SERENDIPITY
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"the act of finding something valuable or delightful when you are not looking for it"

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All FAS members are welcome to submit images or text to appear in Serendipity.
The aim is to encourage, amuse, and inspire our members during these difficult days.
Please send your submissions by email, with images attached to:
​colinvmorse@hotmail.com

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​THURSDAY 30/07/2020, from Sallie SEYMOUR

Plein Air 2020....Members seeking cool places in Wendy C lovely garden,  we had a lovely day, thank you Wendy

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​SATURDAY 25/07/2020, from Marilyn STEPHENSON

"Matt and Kitten" and "Mischief and Kitten"

​WEDNESDAY 22/07/2020, from Liz HARDING

​I have been enjoying an exploration  of water soluble oil paint to find a way that I can use them. Initially depicting the forms of some of my collection of succulents I have moved on to using images from my drawings of local woodland.
Liz

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​THURSDAY 16/07/2020, from Sallie SEYMOUR

Judy finding one of the best seats in the garden at Eastleach

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THURSDAY 16/07/2020, from Ipek WILLIAMSON

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​TUESDAY 14/07/2020, from Colin MORSE

Back to the drawing board....................."HIS MAJESTY"

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TUESDAY 30/06/2020, from Chris ROBINSON

Hi Colin
My mother suggested I post water based oils as members who use this medium may like to see examples by other artists.
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This is my technique using water based oils. Like proper oils,... cough, it’s very easy to use, and easy to wipe out mistakes.
But I found it less refined, and struggled with the fine details. But great for skies!! 

​SUNDAY 28/06/2020, from Sheila GLEED

​"Elements"

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​SATURDAY 27/06/2020, from Sallie SEYMOUR

Good to see members using this page,  am bubbling at the moment at Simon's.   His garden backs on to Bently Woods, hence the woodland painting.  My usual overworked masterpiece.   Will be good to meet up again.  Am working on it in the meantime, please support this page

Bently Woods no 2,  much more where I want to be.  I should crack it by about no 10.
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​SATURDAY 27/06/2020, from Wendy ROBINSON

Another "lockdown" painting, this time in watercolour - not good at flowers but love sheds! 
Wendy.

​SATURDAY 27/06/2020, from Ipek WILLIAMSON

Another picture from Ipek................

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​THURSDAY 25/06/2020, from Chris ROBINSON

Following on from the earlier "SERENDIPITY DEMI DEMOS" by Kathryn and Judy, our member Chris Robinson has kindly sent us a "DEMI DEMO" based on his style of watercolour painting.

If anyone is up for a challenge, we look forward to receiving your version of a COTSWOLD LANDSCAPE based on his technique.

‘This very simple watercolour is easy to do provided you get the right quantity of paint on your brush first time you apply a wash. The broad washes, ie, the sky and grass were painted with a no. 10 squirrel mop, the bushes , background and shadows with a no.6 squirrel mop. The reeds are painted with a no.4 round sable. Simple! This is a typical scene in the Cotswolds as you know, so take your watercolours out and have a go’ ! 

Chris Robinson 

​WEDNESDAY 24/06/2020, from Ipek WILLIAMSON
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One of these (the season scape ) is U-tube Inspired. I love the loose way she paints. I think you should explore Utube painting videos. They’re good.

​THURSDAY 18/06/2020, from Colin MORSE

Back to the drawing board.......Lesson 9 of my drawing and painting class. 

​SUNDAY 14/06/2020, from Colin MORSE

Having a play with some old oil paints......more Weather!

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​WEDNESDAY 10/09/2020, from Lucy WORRALL

​TUESDAY 09/06/2020, from Colin MORSE

I would be interested to know what you think of the following, the Dan Scott Art Academy. There is so much stuff on the internet about art, it is difficult to know where to start. This chaps web site contains a wealth of information for free. Regular articles, reviews, topics etc, etc. You can of course go to the next stage, which is to pay for his actual course, but there is no pressure to do that. If you subscribe to his newsletter (that's also free), you will get almost daily emails to read, enjoy, delete as you think fit.

