Category: Uncategorized

Here to Ignite, Encourage and Inspire your Creative Flame

”The big secret in life is that there is no secret. Whatever your goal, you can get there if you’re willing to work.”
– Oprah Winfrey

Please note: some items are repeated for the benefit of new subscribers. Thank you 😊

Hey there my friends I hope you’re all keeping well and enjoying this unusually warm October weather. Obviously not too warm though as I sit here with a large mug of coffee keeping me company lol. It’s another busy week again here, with a couple more offers from companies to review their products (one being not art related at all, but I’m saying yes as it’s something I’ll definitely use on a regular basis and what it produces will definitely be welcomed in my studio) I hope this has you guessing lol, more on this soon 😉

Well I’m pleased to say that my polar bear pastel painting is now complete, the video footage has been edited and the voiceover successfully recorded. The resulting video is now live on my YouTube channel should you wish to take a peek:

Tomorrow I’ll be spending the day in my studio, finishing off a couple of paintings, cutting mounts and framing projects ready for next weekend’s exhibition at WWT Martin Mere:

North West Birdwatching Festival 14th – 15th October 2023

Just a few days to go until the North West Birdwatching Festival 😀 If any of the previous ones are anything to go by then this should be a definite date for your diary. It’s all happening at WWT Martin Mere and it would be a shame if you miss out on all the fun 😉 ‘From guest speakers and exhibitors (me included) to photography workshops and guided reserve walks. A whole range of activities to enjoy for a full day out from dawn till dusk.’

A wide range of exhibitors will be attending Martin Mere for the weekend, on show and for sale, the exhibitors will be showcasing their wares, including books, artwork, wildlife holidays, optics etc With many wildlife societies being on hand to answer any questions you may have about the flora and fauna we live alongside.

Guest speakers this year include the Urban Birder David Lindo, the world renown author David Goulson and the wonderful Lucy Lapwing, plus a host of others. Lectures cover a wide range of topics across the two days including wildlife photography, nature writing, how to attract wildlife to your garden, birding in Ecuador, Peter Scott and the birth of modern conservation and much more.

Additional activities across the weekend also include guided walks around the reserve (the depth of knowledge of the guides always astounds me), canoe safaris and guided boat tours, Fujifilm seminar, photography workshops and bird ringing demonstrations.

For those of you interested in knowing more about next year’s proposed Arctic Expedition I’m pleased to say that the initial building blocks of my new website page are now in place. Hopefully within the next week or so, after speaking with Wildfoot Travel, I’ll be able to put the finishing touches to the information on there and then will be able to let it go live and share with you all 😊

This new widget is already on the home page of my website, once the page goes live this shortcut will go live too:

Wildfoot Travel are also building a new page for their website too. The idea is for passengers to be able to experience the majestic landscapes and unique flora & fauna of an Arctic expedition, plus if they wish, they can draw, paint or sketch along with me during the more relaxed times of their voyage. As far as I’m aware, at the moment for dates are set as above. I’ll keep you informed of any changes and will obviously let you know when both mine and Wildfoot Travel’s new pages go live. So more on this soon.

🎨 Saturday 21st October – less than two weeks left to book your place on my latest wildlife-inspired watercolour art workshop, limited places, beginners welcomed – line art provided. Note: materials NOT included. (50% of proceeds going straight back into conservation):
🎨 www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/martin-mere/whats-on/art-workshop-with-kerry-newell

With Christmas on the horizon (yes I’m thinking about it already – no surprise for those of you who know me well lol) I thought a Reindeer in Watercolour would be suitable. The workshops are beginner friendly but you do need to bring your own art materials. I just wanted to make this clear as a participant arrived at last month’s pastel workshop without any supplies. I leant him some of mine so that he could still take part but obviously this isn’t ideal as he had nothing but his painting to take home with him so couldn’t practise thereafter. The reason I ask participants to bring their own supplies is for a couple of reasons; obviously the first is to keep this cost down, and the second reason being is so that I can advise each person on how to obtain the best results with what they have and let them know if they are missing anything beneficial that would help them in their artistic journey.

Suggested art supplies for a watercolour workshop:

Wildlife Art Workshops for 2023

£60 per person (materials not included)

All workshops are held at Martin Mere Wetland Centre and 50% of all proceeds go straight back into conservation.

This Kingfisher project was the subject for June 2023 art workshop over at WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre.

