Painting in Bath

I have been out painting in Bath again which is great fun. With a little baby waiting at home, it now takes a bit more organisation before heading out, but it's doable!

The painting below was my first plein air session in Bath since the baby's arrival. I can't say it went smoothly but it certainly was an interesting experience! Let me explain: It was planned that I would have some time to paint on Sunday. Although I woke up to pouring rain, I didn't let it stop me as I wasn't sure when I would get a chance to go out again. As a first painting I could have picked a nice spot around the corner. Oh no, for some inexplicable reason, I decided to take my bike with all my gear, in the rain, and get to the other side of town, right across the annual Bath half marathon! When I was finally set up, I only managed to get 3/4 way through my painting before receiving an urgent call asking me to come back. "She's hungry", my partner said... So basically I had to give the final touches in the studio!

Sydney Gardens bridge in March  10"x14" oil on board

So close to be finished but yet so far...

Detail

Below is my second attempt of plein air in Bath this year. I discovered a beautiful spot with allotments and great views over Bath, just 5 minutes walk from my house. It was a sunny misty afternoon which gave a lovely purple fog in the distance. I liked painting the bonfire too which adds a nice feeling of movement to the composition I think.

Monksdale road allotments in the afternoon  16"x9"  oil on board

Detail

My set up between the lettuces and cabbages

I came back to the allotments one sunny afternoon to do an other little study. My partner came to say hello while pushing baby Louisa in the pram. When I asked what he thought about the painting he told me the two things a painter doesn't want to hear:

1. It's not finished, is it? (while it was 90% done)

2. Well, it's... 'different'... (is it?? why? how??) 

The positive thing, is that I will never get big headed with such a partner!

Anyway, I ended up being quite happy with the result, I hope you like it too!

Monksdale road allotments, spring evening  8"x10"  oil on board

My set up at the end of the session

Detail

All my paintings are available for sale and can be shipped worldwide. Prices depends on size and subject and generally range from £100 to £500. Please email me to check prices and availability at valpirlot1@hotmail.com