Here is the link:   https://drawpaintacademy.com/about/

Best wishes
Colin

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MONDAY 08/06/2020, from Colin MORSE

Better late than never: Weather, "Running before the wind".

​MONDAY 08/06/2020, from Ipek WILLIAMSON

Exasperated by doing watercolour skies which didn’t work, I did this sketch of a pot from my balcony

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​SUNDAY 07/06/2020, from John HEWETT

My attempt at last month`s subject "weather". I was struggling with the face, but Julie suggested that it might help if I looked in the mirror, and it seems to have worked. Perhaps I should call it "Self portrait in the rain".
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​​SUNDAY 07/06/2020, from Colin MORSE

Girl With A Pearl Earring......No 2

​SATURDAY 06/06/2020, from Margaret STICKLE

Would you please add the attached photo to the Serendipity page of FAS with
the caption::
"Not the South of France, just my garden in  Fairford"
Many  thanks...Margaret
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​WEDNESDAY 03/06/2020, from Wendy ROBINSON

1st Sketch
At the beginning of "Lockdown" I sat in the welcomed sunshine and sketched in watercolour pencils a scene in my garden. I liked the way the sun fell on the tree and chair.

2nd Painting
Weeks later, more sunshine but now a garden in full bloom.
Composition not so good but I wanted to include my Roses!

Wendy.

​THURSDAY 28/05/2020, from Sallie SEYMOUR

Have just finished this one, still to come up with a title other than "Another Still Life in Gouache". This will be the last painting for a few days, going to start the next project of Lockdown,  spring cleaning and reprinting in that lovely blue Cuprinol  Cotswold Blue. My  back door /lean to / come porch.  That will take me several days, especially while it is so warm.

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​MONDAY 18/05/2020, from Sheila GLEED

Hi, Colin,
My attempt at last months bird theme.

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​Monday 18/05/2020, from Sallie SEYMOUR

Sometimes you just see something that has to be painted there and then.  The first of my oriental poppies spread its petals and this was my end result.  Not unhappy with it.

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​Monday 11/05/2020, from Sue O'CONNELL

​Hi everyone, hope you are all keeping well and sane in these strange times, haven’t painted much but have managed to complete my Koala in pastel, a few pebbles (spot the deliberate mistake now rectified) and a couple of button pictures.
Look after yourselves.
Sue x


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​Monday 11/05/2020, from Sallie SEYMOUR

Hope you are all managing to stay sane, this is beginning to get wearysome now,  such a long time.   Will send you The Greenhouse,  from a w/c sketch done at North Cerney Gardens last summer.   Acrylic on Canvas, brush and knives.


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​Wednesday 06/05/2020, from Ipek WILLIAMSON

Hatherley Park and Trees at the Hilltop

​Sunday 03/05/2020, from Colin MORSE

BACK TO BASICS
Five weeks ago BC (Before Coronavirus), I signed up for a one week residential course at the Welsh Academy of Art in Crickhowell, but along with everything else, it was cancelled. As an alternative they offered an on-line course, and I have just completed the first module on basic drawing.
Each module consists of five lessons, and you can do each lesson in your own time frame, submit digital images of your work, and then receive constructive comments back from the tutors by return email. You can find out more at www.welshacademyofart.com.
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"This course is designed for absolute beginners and will take you through the fundamentals of drawing and construction of forms using pencil/charcoal and paint through to creating still life, landscape and eventually portraiture. Each module is made up of FIVE LESSONS. The lessons will be issued to each student as and when they have completed each one. Students are required to submit photos of their work for marking. It is important that students achieve a good understanding of each task required of them so that they may progress to the next lesson".

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​Sunday 03/05/2020, from Kathryn WEBSTER

​Meet "DANCER".........
I decided to paint a birthday present for my next door neighbour who is going to be 3 years old this week . We both look out onto open fields where deers run wild and free. I used Arches paper CP 140lb  9”x12” . The Deer was painted in a loose style using watercolour . I did use masking fluid for a few areas.
Colours : Quinacridone Violet Rose , Violet (Whitenights), Phthalo Turquoise, Transparent Yellow (W&N), Neutral Tint ( DS), and White Gouache. 

