I decided to work on the sand at the bottom of the picture as this is the closest area and needs more detail. The sea is transparent as they waves roll up the beach and the sand can be clearly seen.

It was great fun creating this effect, mixing up different colours to represent the sand, and then using an old toothbrush to create the splatter effect! It might look a bit of a “sploggy mess” but I still have masking fluid on the image, and when I remove that it will take more of a shape.

Let’s hope the sun is out again next weekend and I can do a bit more.

I have enjoyed combining the Pen/Ink method with using Watercolour, it has allowed me to use the Ink to get the detail in and then just use the paint rather loosely.

It also reminds me of my visit to Venice last year, although we had brilliant blue skies when we visited, so will have to do another painting.

I also quite like this method and will do more like this, what do you reckon?

This is my first wash of colour, using the lovely Manganese Blue, a new colour for me and a very much appreciated Christmas present! The sand uses Naples Yellow Deep, another new colour, it has a hint of Burnt Sienna to take off the yellow. Much as we think our sand is golden yellow, in reality it is not.

This is the second stage, where I have intensified the blue of the sea, but now starting to get some texture in the close up area, where the sea is so transparent you can see the sand below.

I am also using my new paint brush, purchased as a bargain at Arts and Graphics closing down sale for only £50 (it should have been £182), but it is wonderful at moving the paint around the paper and worth every penny!

I have a slight problem with this painting. Normally I always stretch my paper, that means when I started to paint the paper doesn’t buckle. On this one I have worked backwards and did the drawing and ink first, so I have just stuck it to my painting board using masking tape. This means I can only add colour slowly in small bits, then have to dry it out properly before doing more.

Not altogether happy with the sky, I think the edge of some of the clouds need softening slightly, but loving using my new Winsor and Newton paints.

So here is the start

What do you mean it looks like a blank sheet of paper?

Well nearly, because I need white bits on my paper for the surf I first have to start off with masking out the areas that need to remain white.  I have also used a white candle, which should transform into those little white bits you get on the waters edge as the tide goes out again. If you look closely you will see my rough pencil sketches and masking fluid.

Can’t wait to add some colour, most especially a new colour, Manganese Blue, which I think will show the beautiful blue sky and clear water.

Does it look better or do you prefer the originals?

Wheal Francis Mine Workings, on the Great Flat Lode just outside of Piece.

A courtyard in Frigliana, Spain

Now to add some colour to my painting of Venice.

It is nearly finished, but I think I need a little more definition of the boats in water. Any other thoughts?

Then of course there is my painting of Godrevy lighthouse,

Mark reckons I need to make more of the sun that is setting, as it is hidden by the clouds too much. Any other feedback?

But this is my new painting I have started of Venice, which I thought I would share with you. After visiting Venice in September, where I didn’t do any sketching, despite taking all my stuff, but it was just too hot and we were not there long enough. Anyway I have been desperate to start my “Venice” series so am feeling quite pleased.

I was feeling quite stressed and decided a good way to relax would be to use my “pen and dot method”. It is a very very slow process as the dark lines are created by a series of little tiny dots, however it is also very very relaxing and guaranteed to help you forget the cares and stresses of the day.

It will still be a painting, but the majority of the detail will be created using the Pen and then I will put some loose watercolour over the top, to stop it being a drawing. So the Gondolier won’t look like it is floating in mid-air by the time I have finished!

I have been working on this painting of St Ives for sometime now, it is much larger than I usually paint, with lots of distant buildings and close-up boats, again not my usual style but it is all about developing, so that is what I am doing. Still work to be done on it, but this is the current state of play, I may even include a before and after at the end!

I also just started on a new painting of Godrevy, nicely dark and brooding, haven’t included much of the sea yet, so that should make a difference. But hopefully a quicker piece of work than St Ives (which I started in April of this year!)

What do you think?

Painting is all about constantly learning and I wouldn’t say it was my best work, but it is still a good experience, a challenge.