Owner: Watercolour artist Tracy Hall URL:http://watercolour-artist.blogspot.com Join Date: Fri, 23 Mar 2007 13:42:33 -0500 Rating:0 Site Description: Realistic flower paintings, life like pet portraits and wildlife art from watercolour artist Tracy Hall. Work in progress from the studio and latest news. Site statistics:Click here
Flower painting in watercolour 2007-08-01 10:20:00 Purple Columbine (Aquilegia vulgaris) in watercolour
: This is actually the second attempt at this painting - the first acquired some suspicious and indelible marks on the white paper near to completion which left me with no alternative but to start again. Very annoying when you are nearly done I can tell you!
Cloudeight Stationery 2007-07-30 12:00:00 Cloudeight Stationery recently got in touch to use my some of my artwork for their email stationery. Cloudeight is probably the best known email stationery site around, with tens of thousands of visitors each day together with a dedicated list of subscribers, and has been going since 1998. They work with some superb artists, some of whom I know, so I was delighted to agree and am really impressed with what they've done! I hope you'll like them too. You do need to be using Internet Explorer to view their site (I don't know why...) but all of their stationery and screen savers are free. Go to Rural Life - The Art of Tracy Hall to see the first collection. A second collection featuring flowers will be out later in the month. Ive tried to add a couple of screenshots below:
The sedge warbler on meadowsweet - not finished ye... 2007-08-04 11:32:00 The sedge warbler on meadowsweet - not finished yet, but I thought I would show this painting in stages and this is today's progress: He will shortly be joined by the blackcap, barred, icterine and garden warblers.
Bird painting w.i.p (cont) 2007-08-06 13:01:00 More of the warblers' painting progress:Not sure about the icterine warbler yet, he probably needs more work. Was mostly busy with sorting out the fuschia bush today!
Art Helping Animals 2007-08-10 10:27:00 I have just joined a wonderful group of professional artists called Art HelpingAnimals
, who are dedicated to using their art to make a difference in the lives of animals in need, and to help ease the financial burden of the charities who care for them. I'm really pleased to be involved!This is one of the first paintings I have put up for auction for Art Helping Animals - an original aceo miniature of a bearded collie puppy, 3.5" x 2.5" in watercolour on Arches paper. 20% of the final price will be donated to True Blue Animal Rescue in Texas.If you would like to bid on this miniature (a chance to get an original painting and support a really worthwhile cause at the same time. And at an absurdly low starting price - how can you resist?!!) please click here:http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=190139871302&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT&ih=009Here's the website to find out more about Art Helping Animals
Grey Cat Siesta - ACEO painting 2007-08-14 12:09:00 'Grey Cat Siesta'. Watercolour on Arches 3.5" x 2.5". Art Helping Animals in aid of Tabby's Place Cat Rescue Charity To bid on a limited edition print on Ebay:Grey Cat Siesta Or to purchase the original:Miniature Paintings
Miniature dog portrait 2007-08-20 02:37:00 This is another miniature painting I completed recently, 3.5" x 2.5" in watercolour:Available as an aceo limited edition print with a donation to Old Dog Haven either through my website or currently on Ebay.
Hellebore Flower painting 2007-08-18 11:23:00 8" x 10" study of Hellebores (lenten rose) in watercolour. This is one of a series of paintings heading out to their new owner in the US shortly. I love these flowers, although we don't have the pink variety in our garden - but my good friend and fellow artist Lesley Ann Hartman was kind enough to send me some photos of hers!