​Sunday 03/05/2020, from Sallie SEYMOUR

Well done Sheila, Lucy and John.  Love the red kite, it was ages ago when you started that one , it has turned out really well.

T(pot) Time, another one done in Gouache, the colour scheme has not worked so well this time round but it is just about OK.
Has inspired me to restock on some new tubes, but cannot believe how expensive they now are.

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​Saturday 02/05/2020, from Sheila GLEED

Hi Colin, having a go on the bird theme, meanwhile have called it a day on this one....................

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Friday 01/05/2020, from Kathryn WEBSTER
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 Title :  Spiky Teazles    Medium : Mixed Media 

During my lockdown daily walk , I came across some wild teazle heads in the fields . “Spiky Teazles” was painted in a loose style using watercolour.  I did use some masking fluid for spiky bits !  Technique used was mostly wet in wet. I used Arches 140 Lb CP 9” x 12” . Colours : Buff Titanium , Bloodstone Genuine, Moonglow, Neutral Tint (Daniel Smith ) , Indigo (W&N). White Gouache, Iridescent Silver ink(Liquitex ), and White Pearl ink  (FW). 
Hope all of you are well x

​Friday 01/05/2020, from Sallie SEYMOUR

"Good morning all,  so, no going out to wash your face in the morning dew, no maypole dancing and no early morning choir in Oxford on this May morning 2020.

I hope you are well and making the most of our enforced quiet time, whether it be painting gardening or new projects.  Those of you who live in Bibury are probably enjoying having the village to yourselves for a while.

Quite a few of you have sent pictures to Colin and what a high standard, am thinking I may have to hang up my brushes.  If you haven't had a look yet or submitted something, please do and it doesn't have to be a painting, just a way of keeping in touch. No mention of when we will be returning yet so please just stay safe, keep busy and smiling.  Send to Colin  your pictures and submit to the Facebook page as a way of keeping the group together.  Regards and love from Sallie"

Friday 01/05/2020, from John HEWETT

Hope you are all staying healthy. Two paintings on the subject of "birds." The first, a red kite over Fairford. The second one, (inspired by Andy Warhol perhaps ???), I think I may have stretched my imagination a bit far in my translation of the word "birds." However if it makes someone smile, in these difficult times, then I`ll be pleased.

Best wishes
John

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​Friday 01/05/2020, from Lucy WORRAL

​"Sunburst"

​Untitled foliage

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​Thursday 30/04/2020, from Ipek WILLIAMSON

Practicing skies, Bluebells in the Woods, and more Bluebells in the Woods. 

Saturday 25/04/2020, from Wendy ROBINSON

Experimenting with colour

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​Saturday 25/04/2020, from Judy HIGGINS

Where are all the bird paintings? We have so many sparrows in the garden, they are such  busy little birds. Love to watch them splashing in the bird bath or having a dust bath.

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​Saturday 25/04/2020, from Sallie SEYMOUR

​It has taken me ages because it is a largish painting, but have finally finished the first of my garden series based on the gardens we visited last summer on our painting sessions.  This one is part of the walled garden at Eastleach House.  30 cm x 40 cm mainly with palette knife, which I do not find easy, on a canvas,  I feel as always with acrylics the colours are difficult to handle ( at least I find them so).    Keep painting and stay safe

​Tuesday 21/04/2020, from Sallie SEYMOUR

Still life with hare,  back to basics for me, tight and detailed and painted in Gouache,  I had forgotten how lovely this medium is. 
Hope all  well. Sallie

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​Saturday 18/04/2020, from John HEWETT

I always seem to start paintings at our afternoon sessions and never finish them. With things as they currently are,  I have finally managed to finish some. Two from February`s subject "still life" and two from March`s "the colour blue". I attach images of them for the website, either Serendipity or Members Gallery. Am still working on this month`s "birds" and trying hard to match those submitted by other members.

