Mike's conservatory (1 Viewer)

[desgreene]

Some lovely stuff posted over the last few days Mike, but that Lapwing is fabulous.

 

[Woody]

I've finally set up a blog for myself here; http://thescolopaxchronicles.blogspot.com/

There's not much on it yet and it won't start in earnest 'til I come back from my holidays at the end of next week, but it's a start. I'll still post little trip reports here but longer write-ups, such as they are, will be on the blog.

Mike

 

[Woody]

The weekend was a bit of a disappointment really, Elmley was extremely quiet and the only sketch I produced was an female spuggie from the garden on the sunday afternoon. We have friends over from Singapore at the moment so painting and sketching are taking a bit of a back seat for a few days as we get into the holiday mood!

Mike

 

[ed keeble]

Just flipped through latest Birds Illustrated and saw a Pheasant that I immediately recognised as one of yours without needing to check the caption- congrats.

 

[timwootton]

Just flipped through latest Birds Illustrated and saw a Pheasant that I immediately recognised as one of yours without needing to check the caption- congrats.

Oh? - Very well done Mike.
I need to re-subscribe to this mag.

 

[Woody]

Just flipped through latest Birds Illustrated and saw a Pheasant that I immediately recognised as one of yours without needing to check the caption- congrats.

Thanks Ed. That's from the gallery, it's distorted a bit but, hey, it's in there and fairly visible. I knew he would be writing me up for the what's on in galleries page but I didn't know he'd be using that bl**dy snipe! It's always nice to be in the mag, but I wish it were a different image with my name on it!

You really should be subscribed Tim, the article on John Threlfall is worth the cover money on its own and Katrina Cook's sketchbook looks interesting too!

Mike

 

[spizaetos]

Wonderful set of sketches Mike!
I have the impression that your work became better and better!
The way you composing your subjects, the use of light, and the handling
of texture reveals an artistic maturity!
Having no time to be outside for a long period now, your work inspires and
motivates me at the same time.
Please post us more...


Paschalis

 

[Woody]

Well that's it. I'm off to Norfolk in the morning for my indulgent week on the farm. I'll be dipping my toes in the cool lake water and listening to the hum of insects in the hot summer sun (Ahem!). Got a new sketchbook and an outdoor, portable easel to play with. Here's hoping for some great weather, great birds and sketching opportunities.

Mustn't forget the red wine....

See you in a week

Mike

 

[timwootton]

Enjoy the break Mike - you've earned it!
(Don't they sell red wine in Norfolk?)

 

[ARTHUR BISHOP]

Lovely work Mike and I notice you have brought the rain with you .
Hope you had a good Hol.

 

[Icklesal]

Hi Mike,

my first visit to your thread. Simply beautiful, I adore your soft, delicate style, the detail is fantastic, a pleasure to view.

What's always so nice is seeing when an artist has established a unique style of their own. Lovely work.

Icklesal

 

[Woody]

Well I'm back from the wilds of Norfolk. I've had a great time and I'll write it up on the blog properly later. Managed to fill quite a lot of sketchbook and do a couple of 'en plein air' landscape paintings too. Loads of birds including some amazing kingfisher juveniles that must have just fledged when we arrived. Some of the old favourites were around again, little owl in his tree, barn owls over the paddocks, green woodies and swallows galore. Had pretty good weather considering so I'm a happy chappie just now. I'll post the sketches once they're scanned.

Hi Icklesal welcome to the best bit of BF and thanks for your kind words.

Mike

 

[Woody]

Just as a start here are three en plein air landscapes from around the farm. For me the least detailed one is the most successful but I'm interested to find out what others think.

Mike

 

[halftwo]

Know what you mean.
Impressionist - I like.

 

[ed keeble]

Just as a start here are three en plein air landscapes from around the farm. For me the least detailed one is the most successful but I'm interested to find out what others think.

Mike

Welcome back..I can see why number 1 gets the vote. But go on - stick a Green Woodpecker on the ground in number 2, just hopping out of that patch of shadow on the road...

 

[EliS]

At first the second one was my favorite... But then I looked more closely at the first one. Wow! Like them all, the first one is my favorite artistically, I would like to go and walk in the second one, and I wanna go and check if my arms can reach round that tree in the third one!

Elina

 

[ARTHUR BISHOP]

I dont have a fav. Mike love all three.

 

[Woody]

The first of my accounts for the week is here: http://thescolopaxchronicles.blogspot.com/

I have had a great week filled with family, friends and wonderful wildlife. Here's some of the sketches from the very first afternoon.

Mike

 

[ARTHUR BISHOP]

Wonderful sketches Mike full of life. Like Mr. Grumpy happy to see you again.

 

[nickderry]

Love the simplicity of the landscapes, you're saying a hell of a lot with so few strokes. Little Owl - well what to say of your signature bird? Cracking!