Rosemary & Co Handmade Brushes 2007-08-18 05:51:00 I have been meaning to order some brushes from Rosemary
& Co for ages, having heard excellent reports about them, and finally got around to it a few weeks ago. I have been so impressed; they are quite simply a joy to work with - so I had to recommend them here!Rosemary has been making artists brushes for 25 years, and has a fantastic range available, whatever your chosen medium. I use kolinsky sable, and hers are superb. She has a very informative catalogue available and supplies artists by mail order both in the UK and abroad.Related links: Rosemary & Co Handmade Artists' Brushes
Warblers Painting 2007-08-22 10:24:00 This painting shows the Sedge Warber, Black cap, icterine warbler and garden warbler. Now Orkney does look pretty green in the summer, but probably not quite as green as it appears here, even on a good day. The birds aren't green either. Think there may have been a slight hiccup in the scanning process for this one (or is that hiccough?). But you get the idea; blue sky, green grass, brown birds. Shall be more attentive next time. Read more:Painting
Churchill Animal Protection Society 2007-08-29 02:58:00 "The 3rd Annual CAPS Art Auction for the Dogs and Cats will be held on October 13th at the Fallon Convention Center in Fallon, NV, USA. Artists from around the world have generously donated original work, giclee's, commissioned portraits, pottery, wood working, photography, etc. The proceeds from the art auction go to the nonprofit, no-kill animal shelter for programs to help our community spay/neuter their pets, raise awareness about pets and their care, and continue our efforts towards no more homeless pets." - Jennifer Williamson (President)Tickets for this fund raising event are now on sale - contact ChurchillAnimal
Protecion Society
. Read more:Protection
Instant Email Gift Vouchers 2007-08-28 11:04:00 A lot of people buy my prints as presents (thank you!) but it isn't always easy to decide which one to go for, and sometimes it also involves having to post the print twice (once from me to them and again on to the recipient!). And that is before the little problem of leaving it until the very last minute...Well now I hope I have made it a little easier - you can buy a gift voucher securely online, which can either be emailed directly to the recipient at the click of a mouse, or you can still print it out and deliver it personally if you prefer. Either way, they can then browse my website at their leisure, select their print and have it shipped out to them the following day! Simple! If you would like to order please click here : GIFT VOUCHERS Read more:Email
, Vouchers
More Art for Airedales 2007-09-22 03:39:00 Two new little paintings to benefit National Airedale Rescue. Both are 3.5" x 2.5" watercolour and supplied in a 5" x 4" frame:'Waiting' PRICE: £65 ($130) Shipping £10 worldwide (incl insurance).BUY NOW or email the artistPortrait of Valentino. PRICE - £65 ($130) Shipping £10 worldwide (incl insurance). email the artist or BUY NOW
Watercolor Flower Artist's Bible 2007-09-20 08:53:00 I was asked earlier this year to contribute to this new book edited by Claire Waite Brown. It defies it small size by covering a wealth of topics from the basics (including materials and techniques) through to analyzing structure and composition. Includes examples from eighteen artists, working in widely ranging styles, step by step demonstrations, tips and tricks and also has a practical sprial bound format. I'm not very well versed on this type of book, but I think someone learning about watercolour would find it very helpful and informative - it certainly seems to cover alot of common questions!Watercolor
Flower Artist
s Bible
Airedale Siesta painting 2007-09-16 03:52:00 Art Helping Animals, a group of international artists who raise funds for animal welfare charities through sales of their artwork, and which I belong to, are highlighting the work of NARA - National Airedale Rescue, Inc until the end of September. This is a painting I did especially for them recently titled 'Airedale Siesta' (watercolour portrait of a sleeping dog) and 20% of the sale price will go to assist them in their rescue and rehoming efforts. Original Watercolour on Arches 3.5" x 2.5". The painting is supplied mounted and framed in a 5" x 4" wood frame. To purchase securely and instantly online please click on the link below. (You can email instead of you prefer to reserve it and pay by UK cheque or for further details).
Woodland miniature 2007-09-14 07:51:00 My latest miniature
. Hopefully finished? The actual size is 2" x 3", transparent watercolour on arches HP. I have no idea for a title yet - never a strong point for me! I noticed that a coin is often used to give an idea of scale so I had a go below:The deer's head being 5mm (just over 1/8th inch):Thats it for today, back with more birds soon!
