Alnwick Castle

It's simply beautiful Thea.

Missing you already Thea, but hey you're back and this is smashing. Just up your street.

Thank you Kal and Derek for generous comments - I really appreciate your kindness. Yes, Derek - I am back but struggling with getting into any sort of groove. It will come, but patience has never been one of my virtues - so I rather am champing at the bit to recover lost ground.

I know that feeling well, it will come back, good luck

It is difficult Thea to get back your enthusiasm and inspiration after a break but you've made a really positive start and you'll soon be up and running and posting more of your lovely paintings I'm sure.

Not up to much? It's dazzling Thea, you'll be back and with renewed vigor!

Thank you Christine for your kind comment. I actually just need to get off my backside and get on with some painting. It is funny how you can find every excuse in the book as to why you have no time to paint today, but I shall try hard to overcome this and knuckle down - promise,lol!

Thank you, Fiona, you are really kind. I think I need to have more drink (or less) and get myself feeling a bit free-er and in the mood!

Talent like yours will never fade, it will return sooner than you think, as you have just proved!

Your friends here on the site will give you the boost you need Thea, just keep posting whatever you do. I look for excuses too, I picked an old swallows nest up last week that had fallen down in the wind and thought it would make a subject to try with oils.....it's still waiting. I need to get it done before my husband puts it on the compost heap!Lol. You could always paint your drink before you make it vanish! Sounds like a good plan.

Full of sun and warmth. I like the sound of Fiona's suggestion, but without the painting.

Gosh Fred - you're making me come over all unnecessary with such a lovely compliment - thank you very much! Good idea Fiona - paint the drink instead of imbibing it! I have dipped my brush in my tea on many occasion - not sure how gin interacts with watercolour though, lol!

Thank you very much Gudrun. Are we turning into a site for sozzled artists, perhaps, lol!

Had you been on that challenge, you definitely would have gone through to the next round! This is super, love the sheep and the way that the castle sits within the painting, such a good composition.

Welcome back - missed your work - pleased to see your latest.

I have found doing just what you are doing Thea they always blossom with new life and most of all do what you enjoy. That's a lovely watercolour with a mass of knowledge

I think that this is a lot better than most of the work done by the contestants Thea!

Thank you very much, Louise, Michael, Dennis and Frank for such nice compliments. It is interesting how all the contestants produced completely different interpretations and I think that is what inspired me to have a go - just to see how different again my view would be. Just shows how much variety there is in art.

Hi Thea i really like the transparency of this one, it gives this painting such freshness and vitality well done Thea and of course i want to echo all your p o l pals in welcoming you back .

Good to see you Thea ;) I like this very much, a real sunny treat!

Thank you Dennis and Carole - really kind of you to leave such nice comments. And thank you for the welcome back, Dennis.

Looks to me like you've got your Mo-jo back with a bang!!

To me you have come back with a KA POW! I have missed your watercolours and this is a nice one to return with. All the best Thea!

So glad to see you back Thea; hard going . Spring is nearly upon us so I do hope it will give you the motivation and energy to get back to your paints. This is a lovely drawing/painting full of the promise of good things to come. I do like the sheep and colours reflecting in the water. (ps Thanks for your lovely comment on my old door !)

Recognised your style straight away, lovely fresh painting.

Thank you very much Debs, Sarah, Avril and Glennis for leaving such nice comments. I am a bit taken aback at how kind people have been about the painting as it really is just a quick little sketch and one that I thought was a bit ordinary. Everyone has been so generous and it is definitely helping me to get back into my drawing and painting again, so I am very grateful to you all.