Sue McDonagh - artist

I'm BaaaaaAAck!

2011-03-29T02:03:00.000-07:00

Hello!.
Remember me? I know, it's shocking. I never write, I never phone, I JUST DON'T CARE about you all do I.
NO excuses, I'm a Gemini, what can I say.
Although even I was quite interested to read my last post (almost TWO years ago, she notes, crumbling with guilt) in which I mention my health issues.
The blocked sinuses and eventual chronic and maddening barking cough attached themselves to me like persistent fleas to a dog, I was diagnosed with 'adult onset allergic asthma' and prescribed a cocktail of stuff to stick up my nose and inhale. And the cough at least disappeared.
I tried to be drugfree and organic- I really did.
I've given up chocolate and red wine (my life's OVER)
The only dairy I allow myself is the occasional fat free yoghurt and blob of mozzarella cheese.

So now I'm practically living on fresh air (happily imbibed via a full face helmet - but that's another story), I've lost a stone and a half (woohoooo) and I look soooo much better - but I'm floating the national debt with my tissue buying habit.
And the cough's back.
Even my hairdresser announced that 'It was getting on his nerves'
I had to laugh
So, time to unearth the puffers and squirters once again.

stripey boys

2009-07-31T07:28:00.001-07:00

These little boys were a delight to watch and draw, hunting for little starfish in the rock pools. This painting is in pastel on paper.

2009-07-31T07:26:00.000-07:00

A little portrait of my grandaughter in pastel

out and about

2009-07-31T03:25:00.000-07:00

Funny how sometimes I want to write daily, in fact almost NEED to post daily, and yet sometimes chunks of time drift by with - well, nothing that I want to say. Mainly lately, this has been because I've felt generally under the weather and quite cranky and grumpy about it. Nothing serious, simply a relentless series of sore throat/blocked nose/cough/tiredness and general lack of get up and go. This is turn has made me feel - well, a bit depressed. Not clinically depressed, but, you know, like I'm dragging my own little black cloud around with me. Totally unlike me.
For about 8 months now this has gone on, and I finally cracked a fortnight ago and dragged myself to the doctors. Feeling dreadful, and looking worse, I drooped into the surgery, staring at the doc's feet as he held the door open for me. Flopping onto the chair, I heard: "'Ello, 'ow can I 'elp you?' in ze chocolate brown (and unfamiliar) French accent. My (puffy and red-rimmed) eyes lifted to take in a face to match ze gorgeous accent. I found myself wishing I'd put some make-up on...
Anywhoo, a few days away last week in West Wales camping in my lovely little van has perked me up a little, lots of fresh air, fresh fruit and veg and sleeping, just what ze lovely french docteur (ought to have) prescribed. Ok, it rained, quite a lot as it happened, the campsite was like the Somme, but I was snug as a bug in my van, and Scribble had a lovely time (see photo of him sleeping in like a teenager on my bed, cheeky monkey! he's not allowed to do that at home)
Since I've been back, I've felt my energy returning slowly, although I'm still unaccountably very prone to tiredness - and don't even think about telling me it's my age, grrr... I've got on with some really nice work which I'm pleased with, sales have rocketed, and things are looking generally much better.
Clearly I need to go away much more often......

2009-06-15T13:11:00.000-07:00

I just bought a new van, and I am thrilled with it! it's a Romahome Dimension 2, dinky - only 16ft 4", with shower, loo, fridge and cooker etc, fantastically well set out and just perfect in every way. I road tested in Dale, Pembs, the weekend after I collected it, slept in all the beds - enormous double or 2 singles, had a shower, used the oven, grill and burners, and the diesel heater, and it was all wonderful.
My neighbours keep finding me out there in it. Not quite going brrm brrm, but not far off....
And it's crowning glory is, I've had it signwritten - by Harrisgraphics in Porthcawl, and now it looks really funky to boot. See if you can spot it!!!! I'm planning to get out more and paint, staying away from home. More pochades!
I'm hoping that by directing traffic to my website, people will choose to buy online rather than in person from my gallery, which isn't open when I'm not there. That way, i can get out more and paint. That's the plan, anyway.

New Website

2009-06-09T01:03:00.000-07:00

At last:
Launched my new website:http://www.suemcdonagh.co.uk.
It's a buy online site - Enjoy browsing!
I have been trying to be everywhere at once for a couple of years now, i.e. if I'm in the studio/gallery, I can't get outside to paint or get new reference material, and if I'm outside painting, I miss all of you who pop in for a browse. And browsers often turn into buyers!
This way, you get the opportunity to shop at your leisure, in your own home, at any time of the day or night.
I have just put some nice work into a great new gallery in Llandeilo: The Rooms Gallery, Tel 01558 823 932. Entitled 'High Summer' is an exhibition of paintings, sculpture & ceramics. And not only but also, poetry & prose readings featuring
John Bilsborough, Rona Campbell, Laurence James, Simone Mansell Broome and Peter Read.
Launches this weekend, Sat 20 June 1pm onwards. Tea and cakes in the garden.

Off to New Zealand!

2009-02-27T10:02:00.000-08:00

Woo hoo, very excited, as we are off to New Zealand, leaving tomorrow, and away for almost a month. I have plans to fill lots of sketchbooks, but the main reason for going over is to for my youngest son, Sam's wedding to Elle. It is sure to be a wedding with a difference, as it will be in Auckland Zoo!
I am planning to try and update my blog at least, by using Sam's computer, so look out for photos and news!
Here is a nice picture anyway of one of my newest prints.
See you all in April!
xxxxx

Revitalised!

2009-02-11T07:13:00.001-08:00

Spring Fair Birmingham this year - quite apprehensive about the economic climate, but even after the arctic conditions, it turned out to be pretty much on a par with last years, in terms of sales. Footfall was definitely down, with no visitors from the south of England due to heavy snowfall, but the serious buyers made it all worthwhile.
So, it was hard (and I was in a campervan!), it was an anxious time, and we all wondered about re-booking for next years show....but I picked up some very nice licensing deals, a few more galleries to add to my list, and a determination to keep up better with the ones I already had.
I feel revitalised.

Still Here!

2008-11-28T07:17:00.000-08:00

Sorry, I've been rubbish at posting for a whole month. I got really into the whole sculpture thing, although I haven't produced anything worth having. Then it was all about completing my Christmas commissions, and now my life is geared up to producing something amazing for the Spring Fair at NEC Birmingham next year. Which to date, I haven't managed to do - but give me time! I just need to be painting every day, to get back into the swing of things. I am building a new website with a secure shopping cart, which is taking so much longer than I ever thought it would. It's looking possible that it will be up and running by Christmas, but by 'eck, it's cutting it fine.
I will post when it's up and running. Introductory discounts will apply!
xxx

Sculpture - A Whole New Direction!

2008-10-17T00:16:00.000-07:00

I have just returned from a most enjoyable 3 days sculpture course. I have never done any 3D work, and was staggered to achieve beautiful results, (see photos), with excellent traditional tuition from tutor Christine Baxter: http://www.sculpture-courses.co.uk.

My back is killing me from driving 4 hours round trip every day, and my waistline has expanded due to Christine's wonderful home baked goodies, (esp the walnut and date cake) but I am so happy!! (can you tell).

I know that thinking more three dimensionally will help my 2D drawing, but also, my head is full of things I want to sculpt.

Back next week for a casting course. Watch this space....

Sunday Painter

2008-10-17T00:07:00.001-07:00

After a busy day cleaning up the lifeguard clubhouse from a great party the night before, and ticking off a few jobs, I had time to nip over to Cowbridge and spend a quiet hour or so, tucked away in a corner painting. It had been a gorgeous sunny day, felt like summer - but the sun was low in the sky. The shadows were longer than I'd wanted, but the slices and blocks of sunshine almost made up for that.

Afterwards I dashed over to Ogmore to catch the sunset - I had a commission to do another sunset pochade after selling the first one. The sunset was awesome. A strong, dumping surfline showed purple against the spun copper and turquoise sea. There were so many people on the beach, watching the sun sink. I love living this close to the coast. I am so lucky!

Tenby Harbour Pochade en situ

2008-10-06T08:10:00.000-07:00

So enjoyed painting this little pochade - I love my pochade box. It has opened up a whole new world for me. I keep my rucksack ready and packed, including a ball for Scribble, poo bags etc, and a little flask to hand ready to fill with coffee, I am always ready to take advantage of a brief change in the weather or reckless desire to get outside!

