Saturday, October 10, 2009

Regrets I've had a few

A quick (almost) monochrome watercolour sketch of some lilies I bought last Saturday - a mixture of Stargazer pinks and white, that have been begging me to draw and paint their sculptural forms. But no time still for frivolities - and now they're almost over their striking best. The poor things have to be turfed outside every evening when my husband comes home as he's violently allergic to their powerful perfume, or pollen or something and instantaneously starts sneezing and wheezing and eye-watering.
Would you believe that the Urban Landscape oil painting workshop I was going to today, with Walter Voigt, had to be cancelled due to a number of people pulling out at the last minute? Here, where workshops by good, reputable artists are like nuggets of gold on a city pavement, I'm gobsmacked that this opportunity wasn't snapped up with glee by aspiring local painters. I've got all the materials he listed to bring - Cadmium Red, Cadmium Yellow, Terre Verde and Titanium White and a Cad. red Oil Bar, a range of flat brushes, canvas and a pile of photographs. I guess what I'll do is just try it on my own (when I have time - although I had set this day aside, as soon as it was called off, it filled up - how did that happen?) and if I ever get the chance, ask him for his critique and what his intentions were going to be...

6 comments:

Maree Clarkson said...
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Maree Clarkson said...

A really lovely sketch Cathy. Well done. And I agree, it is so difficult to find good art tutors in our neck of the woods. Sorry you had to lose out. Where does Walter Voigt teach?

Cathy Gatland said...

Thanks Maree - I don't think he teaches regularly, though some years ago he had a Saturday group at his home in Parkview. I suspect he is too busy with his own work now, he's exhibiting quite often. His mom is Leigh Voigt - I don't know if you know her wonderful Nguni cows and other nature watercolour works.

Robyn Sinclair said...

How disappointing to have the workshop fall through, Cathy.

The lily is lovely though. I know people recommend cutting out the pollen but I can never bring myself to do it so I always end up with stains on my clothes or tablecloths.

Teresa said...

So sorry to hear about the cancellation of your class... so disappointing when you're excited about learning and ready to paint. On the bright side though, I see you've put some of your time to good use... this monochrome is simply gorgeous!

Cathy Gatland said...

Hi Robyn, yes I have several new stains on clothes and cloths from this bunch. I love the stamens - they seem to be an essential part of their design!

It was disappointing Teresa- I seldom get to meet with other artists too, which I was looking forward to. Ah well! Thanks for your nice comment :)