Stay safe
John

​Friday 17/04/2020, from Sheila GLEED

Something for serendipity maybe. Been sidetracked from painting with this lovely  3,000 piece challenging puzzle from Wendy. Very hard but enjoyed doing it. Best wishes. Sheila. 

​Tuesday 14/04/2020, from Kathryn Webster​

"DEMI DEMO" No:2​

“EZRA”
I was kindly asked by Colin to do a Demo for serendipity .
Materials :
Arches watercolour paper 140lb CP 9”x 12”
2b pencil
Masking tape
Blue masking fluid
Brushes size 10, 4 ( rigger )  and 0 (fine liner )
Watercolour paints  : leaf green (Holbein), Indigo (W&N) ,Azure blue , violet, quinacridone violet rose ( white nights ) .
White gouache (W&N)
Micron 04 waterproof ink pen
Water spray bottle

Firstly Tape your paper to the board ( I did not stretch mine !)
I drew my image of the baby elephant using a 2b pencil and then masked in some areas with blue masking fluid to suggest some of the wrinkles.​

I mix my colours up first in large wells so I am ready to go to drop my colours in . I usually work from the top very quickly ! But for the Demo I have tried to get snap shots at each stage ! In order for me  not to have any hard edges I blended the edges away with some clean water on my brush .

I use wet in wet technique then drop my colours in using No.4  brush and leave some white spaces ​

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When the watercolour image is dry I use Indigo to add some dark shadow areas & wrinkles using a mixture of No.4 and No.0 brushes.
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Gently rub of your masking fluid to reveal some more white areas.
You can now add some white gouache in places where you think might need highlighting ,
For me it was  a little around the eye & elephants feet.
I used my waterproof black ink pen to define some areas .
Finally some splashing ! I tap my No. 10 brush loaded with paint gently onto the paper and disperse some dots with a fine mist from my water bottle .

Finally "Ezra" the Elephant!
Enjoy Painting!





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​2020
An Easter to be remembered

Easter Saturday, 11/04/2020, from Judy Higgins
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Judy very kindly agreed to take a series of pictures throughout her next bird painting, together with a running commentary on her technique.

So this is our first "DEMI DEMO" in SERENDIPITY!
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A big thank you to Judy for doing this.


"Hi all, I was asked to show my next bird painting in stages.  Hopefully it might get some of you inspired to have a go.  Obviously there is no right or wrong way to start a painting but this seems to work for me using acrylics.  I prepared a piece of wood (24"x7") with MDF primer.  Then did the background using a sponge.  Then I painted the birds in white - this gives a good base for other colours (especially yellow).
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 I started adding colour to the birds. I then roughly painted leaves, ivy and rosehips, again in white.

It's then just a case of adding more colour, using a fine brush for the detail and sponges for depth and interest.  I also used a glaze (thin coat) of blue/brown at the bottom.

Hope this helps -have fun!"​
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​Easter Saturday 11/04/2020, from Heather Teather

Puffins on Farne Island


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​Easter Saturday 11/04/2020, from Lucy Worrall

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​Good Friday 10/04/2020, from Chris Robinson

As a plein air artist I live for the moments I can paint in special places, like Salthouse in Norfolk. This pure watercolour took about 1.5 hrs, but the trick is not to finish it completely. So during this lockdown I’ve managed to catch-up on old plein airs and finish them off. 

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And another picture from Chris Robinson

​This one was also tweaked before going off to the Mall Galleries for the Royal Institute of Painters in Watercolour exhibition earlier this year. Unfortunately the exhibition was cancelled but the painting can still be seen on line, if anybody is interested in buying it.
Here’s the link
https://www.mallgalleries.org.uk/whats-on/exhibitions/royal-institute-painters-water-colours-208th-exhibition/lakeland-beck-cumbria 

​Thursday 09/04/2020, from Sallie Seymour

Called Breakfast at No 4.  Lechlade Art Society challenge was view from your window and FAS was Birds, 2 birds 1 stone so to speak.  Can’t live up to J.H. birds , so mine are small and indistinct.
Stay safe.

