Towards the Church at Billesdon, Watercolour Painting

I can see really dramatic wash in trees and building. Always very peaceful colour. Good piece, Michael.

Good work Michael, especially as it was a demo. I'm always amazed how demonstrators manage to produce fine paintings and give an entertaining commentary at the same time.

I agree with Stephen it must be hard trying to paint and teach at the same time. I went to a demo yesterday - Val Briggs, she paints wildlife, she managed to paint the head of a hare and some of his body in two hours - fantastic painting (although not finished) talking at the same time as she paints - amazing, I couldn't do it. So thank you all you demonstrators, each of you have some special knowledge that you pass on to the students, much appreciated.

I agree with the above comments, Michael, especially with Stephen: multi-tasking isn't it? I like this painting very much: good composition, beautiful green (what colours did you use?) and the figures make it very lively. They also give an idea of the proportions. Beautiful!

Sorry Michael I failed to comment on your painting whilst I was rambling on above, once again a lovely painting, I like the different greys you have achieved. I do admire your work and others who paint these village scenes, almost feel as though I have visited these places myself after seeing these paintings.

Like this watercolour Michael, you are to be congratulated in producing such a nice painting while carrying out a demonstration, not the easiest of tasks with a limited time period to complete. The composition is first class and I like the colours and tones you have used, a really nice piece, well done

Thanks for your really kind comments everyone - It is so nice to get so many given that I have been followed by a multi-poster. Mia you ask about the greens. The far trees were painted using two varying washes - the first was raw sienna and paynes grey and the second (for the lower shadows and trunks) was light red and ultramarine. The tree on the left was done in a variable wash using raw sienna, olive green ultramarine and some burnt sienna to knock back the harshness of the mix. As for the figures - whilst I was painting I was asked to add the furthest figure which I did to demonstrate how it could be done with a simple brush strole but in doing so I used the colour I had on my brush at the time - if I had more time to think about it I would probably have painted it in a lighter shade say blue to help a little with recession and give a little more contrast to the tree above.

And did the used undergarments feature in this painting? (For those mystified, see the forum pages.) Brave to post a demo piece - I wouldn't! But then, I don't do demos. (Hint, will - if paid....) I should imagine that next to "how do I mix greens?" the second most common question would be "how do I add figures?" - oddly enough (maybe) one of the best demonstrations I've seen on the second question (but not the first) was in a video by Keith Fenwick....

I agree with all the above comments Michael, it's a super painting. I admire your ability to paint and teach at the same time!

You are very good at these tranquil very English scenes. Lovely feeling to it - lovely trees as well.

Thanks R F and T - the question now is what do I do with the picture as I don't exhibit near the village - the students are holding their own exhibition for local funds so I may donate it to them to raffle off. Yes underwear features here Robert - so absorbant !!

i know Billestone, but don't remember this view - I'll have to go back. Lovely execution as always. I could suggest you join the Oadby Society or Artists, who hold a large exhibition twice a year. Its very sucessful, and sales are quite good!

Love the atmosphere in this piece, Michael - subtle, yet vibrant at the same time. It's lovely.

Peter I love your watercolours and this one is no exception! Your interpretation of the subjects is so lovely in watercolour. Real little poems!