Diary Dates

Global Bird Fair	14th – 16th July 2023
Exhibition of Wildlife Art	28th – 30th July 2023
Arctic Expedition	31st July – 11th August 2023
North West Birdwatching Festival	14th -15th October 2023

Global Birdfair – an international three day event – Join a community of nature lovers and birdwatchers from around the world as we gather to make a difference to Conserving Nature Worldwide. Lectures, demonstrations, art exhibitions, holiday destinations, authors, photographers, Global Birdfair auction, optics companies including Nikon, Viking Optical, Zeiss & Swarovski Optik – there really is something for everyone at this annual event that attracts thousands of people from across the globe. Global Birdfair will take place at Rutland Showground, Oakham, Rutland UK.  LE15 7TW 

Exhibition of Wildlife Art – ‘an exciting three day show featuring the work of some of the world’s most talented wildlife artists. The biggest and most successful, open selling, exhibition of Wildlife Art outside of London. All exhibited work is for sale and many artist demonstrate whilst there.’

Arctic Expedition – ‘Take a cruise around Spitsbergen and explore the icy waters of the North Atlantic. This special expedition offers you the chance to catch site of whales, reindeer, Arctic foxes, walruses, seals, and the star attraction, the polar bear.’

North West Birdwatching Festival – Open at 8am, start your day by watching the spectacle of thousands of wild geese leave the roost before heading for breakfast in the Martin Mere restaurant. Over the two day there will be an array of guest speakers and exhibitors, artists and photographers including photography workshops, guided reserve walks, and more. I’ll be exhibiting and demonstrating throughout the weekend and would love you to drop by and say hello.

Subscriber Question

Q. I’m new to pastels and have trouble making the background look far away. Please help. Thank you.

A. Hi there Sophie, thank you for your question. An easy way to make a background recede in a painting is to make it look out of focus, then apply finer detail to anything you want to draw the viewers eye to be drawn to, such as the little hedgehog in the video below. Also you could try adding cooler colours to the background and warmer colours to the foreground/subject, this also creates a sense of distance between the two elements. I hope this helps xXx

I may not always have a video on my YouTube channel to go alongside a subscriber’s question, but when I do I’ll be sure to add it.

Okay folks that’s it for me for today. Thank you once again, as always my friends, for spending some time with me today, and please feel free to leave a question or suggestion in the contact form below.

Wishing you all the best, until next time, as always, stay safe and stay creative, Kerry xXx

• YouTube
• Facebook
• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Twitter
• Mail

Here to Ignite, Encourage and Inspire your Creative Flame

”If you cannot do great things, do small things in a great way.”
– Napoleon Hill

Please note: some items are repeated for the benefit of new subscribers. Thank you 😊

Hey there my friends I hope you’re all keeping well. Busy this end playing catch up (not to be confused with Ketchup lol). Spending two amazing weeks in the Arctic and then out of the game for a further week due to a virus, I now feel as though I’m running full speed ahead but my ‘to do’ list is getting longer instead of shorter lol. Needless to say, I have lots to do and haven’t found anywhere that sells 72hr days lol.

A few more quality studio hours have led me closer to having my polar bear painting completed, not far to go now:

Not sure yet what will be next on my easel – I have many art supplies waiting to be reviewed, all of these will need videoing, editing and voiceovers recording. Then I have a watercolour workshop project to put together for next month’s class at WWT Martin Mere, and I have various projects to complete as I’m exhibiting next month too.

So lots to do, but my number one priority for the next few days is building a new page for my website 😉 If you’ve recently viewed the home page of my website you’ll have hopefully noticed a new widget:

This will soon be the portal to my new website page showcasing a new Arctic experience for 2024. Wildfoot Travel are also building a new page for their website too. The idea is for passengers to be able to experience the majestic landscapes and unique flora & fauna of an Arctic expedition, plus if they wish, they can draw, paint or sketch along with me during the more relaxed times of their voyage. As far as I’m aware, at the moment for dates are set as above. I’ll keep you informed of any changes and will obviously let you know when both mine and Wildfoot Travel’s new pages go live. So more on this soon.

North West Birdwatching Festival 14th – 15th October 2023

Just two weeks to go until the North West Birdwatching Festival 😀 If any of the previous ones are anything to go by then this should be a definite date for your diary. It’s all happening at WWT Martin Mere and it would be a shame if you miss out on all the fun 😉 ‘From guest speakers and exhibitors (me included) to photography workshops and guided reserve walks. A whole range of activities to enjoy for a full day out from dawn till dusk.’

