Hi Patsy...another finely flowered triffid I see...perhaps a bit more of a close-up would be better?

Hi ,I've been looking through your blog etc. some great things. My friend Sally lives in Hillarys, and I have a few other friends who left Bristol about 15yrs ago. I also have a painting in Perth! It's the one of the Bristol Toastmasters...The bridegrooms sister took it back with her. It's cold and dark here, we're looking forward to the Spring and some warmer weather. Keep busy!xxx

How do you use the retarding medium? Do you mix it into the paints on the palette or use it from a dipper? I really am a novice. Could you recommend a book that helped you?

Thanks for your very kind comments Patsy. All of my old drawings are in either pastel, sanguine, or white conte. I am persevering with acrylic paint at the moment (with little success, but I will get there) and trying to introduce colour. I am going to a pastel workshop in a local gallery on the 7th of next month hoping to learn how to properly apply them. Then I can diversify. Chiaroscuro means light/dark (I had to look it up). Had a look at your gallery. You're no slouch yourself - are you? Love the painting of the racehorses. You've already reached the point that I am aiming for.

Looks lovely, where you are, Patsy. Many thanks for your lovely comments on my gallery piccies, very kind of you. All the very best, colleen