Paul Foxton's workshop in Belfast.

Sometimes in life we are lucky enough to meet people who share the same values and principles as ourselves, making the connection easy and comfortable. In my creative life I have met a few such kindred spirits. One of them is Paul Foxton, who I was delighted to welcome to Belfast Academy of Realist Art last week, where he delivered a colour mixing workshop to students from all over the world.

Paul introducing some of the group to the Munsell chips. 

His workshop ran for five days, and the first three days were mainly demonstrations, as well as mixing colour, learning how to assess value, hue and chroma, without actually painting anything at all. This mixing practice took place around the big table, so everyone could see everyone else's palettes and Paul had a great overview. Working together in this way de-personalised the struggle, and helps everyone understand what they're doing.

Once students showed a clear understanding of the process,  they began painting objects at the easel. 

Ciaran, working hard at the easel. 

Everyone worked very hard, and there were lightbulb moments all week! 

Some of Ciaran's colour studies.

The last night - only three students stayed over till the next day, so we celebrated with a meal out. L-R Girish, Alexei, Judy, Julie (me!) and Paul 

 I am thrilled to say that Paul is coming back again next year with a different workshop, and I will give you the dates as soon as we have confirmed them. 

For information on all workshops at Belfeast Academy of Realist Art please email julie@juliedouglas.co.uk

Up coming workshops include drawing and oils (22 - 27 April), portait drawing (25 & 36 April). 

Oil painting, close-up of hair. 10in x 12 in on Primed board.

 It didn't occur to me when I began this painting that people wouldn't be able to tell what it is. But no one can..! Which doesn't matter at all, I did it to practice using the paint, and am very happy with the result.

It started life as a drawing on tracing paper...

A tonal layer to help me not get lost.. (didn't work, I got lost regularly) 

 The second layer, blocking in colour in more detail. 

At this point (above) I had to stop and work on the portrait commissions. A break of about 3 weeks, but it was at a good point to leave it. When we leave anything, even if only overnight, it's important for it to be at a stage where we can pick it up easily, without feeling too daunted. 

Lots of fiddling and layering. 

There now. Can you tell what it is? 

If not, we'll let sleeping dogs lie, for I'm not telling!

Next up, Water Colour workshop, intensive portfolio course, childrens drawing and painting workshop.  For details email julie@juliedouglas.co.uk

The art of traveling, Chocolate Tiffin & Portfolio Course

The world is defintely getting smaller. When I lived in the west of Ireland, the locals thought that no one would be interested in ART... But by the time students started coming for courses, you'd have thought it was the neighbours idea in the first place that I do something arty -  they treated me with a warm indulgence, a sideways tilted head, a smile, and a 'Would you believe it...?' and eventually, 'Why wouldn't they come for The Art?'.

Well, yes! I began traveling myself a few years ago to teach around the country, on the basis that those who lived further away were always saying they wished they could do courses more often. But I discovered that if I did a course in Dublin, it was as likley to be attended by students from Mullingar as Dublin. I held one in Co Leitrim in the spring, and one of the students came up from Dublin...! And another in Dublin, where a student flew over from Kerry..!

Autumn light, Strangford Lough

Now it is so easy to get around, the roads are amazing. But so, indeed, are the flights. I have students regularly popping over from the UK.

Last year I had a boy from Switzerland on a portfolio course, and a girl from China, and this year another from France. So, now that I am back at college myself studying for my Masters, I am doing a little less traveling, based on the knowledge that the venue is NOT important, but the teaching and the course IS. And, as anyone who has been to a weekend workshop when I'm at home knows, I do a good lunch too!

I'm doing a Portfolio Course during the half term break, and am delighted that it will be at home. Its so easy to get here.  If I teach at home, my props supply is endless. If I travel, there's only so much I can get in the car. I am including drawing on location, and illustration elements as well as sketch book studies and all the usual course content. AND... I'm making chocolate tiffiin, to help concentrate the mind! (Hard work deserves chocloate rewards). Students are well looked after, with full tuition, from breakfast to bed! Phew!

Prep for chocolate tiffin... mmmm

For info, email julie@juliedouglas.co.uk

Next up Water colour workshop, Belfast

Tonal Study, Charcoal Drawing.

If everyone did more black and white work, their colour work would be so much better...  I set this up for my students this week and was able to join in with them today. Charcoal is so flexible, I love it. 

White bottles, white hoops and red ribbon, Charcoal on thick, toothy cartridge paper, Julie Douglas.

Portrait, Oil on board 8in x 10in

This is a painting of Christopher Bell, who until May was the Chorus Master for Belfast Philharmonic Choir. He is a very vital and important figure in music making and, more to the point, has a GREAT HEAD!

It was a delight to paint him. Those of you who follow this blog may notice that the only other Oils portrait I've posted was another man, Rodney, with glasses and er, not a lot of hair. Though he has a splendid moustache.. I did wonder myself if I had a thing going on, but no - I've painted folks with hair too, and I will post those at some point!

                                       Next up, 3-day portrait workshop, Belfast.
                                    Up coming - Water Colour workshop, Dublin.
                                               Intensive Portfolio Course
                                       For info email julie@juliedouglas.co.uk
                         Phone - from UK 07730 560 517 from Ireland 087 1330040
Please remember - copyright on portraits belongs to the sitter. Do not copy this in any way, thanks.

Drawing subjects... and visual feasting.

Every moment of every day is a visual feast. Even if you haven't time to sit to paint, allow your eyes to absorb the amazing beauty all around you - this means not Thinking about it, but just.... Looking. When we really start to observe light, and shape and colour, our lives begin to be transformed. How could we not have noticed how colourful everything is? When I was walking the dog yesterday I noticed some unusual looking objects on the ground - just one or two at first, but eventually a whole heap of them.  They look like buttons from a formal blazer, or perhaps little drawer-knobs. They look like they have been carved, each one with the same pattern on the top. Knobbly, very solid, brown with hints of greens and red. They are seeds from Eucalyptus trees, I deduced by looking...up! (I am very grateful that they'd already landed on the ground, they'd be a bit painful if they landed on your head)

 Just peering at the detail on objects like this increases your visual awareness,  with no effort on your part at all! Stare, wonder, unravel the details with your eyes, and the next time you draw something, you will be as tuned in as if you'd been drawing all week. 

Tip of the day - don't look hard for somthing interesting, it's right beside you. And when you are out and about, sometimes the most interesting landscape is at your feet. 

Double click on the image to see it BIGGER....

Next Workshops, April - Drawing on location.  Portrait Drawing.  Email for details.