Watercolours With Life: "I Can't" I said.

Tuesday 22 August 2017

"I Can't" I said.

Blue Tit in Watercolour

This afternoon I had a wonderful message from the owner of The Frame Gallery who are hosting my solo exhibition which opens on 1st September , next month. Apparently everyone loves the blue tit painting on the Preview Invitation for my show. So much so, that several people wish to buy it. It has however already been reserved. Collectors often do this to ensure they get the piece they wish to purchase.

I loved reading the gallery message and smiled when I was asked

" Do you have any other Blue Tit paintings ?"

"If you haven't, is there any chance that you can paint another?"

" I can't " was my reply.

Don't you just detest those words the minute you have said them.

And I don't even believe in the two words

" I can't".

I tell everyone who comes on my workshops that they can because I believe negativity can pull us down. Knocking our faith in our own ability.

But I can't paint another bird in time because I have deadlines to meet for magazine features, and my new book to work on and I have to prepare for my upcoming USA tour.

" I can't" I thought to myself.

But then on a branch outside my studio a tiny bird sat looking at me.

" You can" it seemed to say.

I tried to ignore it. But it put its' head on one side and looked at me again.

" You can"

Perhaps five minutes just painting it, I thought ,would be a welcome break as today has been so busy.

I grabbed my paper and almost willed the little bird to sit still for me. Its' little feathers lifted in the breeze. It flew away at one point but then came back. As if to see how far I had gone with my painting of it and I laughed. I must admit I don't sit still for long either so I didn't mind their brief flight.

Actually I have thought about it.

I can!

So there might be another Blue Tit painting in my solo show but you will only know if you are there!

Its' always best to believe " we can" and in this case I can honestly say a little bird told me so!

****************

My show is at The Frame Gallery in Odiham , Hampshire, UK.

Full details can be found on my web site

www.jeanhaines.com

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The Artist Magazine : Book Review

Jean Haines' Atmospheric Watercolours

"The book is nothing less than a paean to the wet in wet technique. If that's your thing, prepare to be amazed. Jean Haines credits Jean Louis Morelle, and in many ways this book is the sequel to Morelle's remarkable, but very technical work, showing the wealth of creative possibilities the technique offers. A lot of the images are barely recognisable and yet you instinctively know what they are. I wish I knew how, because this is impressionism taken to its logical conclusion and reminiscent of some of the later work by JMW Turner. You will have to take it from me that "First signs of a face appearing magically from a first wash of watercolour" is pure alchemy. This is an extraordinary book."

"Amazing Ways With Watercolour:" Fastest Selling DVD!

"Amazing Ways With Watercolour" from Town House Films is the fastest selling DVD with the company to date! Record breaking pre-orders for this much awaited film saw requests for copies flooding in from all over the world. A wonderful introduction into working with watercolour minus the use of a preliminary sketch this DVD removes the fear, stress or pressure from worry about how to use watercolour. Instead the focus is on having fun, enjoying vibrant colour combinations and allowing the medium to create the subjects with just a little help from the artist. A really exciting new DVD to own. Whilst the DVD sold out in the first few months since its' release due to popularity it is now in stock and available directly from Town House Films.

http://www.townhousefilms.co.uk

How To Paint Colour and Light in Watercolour

"How to Paint Colour and Light in Watercolour" Jeans first book was launched at the Mall Galleries in 2010 at the SWA Society for Women Artists Annual Exhibition. Many copies have been sold world wide. It is available on Amazon.com, Search Press, SAA Society for All Artists and Ken Bromley.

"This book is a wonderful introduction into Jeans' way of working and gives an insight into her way of thinking and approach to a large variety of subjects. All painted minus the use of a preliminary sketch."