A wide range of exhibitors will be attending Martin Mere for the weekend, on show and for sale, the exhibitors will be showcasing their wares, including books, artwork, wildlife holidays, optics etc With many wildlife societies being on hand to answer any questions you may have about the flora and fauna we live alongside.

Guest speakers this year include the Urban Birder David Lindo, the world renown author David Goulson and the wonderful Lucy Lapwing, plus a host of others. Lectures cover a wide range of topics across the two days including wildlife photography, nature writing, how to attract wildlife to your garden, birding in Ecuador, Peter Scott and the birth of modern conservation and much more.

Additional activities across the weekend also include guided walks around the reserve (the depth of knowledge of the guides always astounds me), canoe safaris and guided boat tours, Fujifilm seminar, photography workshops and bird ringing demonstrations.

So there really is something happening the whole time during the weekend, so much so that you may be spoiled for choice lol.

If you haven’t been before I really hope that you’ll be able to attend this year.

Wildlife Art Workshops for 2023

£60 per person (materials not included)

All workshops are held at Martin Mere Wetland Centre and 50% of all proceeds go straight back into conservation.

This Kingfisher project was the subject for June 2023 art workshop over at WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre.

Diary Dates

Global Bird Fair	14th – 16th July 2023
Exhibition of Wildlife Art	28th – 30th July 2023
Arctic Expedition	31st July – 11th August 2023
North West Birdwatching Festival	14th -15th October 2023

Global Birdfair – an international three day event – Join a community of nature lovers and birdwatchers from around the world as we gather to make a difference to Conserving Nature Worldwide. Lectures, demonstrations, art exhibitions, holiday destinations, authors, photographers, Global Birdfair auction, optics companies including Nikon, Viking Optical, Zeiss & Swarovski Optik – there really is something for everyone at this annual event that attracts thousands of people from across the globe. Global Birdfair will take place at Rutland Showground, Oakham, Rutland UK.  LE15 7TW 

Exhibition of Wildlife Art – ‘an exciting three day show featuring the work of some of the world’s most talented wildlife artists. The biggest and most successful, open selling, exhibition of Wildlife Art outside of London. All exhibited work is for sale and many artist demonstrate whilst there.’

Arctic Expedition – ‘Take a cruise around Spitsbergen and explore the icy waters of the North Atlantic. This special expedition offers you the chance to catch site of whales, reindeer, Arctic foxes, walruses, seals, and the star attraction, the polar bear.’

North West Birdwatching Festival – Open at 8am, start your day by watching the spectacle of thousands of wild geese leave the roost before heading for breakfast in the Martin Mere restaurant. Over the two day there will be an array of guest speakers and exhibitors, artists and photographers including photography workshops, guided reserve walks, and more. I’ll be exhibiting and demonstrating throughout the weekend and would love you to drop by and say hello.

Subscriber Question

Q. Hello Kerry, thank you for taking questions. I have a few sketchbooks, bought for me over the years by family and friends. But I can never seem to get any enthusiasm to use them and it seems such a waste. Any ideas you have would be great?

A. Awe thank you David for your question. You’re not on your own, I too have many sketchbooks waiting to be filled. One such sketchbook is the one used for the following video. Sometimes simply decorating the outside (yes you read that right) can give you an artistic nudge in the right direction and get those sketchbooks off the shelf collecting dust. If, however, it’s a case of not wanting to make any mistakes in them then here’s a secret – we all make mistakes, some drawings turn out well while others can leave a lot to be desired. Social media has a lot to answer for in this case, as we’ve all seen the beautiful ‘sketch book flip throughs’. But this is so unrealistic, as I’m pretty sure even those artists have off days. A sketch book, first and foremost, should be your ‘safe place’, a place where you can try new techniques, new mediums or colour combinations, you don’t even have to show anyone your sketchbook if you don’t want to. Just grab a coffee (or beverage of your choice) and a pencil and have a play. If you don’t know what to draw then how about drawing your art materials? Looks great for the first page of a sketch book as it’s personal just to you. I hope that this has helped you xXx

I may not always have a video on my YouTube channel to go alongside a subscriber’s question, but when I do I’ll be sure to add it.

