Here are a few paintings of Bath I produced in the last few months that were all done during tutorials I gave to private students willing to practice painting in plein air. Here is how it works: the student and I paint the same view alongside each others so I can easily demonstrate at the same time as helping the artist each step of the way. The weather wasn't always great but that never stops us!
First one below was done in my usual local allotments on a grey cold chilly day. After a quick flower demo in the warm studio, Martin and I headed to the allotments but just after the set up it started to rain. So we ended up painting with one hand and holding the umbrella with the other. I spent as much time teaching to paint than I did making fun of Martin who looked completely underdressed for the weather as he only had a light (white!) shirt and body warmer. Or maybe it was him mocking me for having 30 layers on!
The grey weather weather was a great opportunity to explore subtle tone changes and nuances of greys in the landscape. I find it harder than painting in plain sunshine with strong shadows, but it is a great exercise with interesting results!
 |
| Detail |
 |
| The set up |
The second painting below was done at one of my favourite places in Bath, Sydney Gardens with lovely Zoe. Sunny day this time, but cold, specially as we were painting in the shade. The aim was to work fast and simplify and get the essence of light.
 |
| Detail |
My painting usually looks like a mess for the first half so I have to tell my students to have faith and trust the process :-)
 |
| After 30 min |
 |
| Towards the end |
The painting below was done a rainy day, just minutes walk from my house with two lovely artist ladies. To shelter from the rain, I found near the local football ground a transparent pod shelter made for sports spectators which could perfectly be used as a painting pod with great views over Bath!
We had a lovely time!
 |
| Detail |
 |
| Our convenient little pod |
 |
| After 20 minutes |
 |
| Towards the end |
The one below was done on Pulteney Bridge with lovely Zoe. It started as a very grey day but the light started piercing through which added some interest to an otherwise very grey painting.
 |
| Block in stage |
 |
| A bit more definition... |
 |
| Towards the end... |
And below, again the beautiful Pulteney Bridge, this time painted with Liz (who came all the way from Spain!). Again the weather started grey with chances of rain so we took shelter under a bridge just in case the rain would happen.
 |
| The view at the start of the session |
 |
| The session towards the end |
Later on that day, Liz and I braved the Bath Christmas Market to try capture the festive spirit of the place. It was really really busy but we found a spot away from the crowd against a shop window. The challenge was to treat the mass of people as one big mass rather than paint separately every single person.
 |
| The Bath Christmas Market 10"x8" oil on board SOLD |
 |
| Detail |
If you're interested in a tutorial indoors or outdoors or would like me to do a group demo or workshop near you, just contact me here:
For all my available work, have a look here:
