Friday 26th September

I began with 2 small 12”×10” ones of Loweswater and Elterwater. I kept them fairly loose and with Autumn colours. I’ve thought from the start that I don’t want a whole set of lake paintings with mirror reflections that you see, with some justification, in many photographs of the Lake District. They make beautiful photographs but  can look a bit twee on too many paintings.  Its difficult to ignore some form of reflections in such large amounts of water but there are different ways of going about it. Mirror image reflections are very difficult to pull off in a painting, especially if you’re not painting in a photo-realistic style, which, I’m not. Areas of wind ruffled surface or ripples can break up the water which makes it more interesting in a painting.

After warming up with the 2 small ones I decided to tackle a big one on Tuesday. With Luna in Doggy Daycare, I had a free day. I decided to re-paint a 36”×36” painting of Ennerdale Water, which had been returned unsold from Beckstones Gallery.  I wasn’t quite sure why it hadn’t sold but it was done in acrylics and on closer inspection seemed a bit “rough”? I decided that painting over in oils would give me the chance for more blending.

I repainted most of the sky in more subtle tones which, when blended,  softened the whole effect with subtle colours of mauves and purples, creams and very pale oranges. I reserved some of the blues which brightened the sky. I repainted most of the landscape . Tidied up the fells and repainted the reflections. I was much happier with the result.

I then tackled a 24”×36” canvas and did a painting of Grasmere in Autumn.  The fells were purples, oranges and golds. The fells arrowed in on both sides to the “island” for a pleasing composition.  The reflections were cut with wind passages. When it was finished I had a feeling that it wasn’t right. Sometimes I just know when a painting isn’t working. I think care is needed with Autumn  colours. The painting needed cohesion.  I slightly changed the direction of the light. I darkened the Fells on one side and created some darker shadowy areas which helped. Having altered the reflections accordingly, I was happier with the overall effect.

I then began another 24”×36” painting of Coniston Water. This time in muted blues with the fells receding in a misty haze. The whole painting had a very limited palette with only a greeny blue tint to the closest fell and row of lakeside trees. I kept the reflections muted as well with a highlight where the water meets the headlands. This one had the feel of the large Ullswater painting I did for the Beckstones “Ullswater “ exhibition, calm and tranquil.

I decided my next Lake would be a similar Ullswater painting in a very similar style. It’s a big painting. 48”×36”.

I managed a good lively sky and distant Fells. I did a lot of it on Thursday morning but still have quite a bit of work to do on it. I can already tell its going to be a good painting.  It’s difficult to state how much that using oil paint for these subjects helps. I don’t think I could do them in acrylics.

Coincidentally  I had a message from Beckstones telling me they had sold 3 more paintings.  They also hoped that I had taken their comments re: the “Ullswater “ paintings, on board and my next delivery would be some similar styled paintings. I messaged them with a progress report and suggested a possible exhibition.

I also received a reply from Blagdon Gallery . They were happy to take my new semi abstract, bright Northumberland seascapes. They had also sold 3 paintings.

It’s my September Quiz tonight. As Natasha said to me, it really marks time and it seems to be rushing by. I’ve still got plenty of “lakes” to go at and although I hate the thought of it, I need to start thinking about Christmas cards!

I did, however,  do some necessary,  advanced planning this week. I have created a Nick Potter Art, 2026 Calendar. It is A4 size. I currently have 30 on order.                          

I should get the copies today and they will be available for ordering at £15 including p&p. The 12 Paintings have been chosen to reflect the seasons,  will be familiar to anyone who follows my work. They can be framed once used. I will post a few images plus a promo for it on Facebook and Instagram in the near future. If anyone would like one, contact me. I don’t make much money on them even at £15 but its good promotion for me and its been a while since I did one. They also make nice Christmas gifts.