I could hear people talking about me as they walked past, which always makes me laugh. Anyway, it prompted me to paint a cartoon card for my niece Stephanie's birthday, of me and Mum painting overlooking the harbour, and Scribble beside us industriously painting away at a little easel. Two people walk past saying" oh look, that dog is such an amateur, he's only using WATERCOLOURS!"

I need more painting trips!!!!!!!

Tenby Harbour pochade

2008-10-06T08:00:00.000-07:00

a few pochades of late

2008-10-06T07:34:00.000-07:00

Tenby - so inspiring, I love it. Managed a week at the end of August, even though the weather was foul - but it cleared up for the last few days, and was hot enough to sit outside without wearing my entire wardrobe.

I have so much reference material now, but always keen to pop back for a painting trip. I sold my pochade pic of Tenby Harbour almost immediately, and I don't think I photographed it, what a pain.

Another Sunny Day - could this be summer?

2008-09-11T08:26:00.001-07:00

Struggled rather with this painting - changing light and couldn't quite get to grips with the ledges of rock formation, then couldn't get the colours of the rock pool when the light hit it. But, it was a lovely morning, and it's good to be challenged.

Scribble enjoyed himself,and amused himself dropping his ball in the rockpools when he wasn't looking and then fishing it out again.
Home then to complete the very large commission I have on the easel. I'm so enjoying this particular work. I have caught myself gazing at it admiringly from the lounge in the evening. How sad am I....I shall, as usual, be sorry to see it go off to it's new home.

They start to feel like part of the family, these children, and their images become terribly familiar to me over the weeks.

I once did a surprise cartoon for a man that I later met at a function, and convinced that I knew him, I smiled and nodded, to his bemusement.

I couldn't think where I knew him from, and eventually he came over to me, probably wondering who the mad smiling and nodding woman was, and we went through this whole rigmarole of where I might have met him as he clearly had no recollection of me......until I mentioned that I was an artist, and then the penny dropped!

Cardiff Bay on an unexpected dry day

2008-09-08T09:04:00.001-07:00

Hmm. Don't laugh. I've been laid up with......GOUT. Blimmin excruciating actually. Anyway, yesterday, the drugs kicked in and I took myself and my trusty pochade box off to Cardiff Bay and had a lovely day pottering around the Bay - I even went for a boat ride. I tucked myself away to paint, feeling suddenly shy amongst the crowds of people - but was inundated by passersby asking to have a look, and then telling me how their children/grandchildren/man next door paint. In the past, they have then asked me what paint I am using, and upon hearing the reply - watercolour, acrylic or pastel, they then inform me smugly that their children/grandchildren/man next door paint in OILS. A REAL Painter, is the implication.
This time, when they asked "is it acrylic??" I airily replied - "oh no, OILS of course...." I actually caught myself doing it. Smug bitch.
I returned with a whole raft of inspiration for my body of work that I intend for the Spring Fair in Feb 09. Watch this space.

A Sunny Day!!!

2008-09-01T00:22:00.000-07:00

Can't believe it - a sunny day. So I'm planning to walk Scribble along the cliffs, but just thought I'd show you what I've been up to. This is the beginnings of a commission I'm enjoying, a large oil on canvas about 40" x 30". The background is the last thing to be blocked in - the sand is too orangey, and needs toning down, the sky is too greenish blue. The sea is a reasonable start, and a good base for adding movement and waves too. Likewise, the coast needs attention and looks very stark and contrasty. I am pleased with the children, however, as the brief was not too be too 'portraity', actually, easier said than done, but a real discipline required to keep the brushstrokes loose all over, and not get bogged down with facial detail. I will look forward to settling down with it later, and hope to complete it within the week. Then I am off to the Lake District to do some pochade painting, and Nordic Walk a Lakeland Trails race at Derwentwater. Only 10 miles - after my 45 mile event last year, should be a walk in the park (hills). So why am I feeling so apprehensive.......

