News and snaps from my studio. Sometimes I write about new pieces that I’m working on that are not released yet. If I think of a tip or piece of advice that will help you look after your painting I’ll often share it here. If there’s something specific you want to find, there is a search box down below.
Today I revisited an owl that I have painted before , I wanted to use the same idea but really push the sky and the lighting effects more, to make this painting more like it was in my mind. I have a couple of alterations to make, and then we'll see if I managed to do what I set out to do this morning ☺️ Many artists won't paint the same scene twice, but I actually often do and I enjoy seeing which bits I can change or improve.
This big lady gave my arms a really good workout yesterday, needless to say I used a big brush. I have to use an easel with ratchets to help me lift these heavy canvases high enough to work on. There is nothing as thrilling as painting this size, with the added advantage that you get your steps in. She is 120 x 150 cm
I can’t believe this sweet guy is my first-ever grouse! I’m using a new technique that I have adopted recently for smaller details. Because I cannot really see well enough to paint in the old way, instead, I put the paint down in the general vicinity and then push it into place with a dry brush. I took a video of me doing a few last bits in this way, yesterday, it is nice because sometimes you do need a little bit of detail.
A new Highland Bull painting, a golden sweetheart against a bright twilight sky, really enjoyed this painting from a new perspective!
I got such a good feeling using these glorious colours that I am going to keep doing it. Here is another feel-good Highland Cow piece in the most delicious colour palette. Sometimes I wake up in the morning and I feel the need, the need for pink!
Sometimes I like to go through my pile of unfinished canvases and turn them into something new. So this week I started these two young Highland Bulls in a similar palette of rust and stormy blue. The guy on the left is 50 x 60 cm and on the right 70 x 70 cm. Both of these will be available for sale when they are finished.
You can see how thick the paint is, on this piece. The first full layer took two weeks to properly dry, and this is another layer of bright oil paint - I like to use contrasts and hues to create the illusion of depth, and to make the entire surface of the canvas interesting to look at. This is a cow with a sweet countenance and a little attitude in her stance. Looking forward to getting her finished this week.
I have been working on some wildlife paintings, beginning with these new hare paintings. I enjoy the challenge of trying to capture their expressive faces. These most recent hare paintings will be available on my website in a few days. They are smaller pieces at 45 x 65 cm and 50 x 60 cm.
I spent the afternoon with this lovely hare, reference is courtesy of Frances Cricklow Photography. I will add whiskers when he is dry.
As an artist who paints animals and birds almost every day, I like to see them looking somewhat contented!
One of the visitors at the festival last week told me that all my painted animals look happy. It was the most perfect comment because that's exactly what I work towards! I don't know whether this new guy looks cheerful or slightly smug. Perhaps there is a hidden hand back there giving him a bum scratch.
There are many places to buy cow paintings in the UK, both online and in physical stores. Some popular options include art galleries, open studios, online marketplaces like Etsy and Amazon, and speciality home decor stores like Wayfair and Dunelm. You can also try searching for local artists or visiting art fairs and markets in your area.
For those interested in Sue Gardner cow art, there are open-edition prints and homewares available for purchase at various boutiques and stores in the UK and internationally, through my licensing partners. Additionally, I offer a selection of prints for sale on my website. However, if you are looking for a truly unique piece, I offer original cow oil paintings. These one-of-a-kind paintings are not only a beautiful addition to any collection but also have the potential to appreciate in value over time. Check out my recent releases to see if any catch your eye.
Two big and bright New Multi-coloured Cow Paintings., I’ll be taking at least one piece to Melbourne Festival at the weekend.
I will be hosted by Pierre Hourlier Wines, at Melbourne Hall. I hope you will come and say hello if you are passing. There is a lovely cafe next door.
There will be 150 artists exhibiting at the art trail, it takes all weekend to visit the whole village. Artists are taking up temporary residence in homes and businesses throughout the Derbyshire villagevillage
A new painting in acrylics. A very bright piece with lots of joyful rainbow colours. I have named her ‘Ballater’ after the beautiful Scottish village, one of the favourite places of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
This week I have changed the way that I work slightly to accommodate a couple of restrictions, and it has turned out to be in my favour. I spent yesterday painting this gentleman. I have used the same reference photo in a previous painting several years ago, and it was interesting for me, to return and see the differences in my own approach.
This is the face of a person who gets a kick out of painting birds in flight One day I’m sure I’ll fly again myself but until that day I shall paint those who do. I was always a very fearful flyer, which, as the daughter of a fighter pilot is perhaps a bit strange. Recently I overcame my fear by watching videos on a You Tube aviation channel during the lockdown and beyond. Thanks to 74Gear I now have a better understanding and confidence, which I have yet to put to the test.
Experience the majesty of a heron in flight.
As part of a new series inspired by birds in flight, I will be offering a few paintings of herons for sale in the upcoming year. The largest piece in the collection is an original oil painting titled "Positive Rate," which measures 100 x 120 cm. To add texture and intricate details, I used a palette knife in the creation of this stunning piece in a fresh palette of dark teal and sea green.
Summer sale of original paintings
Sale of my demonstration art pieces, small acrylic originals
I have gathered together all of the demonstration paintings that I have created at my workshops and demos over the past year. I have finished the ones that needed more work, and I’m going to present them for sale on Sunday. This is a chance to acquire one of my paintings at a preferential rate. These pieces are smaller than I typically have available, around 45-50 cm, some are acrylic, and some are acrylic with oils. There will be sheep, cows, hares, kingfishers, stags etc, with painted sides, ready to hang. There are around 30 paintings that will be available, and this will be on my new site, so Klarna pay in instalments is an option.
My mailing list subscribers will receive an extra discount code for 20% and will get 24hr early access. so its worth signing up.
My family members delivering Loch Venachar to the retreat manager
Bill, at Ripple Retreat
After a long wait, my Ripple Retreat Donation, (a painting) arrived at the Ripple Retreat in Callander, Scotland. Mum and Mike, Auntie Barbara and Uncle Alan very kindly delivered my painting to Lynn at the Ripple Retreat. Later in the year, the piece will be auctioned at their Autumn Ball to raise funds for the retreat. The centre offers respite stays for children who are cancer patients and their families, on the banks of Loch Venacher. The Retreat is managed and funded by the Scottish charity ItsGoodtoGive. My family were given a guided tour of the beautiful building and grounds and were very impressed with everything they saw. Alan and Barbara live in Callander, so the painting was a welcome addition to a family road trip.
There is another rainbow Highland Cow at the Ripple Retreat - a permanent resident named Bill the Bull, created by Artfe Sculpture
Varnishing the Ripple Cow, prior to her journey, I love the way varnishing seems to enhance the colours.
When I began the painting, I decided to keep a record as I went along, so I took photos and an ill-fated attempt at video. I am a bit more composed on video these days but here are some of the out-takes from a year ago. You can see why, in the end, I just took photos!
My newly available colourful wildflower cow piece ‘Glenclova’ who is surrounded by colours I could actually eat, they are so delicious. And a little goat poking out his tongue behind her back.
Multi-coloured Cows
This cute pair have been a joy to paint and are due to become available on my website once I have named them. I love the rich russet tones, offset by cool purple touches. Their expressions were fun to paint too!
Just noticed the sheep photo-bombing the cows :D this is inevitable here in the studio !
