Porthleven from the Beach

You can turn 'em round that quickly, then? Of course with a family to think about, you need to take all the chances you can; and the knife will help. But there's no sign of hurry in this at all - do you find that having to seize these moments actually helps?

It took around 3 or 4 hours, I think. My husband's nap didn't last that long. The knife is very helpful, it is true; and so is the practice gained by dropping the kids off at school, walking home, collecting the painting gear and essential sustenance together, heading off into the hills (up to an hour's walk), setting up, painting, tidying up, and getting back home and then on to school in time to collect the kids at 3:20 pm. (Occasionally the luxury of dropping the gear at home was omitted). Ah. Them were the days. Summer. No full time job. No job at all, actually (then). Sadly, money is required. And paintings don't generate much cash. Especially if you are as rubbish at marketing as I am.

No sign of hurry? Good. I really don't know if having to seize the time helps with the success of the painting. (It doesn't always help with everyday life.) I do end up planning paintings in my head a lot, which probably does help.

Amanda, I think you have a wonderful style of painting, however it comes about. Always just enough detail for the viewer, lots of texture and the right amount of looseness. A winning combination in my book.

This is just full of glorious light and textures. I haven't been doing anything for over a week now; guests etc, but also I was given some books ... I get get sucked into those I'm afraid ... crime. However, like you, I have to grab the time when I can. I also plan in my head what I want to achieve - doesn't always work!

Great beach scene with everything on it and marvellous lighthouse and other buildings on the cliffs