Miniature duck painting 2007-09-10 05:11:00 I have become fascinated by miniature art recently, and this is my first attempt at a 'proper' miniature, following the guidelines laid down by the Association of Miniature Artists. At least that was my intention! Painting 'in the small' is totally absorbing, and not a little painstaking. I painted this one over several evenings using a magnifying glass and the actual size is 2" x 3". If you click on the picture you should be able to see a magnified version. I don't know what sort of duck it is - I did this painting from several photos I took at a wildfowl lake, so there is every chance it is a mixture I guess. If anyone recognises it I would appreciate knowing though! Related links:Miniature Paintings The Hilliard Society The Association of Miniature Artists
Warblers in watercolour 2007-09-05 07:42:00 This is the whitethroat, lesser whitethroat, chiff chaff and willow warbler. I still seem to be having problems with scanning these. Something to do with a fight between the browns and greens by the looks of it as they are all over the place - but hopefully it will do for now as I don't have time to fix it today. Suffice to say this doesn't look much like the painting. Which is very helpful, isn't it?! Someone asked what size these paintings are for the book - 18.5" x 13.5". Here's a slightly better close up of the chiff chaff:Related links: Orkney Book of Birds Read more:watercolour
Birds in watercolour 2007-09-27 04:29:00 This painting for the Orkney bird book shows the yellow browed warbler, goldcrest, and spotted and pied flycatchers. The goldcrest is the smallest bird in europe, only about 9cm long. On the easel as I speak (well, write) are shrikes and starlings. I'm very fond of starlings, despite their delinquent reputation! They are brilliant mimics. Read more:Birds
, watercolour
Tawny Owl Miniature Painting 2007-09-25 10:15:00 This is my latest miniature (Can't stay away from the owls!). 'The Wink' actual size 2" x 3" watercolour on Arches HP. If you click on the image you should see it enlarged - one of the guidelines for true miniatures is that they be able to withstand considerable magnification. Its also easier to see the detail when its blown up! Due to working with such fine brushstrokes, miniatures take around the same length of time to complete as a much larger piece. Read more:Tawny
, Painting
, Miniature Painting
A Rook on a Roof 2007-10-14 11:05:00 I seem to have been very remiss lately posting any work in progress. Pure laziness really, so thought I would remedy that with a photo of the rook's progress from the latest bird painting: I try not to let personal preference get in the way but it has to be said I think these birds are brilliant. I could watch them for hours. He needs a good bit more work, there is no detail in the feathers yet and obviously the background needs a little work...! I was not the brave soul who went up the cathedral in Kirkwall to get the photos for the wonderful aerial view. That was Tim, the author of the book, who isn't nearly so pathetic at heights as me. I'm very happy to report that rooks can be seen perfectly well at ground level too.
Starlings and shrikes 2007-10-09 08:11:00 Progress so far on the starlings and shrikes painting for the bird book:Today I have made a start on the next one, which is the corvids...some of my favourites! I am also working on the next jigsaw painting for the House of Puzzles which is a greenhouse scene. Since I am also working on some new miniatures, I find myself flitting between full size watercolour sheets and tiny 2" peices. Not sure what this is doing for my eyesight, but it does keep me on my toes!
Swan Miniature painting 2007-10-03 08:42:00 This is my latest miniature, 'Reflection', a mute swan in watercolour actual size 2" x 2". A very kind miniaturist explained to me how to get the coin on for scale, which really does help I think (the UK penny is 6/8" in diameter - I'm not sure how that compares to the US one). If you click on the painting you can see a magnified version. I am having all my miniature frames custom made to the standards set out by the exhibitions (which are very strict). Hopefully the first will arrive soon as I'm looking forward to seeing these little paintings framed up. They are a complete joy to work on in between the commissioned work. Which of course is also a joy. But a different kind. These are for me!
Davy's Creelboat Miniature 2007-10-22 07:16:00 This is a miniature I finished recently, it's 2" x 2" in watercolour and the coin is there to give an idea of the scale: The colours are a little more vibrant in reality, but I am having trouble with the old scanner. This boat belongs to a local villager and goes out past our house most mornings. It looks fantastic with the rising sun hitting it.