pochade paintings Aug 08

2008-08-19T09:22:00.001-07:00

Sunset pochade painting

2008-08-19T08:34:00.001-07:00

Having completed 2 little pochade paintings looking across towards Southerndown and Nash Point, I moved along the cliff to where I knew the sun would set over Porthcawl. I've tried painting sunsets before, but they've always looked a bit naff. Watercolours just ran together and went green, pastels looked like kids paintings,and I've generally ended up relying on photos. But this time, as a fresh convert to oil painting I wanted to see how I'd manage. I loved it. The paint stays exactly where it's put, but still let me blur some areas together. The sun was a glorious golden globe hanging over Porthcawl Harbour for what seemed ages, and then hastened it's descent, burning out the dark of the headland in its path, and tipping the waves with liquid gold. My brush sped over the palette, I think I held my breath, trying to get it all down in time. Arrayed across the beach and cliffs, everyone watched the sun setting. After a week of gales and rain, it was a magical oasis. How lucky I am to have all this on my doorstep.

pochade painting at Ogmore by Sea

2008-08-19T07:54:00.000-07:00

A severe weather warning for Wales gave way to the most beautiful evening last Thursday, and I rushed out with my pochade box, already pre-loaded with panels and paint, packed safely into my rucksack - how organised is that. I stopped only to make a flask of coffee, and headed off to the coast. I knew exactly where I wanted to go, having visited the spot many times in the past. I've photographed from here, gazed over the rolling headland as the sinking sun turned the cliffs to pink and orange, and irritated the hell out of following drivers by moseying along at low speeds, admiring the scenery.
Perched on top of the cliffs, nobody but sheep for company, I had my pochade box out in a jiffy, and aware of the need for speed in the evening light, rapidly put down the dark areas. Painting as small as this really makes me focus. There's no room for fiddling about with marks, you have to put the stroke down and leave it. Well, that's the plan anyway. The sunlight skittered across the water, leaving me dithering about lights and darks - "ooh, that's lovely....no, that's better, oh, cloud shadow hmmm, that's interesting" and so on. I did my best, had a quick coffee and a stretch, suprising how chilly you get sat in one position for half an hour (well, I have no idea how long I sat there, I seem to lose all track of time) Decided to do another one, see if I can distill the scene more effectively. The sun was beginning to sink, and the characteristic orangey glow lit up the cliffs, as I struggled to stay ahead. This time, my brush started to feel more familiar, I had more control over the colour mixing, didn't squeeze out so many diferent colours, and actually began to enjoy myself.

Brecon Beacons pochade

2008-08-13T10:54:00.001-07:00

Took myself off to the Brecon Beacons on Monday, to check out a route for my Nordic Walking Group. The walk was spectacular -except for the biggest bull I've ever seen in one of the fields I was crossing - I expected to feel his breath on my neck the whole time I was slogging uphill in my rush to get to the gate - and then a sign warning dog owners and walkers to beware of cattle in the next field had adrenaline lending unaccustomed speed to my Nordic Walking poles.....so I've decided not to do that particular walk for the group. But anyway, this isn't the Nordic Walking Blog (which you can read elsewhere, see links on the right), and I spent a couple of very happy hours with my pochade box, (see link on sidebar if you also want to buy one) absorbed in trying to paint the fabulous mountain scenery around the Brecon Mountain Centre. Once again, the fact that I am finding this quite difficult is proving the draw (geddit) (sorry). I found the marks from my filbert brush somehow more satisfying than my flat brush, which suprised me, as I've always tried to emulate my pastel marks when painting. I also preferred the unprimed, more absorbent surface, as the paint became too slippery on the primed board.

2008-08-13T10:50:00.000-07:00

A very quick oil sketch sitting in a meadow whilst the dog capered around me playing hide and seek in the long grass. The board absorbed the paint so quickly, it dried more quickly than a watercolour!

My first Pochade Paintings!

2008-08-09T10:53:00.000-07:00

Earning a living from your art somehow involves more than just being able to paint. It's about marketing, computer skills, admin, packing up orders, invoicing, designing adverts, e.mailling and meeting customers. When I saw http://www.pochade.co.uk, I was immediately lured by the idea of getting back to basics.
So I bought the pochade box - and then realised I didn't have paint in small enough tubes to fit into it. No matter, a bit of retail therapy amongst the Great Art pages, and I soon had a box full of goodies, and was keen as mustard to get out there and paint en plein air.
Hmmm. What to put it all in? My much loved, used and abused Nordic Walking rucksack just wasn't big enough to get the box in, plus waterproofs, spare jumper, map, teensy flask of coffee, sarnies, super-lightweight folding stool, mobile phone, camera, compass, kitchen sink, dog ball, hydration bladder...I think that's the lot....so another trip to the shops carrying that lot with me so I could pack it in and out of various rucksacks finally culminated in the purchase of a 28 litre Vaude sac. Lovely, light as air, hardly felt it on my back. The pressure was on now, as I had spent a considerable amount of money in an attempt to simplify my painting life - how ironic is that.
Now. Where to go???? Maps and walking guides out, my favourite things -here? there? dithered and watched the rain lashing down outside - worried about not being in front of my easel in my studio completing commissions and earning proper money (and people think the life of an artist is all dreamy and airy fairy), finally, shouldered the rucksack, and strode off to .....the local beach! a round trip of just over 5 miles, with cliffs and scenery and ice creams and all that - found my spot on the very top of the cliff, sat on my super lightweight folding stool - and started to paint, at last! Oh joy. I had forgotten just what a marvelous, simple delight it is, sitting and absorbing the view, painting just to explore the surroundings, to really see, instead of glancing and relying on the modern sketchbook of the digital camera.
So I'm hooked. I don't think I'm very good at it, which is further incentive to keep doing it. I struggled with colour mixing, making greens far too readily, unaccustomed paints having different properties to my usual manufacturer. I'm far too fiddly with my mark making, and yet, I am absurdly proud of my first offerings, and can't wait to get out again. Watch this space!

a frustrating day

2008-08-04T11:40:00.000-07:00

Monday.
A frustrating day, spent driving around Cardiff, trying to find
parking somewhere near the city centre so I can collect a painting.
It was supposed to be a quick trip, collect an order of mounts, and
then go out to paint for the afternoon. Dropped stuff off to studio,
got home, took an order for prints from a gallery, looked at pouring
rain outside, and checked e.mails. Big mistake. Need to upload
images to website and other galleries. Still raining, so shelve plans
to go out for a bit. Website off sick, so e.mail web designer to find
out why. Time passes while we try to sort it out. Have lifeguard
club committee meeting tonight at the beach, so decide to go early
with newly packed rucksack containing brand spanking new pochade box,
and test it out on top of the cliff. New e.mail message says meeting
cancelled. It rains again. Bugger it. I decide to paint indoors,
and go out tomorrow instead!

Hello World!

2008-08-02T14:56:00.001-07:00

Tonight I had to find a couple of web page references for my http://www.behance.net/Gallery, and I was astounded to discover my images in all kinds of unexpected places - several blogs in America, plus an advert for a digital painter whose work resembles mine! How bizarre is that.
Also, the blog I make for my Nordic Walking Club achieved a higher rating than some of the galleries I supply, which indicates to me that more people read my blog than look at my work.......so, as I like to write, I may as well do that and get some exposure for my writing as well as my painting.

I have just bought a pochade box from pochade.co.uk, and filled it with luscious goodies from greatart.co.uk. I am planning to spend next week getting on top of some of my commissions, and then, I am packing my camper van, and I am off. No internet. just me. the dog(see photo above of Scribble dozing in the sunshine) and my pochade box. It is going to test my painting ability - I have spent many years now increasingly using photographs and painting indoors - a sure way to become stagnant and out of love with painting.
Last Sunday a scorcher, I persuaded Al my lovely and patient other half, to drive up to the Brecon canal, so we could check out the slipway possibilities for our sit-on kayak, and have a pleasant walk alongside the canal, shaded by trees and lined with great pubs. First, we couldn't find the canal, and when we did, there was no water in it. Which didn't deter Scribble from hurling himself into the canal, squelching up to his belly in stinking black mud. Al leapt to his rescue, losing his Oakley sunglasses in the process.
Oh well, I saw lots of places I'd like to paint anyway....
So when you see me next, I hope to have a clutch of little paintings in my hand that are at least an honest response to my surroundings.