |
| Pastels Once More! | Wednesday 13th November |
Scotland revisited:
In August I again toured Scotland with my husband on his motorcycle. Two weeks travelling through some of the most stunning landscape in the UK and some of the wildest too. As always I come away wanting more so I find solace in painting scenes that have inspired me.
This time I used a photograph as my starting point and quickly painted two small studies as seen here to establish tonal areas and my colour palette as posted here. The completed pastel painting is now ready to frame.
Click to view 2018 workshop schedule
My Collection of Pastels
Since 1994 when I first discovered this medium, I have been adding to my collection of pastels. From a basic starter set, I have constantly been searching for those elusive ‘English’ landscape colours. Every time I visit an art shop I head straight to the section that displays individual pastels, as excited as any child in a sweet shop! I have samples from many manufacturers, the important thing for me is always the colour.
This was my first box quickly filled, each of the trays arranged by colour and tone and although I used it for many years, it is far too heavy to carry to and from workshops and demonstrations so it now remains my ‘store’ cupboard.
Perhaps my favourite box, this contains a selection of ‘jumbo’ pastels in my most used colours plus a few smaller ones in both the lightest and darkest tones. The large pastels allow me to apply large areas of colour quickly before I move on to detail. Rapid results.
In my studio I use a customised tray on wheels, designed and made by my son. Again arranged by colours and tonal values, when not in use I can roll it away under my desk.
This small portable lightweight box contains all the colours I require for a demonstration or outdoor work. Inexpensive and readily available from any DIY store, perfect when starting out.