2007-10-22 06:09:00 I was recently 'tagged' by Jeanette over at Illustrated Life, who correctly guessed I wouldn't have a clue what she was talking about. Apparently tagging has been around for ages (you give seven facts about yourself and then tag seven others to do the same) but true to form I had never heard of it. So here goes with seven little things about me: 1. I hate pasta. The rest of my family love it. Life is hard.2. My favourite drink is tea. (That is hot with milk for those of you in the US, where I was given it in a glass with ice and lemon. When I asked for it hot with milk, I got hot tea with lemon and a glass of milk on the side. Its just not quite the same.)3.I have a tendency to break glasses. Not on purpose, and hopefully not when they are full of hot tea and lemon.4. The most amazing place I have been was the Grand Canyon. Its one of those places that there isn't a good enough word to describe. You sound like a total idiot to anyone who hasn't actually been there. Big and Deep ju
Paintings for Turtle Ridge Wildife Center 2007-10-27 04:19:00 During November, Art Helping Animals are highlighting the work of our newest Charity, Turtle Ridge
Wildlife Center
. I have done two new little paintings for them, a Fawn and a Racoon in watercolour. Both paintings are 3.5" x 2.5" on arches paper: TRWC is a is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization and a Wildlife Rehabilitation & Care Center located in South Salem, Oregon. They care for all of Oregon's native wildlife species whether orphaned or injured, until they can be safely released back into the wild. They rely on donations and support to operate, and one of our members, Melinda Dalke, is a volunteer there (and took the reference photos of some of their current rescuees!)As with all my small paintings, these are supplied mounted in a 5" x 4" frame ready to hang, priced at a very reasonable £65 each plus shipping with a 20% donation to the charity. If you would like to purchase either, please get in touch! More paintings, prints and cards for our supported charities can be found Read more:Paintings
Two new miniatures 2007-11-02 05:15:00 Atlantic Puffins above - 1.75" x 2.25" and below a pony and foal, 2" x 2", both watercolour.Katherine Tyrrell recently visited the annual exhibition of the Royal Society of Miniature Painters, Sculptors and Engravers in the Mall Galleries, London and wrote a wonderfully detailed report on her blog, Making A Mark. As I couldn't get down to see it I found her article really helpful. A few short months ago I didn't know a thing about miniatures, but it seems to be a field attracting a lot of interest from new artists which is really exciting. There is so much to learn, but I am totally hooked and utterly fascinated. The first miniature show I will be entering work for is the Hilliard Society exhibition in Wells, Somerset next spring, so I have a little more time to practice. It is juried as well, so fingers crossed!
Corvids and The Bird Atlas 2007-11-08 04:48:00 Here is the progress on the corvids painting for the bird book. It isn't quite finished (again!) but I've left it here for now. It shows the jackdaw, rook, raven and hooded crow:On the easel just now are pigeons and doves which I'll post an update on when there is time. Speaking of birds, the British Trust for Ornithology launched the 'Bird Atlas
' of Britain on November 1st. This is a huge four year project in which volunteers are being asked to record every bird they see and send the results to the Trust. The resulting map will help create a comprehensive and invaluable atlas of the nation's birdlife. There are two ways you can help - a 'Timed Tetrad', where you visit a specific location for an hour or two and record every bird you see or hear, or a 'Roving Record', where you note down anything you see whenever you can, and is probably the easier method of participating. There are full details on how to take part on their website.
Kitten Pet Portrait 2007-11-16 02:28:00 A new little painting for Art Helping Animals, a kitten study (for want of a better title!) 2.5" x 3.5" watercolour on Arches. It will be sold in a 5" x 4" frame ready to hang.During December, we will be highlighting the work of The Humane Society of the US - specifically the Northern Rockies Regional office in Montana where one of our members, Sandra Merwin, is particularly involved. They do a fantastic (and challenging) job throughout the USA on a daily basis helping pets, farm animals and wildlife in distress.Related links - Small Paintings ; Art Helping Animals Read more:Kitten
, Portrait
Greenhouse Jigsaw painting 2007-11-23 06:14:00 Another week gone! Here is the latest painting I have finished for The House of Puzzles. It's 28" x 20" and as with all of the jigsaws, it is a very busy scene with lots of little details to keep puzzlers happy. (Hopefully). As yet untitled, but thankfully that isn't my job!As an aside, one thing I have learnt from this painting is that I really don't like Fabriano paper at all. Since I already knew this, quite why I decided to buy 10 sheets of it a while back is anyone's guess. But I thought I'd give it a go since its here; sadly it just made a tricky painting harder and I won't be using it again. Ever! If there are any fans of it out there (and someone must like it) you can have the remaining sheets for the cost of postage if you get in touch...I will be sticking with Arches, Saunders and Two Rivers. Rant over, and back to the pigeons. Read more:Jigsaw
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