Denis Pickles

This is very Charles Reid - you have done a great job of adopting his style. Love the colours and the looseness. Charles R is my hero and to me he is the master of watercolour. I am lucky enough to be going on a week long course with him on the 11 May down in the Cotswolds. I think seeing the great man paint will be awesome. I am going to write a daily blog page with feedback from the course if you are interested. My blog name is A Watercolour Journey.

I never did get to one of Charles Reids courses. He used to tutor courses at Urchfont Manor before it closed. I think that Craig Young was partly instrumental in getting him there - he uses a palette made by Craig (or he did) . Enjoy your week.

Yes, Charles R went to Urchfont a few times where he was with Craig and also Judi Whitton (do you know her work?). I have a Craig Young paintbox which is my pride a joy and wonderful to paint with. Craig is a lovely man and I was able to go and collect my paintbox from him as he only lives about 45 mins from me. He was able to show me all the ones he had made which we going off to far corners of the world which was really interesting. I must admit to being slightly nervous about what Charles R will think about my painting skills, but he does seem a kind and gentle chap so perhaps it will be ok.

Yes. I know Judi. And she knows Charles Reid. You can see his style in her work don't you think? All the best painters have one of Craig's boxes. You must be good!

Thea is excellent Denis and has posted one of her lovely boat watercolours which will be on a page only a couple of clicks on from here, I am quite jealous that you both seem to live within striking distance of some famous and very genial artists who are happy to run courses that you are able to get to, I like this watercolour of yours Denis, so relaxed and casual.

I immediately thought of Charles Reid when I saw this, so it shows you have done a good job here Denis.

Like Stephen I saw Charles Reid. I have only met him through his book!

Oh gosh, I not a good artist at all, Denis, just a hobby artist with very few years experience. However, I am a lover of surrounding myself with the best equipment I can afford and find that using a beautifully and individually made piece of kit like the CY box inspires me. My 12 year old grandson is a good artist (having just won the SAA Artist of the Year Junior Category for Best Portrait or Figure) and I am hoping that my box will become a family heirloom, passing to Hector when I go to the big art gallery in the sky. I find that a nice thought.