New Website

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!

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!

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!

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!

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

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

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!!!!!!!