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​Thursday 09/04/2020, from Brenda Climer

​Thursday 09/04/2020, from Debbie Exton

Two entries for this months subject, BIRDS:
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​And, "this was a bit of an experiment but I am sure we are all feeling a bit like this. 😁. "

Monday 06/04/2020, from Kathryn Webster

I decided to paint an image I took when I visited South Africa , way back in 2009 . The Cape Penguin 🐧 “ Sinatra”, was painted in a loose style using Watercolour . I first used some blue masking fluid in places to reveal some white areas later. The technique I used mostly was wet in wet with a restraint to my splashing ! . I used Bockingford 140lb CP 1/4 imperial .The colours I used were Indigo , Payne’s Grey , Opera pink , Dioxadine purple / violet ,  shell pink and lavender , with a little bit of white Gouache .  I decided to name him “ Sinatra “ , as he looks like he is singing !


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​Sunday 05/04/2020, from Sallie Seymour

​The last one of my playing with Acrylic special paper and acrylic inks.  Used the same technique as I would for watercolours.  You really have to plan in advance using this paper, don't think I will buy another pad.


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​Saturday 04/04/20, from Judy Higgins

Judy is off to a flying start with this months topic for "Get Together" painting challenge.....BIRDS.

Thursday 02/04/2020, from Colin Morse

​What are you missing?

Top of the list for me is the sea. I don’t know where this desire comes from, but after an absence of only two weeks, I feel a deep seated need to be somewhere overlooking the sea. Two holidays were already booked, a week in the Scilly Isles in May, and North Devon in August, it is unlikely that either of these will happen.

From our program you will see that we had planned to have a workshop by David Hunter on the 16th May.  David was a neighbour from when I lived in Bristol, and our friendship developed when he introduced me to his impasto oil paintings.

​Here is how David describes himself:

“David, if you weren’t an architect, what would you be?  I love to paint. I’ve not been trained in fine art, I just enjoy doing it. The process of making images that are so different to the precision demanded of architecture is something I find completely absorbing. I might struggle to make a living out of it though”.

His favourite topics are large, dramatic, seascapes “where sea meets land”, and this was to be the subject of his workshop.  Regrettably we have had to cancel this event, and so I would like to leave you with some examples of David’s work, so that you too can see "what you are missing".

​Stand on the cliff top, smell the sea, feel the breeze...................
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​Wednesday 01/04/2020, from Ipek Williamson

Mother's Day daffodils, this time in watercolour.............

Wednesday 01/04/2020, from Kathryn Webster

​I am missing coming to Fairford & seeing you all in the art group . So I decided to paint one of my images of St. Mary’s Church Fairford . After doing the workshop with Jem Bowden ,I was inspired to try the 3 colours again ,in a loose Style ! The colours I used were Rembrandt Indian Red , Windsor blue ( Red Shade ) , and Raw Sienna . The paper I used was Arches CP 140lb 9x 12” . Overall quite pleased with the result - perhaps on reflection next time to leave some more white spaces ! And loosen up more ! Always room for improvement ! Take care all of you .love from Kathryn
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St Mary's Church, Fairford, Watercolour

​Tuesday 31/03/2020, from Sallie Seymour

Painting no 2 on special acrylic paper using acrylic inks.    I started in a very loose way using a brush and blue paint to draw in roughly my still life, this was my first mistake, as once down there was no way of rectifying or tightening up.   I have found that that using this medium on this paper pre planning is essential, you need to know exactly where you are going to put your lights and darks from the word go much the same as watercolour but with more restrictions as you cannot amend unless you resorted to adding acrylic paint on top.  The other down side is it is a gummed pad and I had great difficulty in removing top sheet when painting finished.  Note to self, remove sheet first and tape to board.  I would be interested to know and see if anyone else is or has used this paper and what they think about it.  Now working on painting no.3  Will report back when it is finished.
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From: 
Mitchell Albala. "Landscape Painting, Essential Concepts and Techniques for Plein Air and Studio Practice"

"Any good landscape painting I've ever done was also simple. Whether it was a plein air painting that took an hour, or a large studio painting that took months, I had to find a way to translate the vast amount of detail into a coherent statement that made sense not only to me but the viewer. This is never a matter of copying nature, that is not possible. Rather, its a process of seeing the world through a painter's eyes. Its a process of creative distillation, of extracting the most essential elements of the landscape and organizing them into a coherent whole".​

Saturday 28/03/20, from Sallie Seymour

Something different  (I hope)  exchanged brushes and supports, while the sun shone I put some instant colour into my newly name Corona corner whilst still keeping the theme for March going,  The colour blue.

​Saturday 28/03/2020, from Sallie Seymour

I have been using up various types of support, some of which are new to me and thought I would share my findings with you. 

No 1
Using Papier Special Acrylic  by Clairefontaine and acrylic paint.  Cannot move or blend the paint on the paper;  where the brush touches the paper is where the paint stays; no movement and tends to muddy if too many layers are used.  Find it quite a dead paper and paint loses its sparkle.  Am going to try it with acrylic inks next.

​Thursday 26/03/20, from Liz Harding

Hi Colin
I attach a couple of images
Sadly my hip op. was cancelled the day before it was to happen.
I have been keeping myself busy over the past few weeks, not with painting, but, hand stitching which I very much enjoy and is easy to do while seated.
I have been looking through some of my many sketchbooks of drawings made while walking around the village. I have attached a drawing and what I have done with it.
I hope all is well with you.
It is very quiet everywhere but at least the sun is shining
Best wishes
Liz
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​Thursday 26/03/20, from Ipek Williamson
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Here is a pastel painting of daffodils and pink hyacinths. I had abandoned pastels for years in favour of watercolours, but thought I’d make an attempt yesterday. 
I am now going to try the same flowers in watercolour! 

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​Thursday 26/03/20, From Alison Veli

A bit of outdoors for everyone! The Cornish Gorse & The Alliums are in acrylic my preferred medium.
Mr Woodpecker is in watercolour which I find slightly tricky as you can’t cover up your mistakes!!
Love Archie’s adventures Colin.
Stay safe everyone & keep painting!
Alison
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​Wednesday 25/03/2020
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Debbie Exton was first out of the block to post her latest picture, thank you Debbie!​
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​Wednesday 25/03/2020, from Judy Higgins:

Blue tits and great tits inspired by the blackthorn blossom. I really like using sponges for the foreground. The owl painting was done in less than 2 hours. I was trying to get a Misty effect using thin acrylic, also sponges again. This is now hanging in Ros's and Syd's lounge as Ros fell in love with it and it matches their decor!
(Serendipity?)​

Wednesday 25/03/2020, Colin Morse.
Lets try something new?

​Let me introduce you to Archie, a 9 year old German Pointer/Working Cocker cross, double trouble! Last year he qualified as a registered P.A.T. dog, Pets As Therapy. He was an ideal candidate, gentle, a "person" dog, bullet proof with children, tail always wagging (we won't talk about pheasants, deer, rabbits etc, thats another story!).

Since qualifying, he has visited a local care home once a month, and the local primary school, once a week. The experience has been remarkable for both Archie and us. 







At the care home, he visits the unreachable residents, those who do not socialise, those who do not speak, those who remain in a world of their own. Somehow Archie seems to recognise these residents, don't ask me how. With Archie sitting next to them, they open up and engage in conversation, tell us stories about their own pets and animals, look forward to his next visit.

At the suggestion of the activity organiser, we have started to record the residents "animal" stories, and the Try Something New task has been to draw some little animal cartoons to accompany them. So far we have had guinea pigs in a New York appartment block, herds of sheep, the Labrador gifted by an RAF officer, and the "Poodle who fell in love with the Three Legged Cat". These stories and pictures will eventually appear in a little residents booklet.

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In his down time, Archie enjoys dog agility, running around a course of tunnels, weaves, jumps, walkways etc, all at great speed. As a result, he himself has had an adventure or two, which will also appear in the booklet. The latest escapade was in Cirencester Park. Having trained him to leap over hurdles and up ramps, perhaps it was not surprising when he did the following:

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