Okay folks that’s it for me for today, as I’ve plenty to be getting on with and sitting here drinking coffee (as pleasant as that might be) isn’t shortening my ‘to do’ list lol.

So thank you once again, as always my friends, for spending some time with me today, and please feel free to leave a question or suggestion in the contact form below.

Wishing you all the best, until next time, as always, stay safe and stay creative, Kerry xXx

• YouTube
• Facebook
• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Twitter
• Mail

Here to Ignite, Encourage and Inspire your Creative Flame

”Never give up on a dream just because of the time it will take to accomplish it. The time will pass anyway.”
– Earl Nightingale

Please note: some items are repeated for the benefit of new subscribers. Thank you 😊

Hey there my friends I hope you’re all keeping well. Sorry that it’s been a while, I was hoping that I would have written to you before now, especially with so much to say about my Arctic Expedition – just goes to show how life can get in the way and sometimes there’s not a thing we can do about it.

Update number 1 regarding my Arctic trip (there’s just too much to put into one newsletter) and if you’d like to know what events brought me to this point heading out to the Arctic on my own, then please read the previous couple of newsletters and all will be revealed 😉

My ‘trip of a lifetime’ to the Arctic began with a flight from Manchester airport to Oslo on Monday 31st July, staying overnight in Oslo before flying on to Tromsoe, and then from Tromsoe to Svalbard.

As a time saver I’ve attached our full Trip Log in PDF form for you all to read. I hope this pdf version works for you. I haven’t, as yet, had time to go through my camera memory cards, so have only used the photos from my phone for now, but will ensure to post personalised photos of my trip when I get the chance. For now, at least, you’ll be able to see the amazing adventure that I was so blessed to be a part of:

As you can see the days were full and extremely well organised. Health and saftey were paramount from the very beginning, after all this wasn’t a ‘cruise’. From Muck Boots (which had to be worn on all Zodiac trips along with waterproofs) to life jackets, the location of lifeboats and safety drills, everything was covered on the very first day.

Being so far North we were literally out at sea on our own and our mobile phones soon became just mobile cameras when any chance of a signal was finally lost. That in itself was a truly freeing experience.

The scenery was immense, the air fresh (unlike anything I’d ever experienced before) and the seas clear and calm. The Arctic Experience had begun.

Each day was packed with events such as Zodiac cruises & Zodiac landings (weather & wildlife permitting), and when back on board the Hondius there were lectures everyday on different aspects of why these extraordinary polar regions are so fragile and require our best efforts to prevent further ecological damage. Historical lectures were also given, these gave a deeper understanding of the efforts that were made by our predecessors to navigate and survive these perilous waters and unforgiving Arctic conditions.

And yes some of us who were daring enough (or talked into it by overenthusiastic guides lol) braved the Arctic conditions and enjoyed the adrenaline-fuelled thrill of an Arctic dip! 😂

So that, for now, is just a tiny glimpse into what was an amazing Arctic Expedition. It really is a life changing experience and one that I was blessed to have and can now thoroughly recommend to others.

Exciting news – Because of the interest generated, plans are now being put into action regarding a polar expedition next year. We’re not sure yet whether it will be the Arctic or Antarctic, but we plan on having even more events on board ship for passengers to take part in on ‘sea days’ (these are the days when landings aren’t possible) including painting workshops with myself. I know that once the marketing plans are put into place Wildfoot Travel along with myself will begin working hard to make this new trip happen, so if you’re interested watch this space 😉

My flight back into Manchester airport was on Friday 11th August (wow four weeks ago already) but no sooner had I unpacked, put a couple of loads through the washing machine and put away items that were only needed for a colder climates, myself and my husband were packing again. This time for a break in London with friends, something that had been booked months before.

Upon returning home from London I wasted no time in sorting through and moving my materials and studio furniture into my new studio space, what a relief to finally be finishing off what I’d started all of those months ago:

After this I arranged for the return of building materials I’d purchased and not used. To see the last of these materials returned was a great feeling too, as my house no longer resembled a building site lol.

And so have you begun painting in your new studio? I’m guessing this is what many of you are thinking, and unfortunately the answer is ‘not yet’ due to a virus! I started to feel a little unwell about a week ago, thinking I’d just overdone things and needed time to relax. However Monday evening arrived and I was knocked off my feet by a horrid virus, like having the flu but without the cold if you know what I mean. I’m writing this newsletter a couple of lines at a time as my temperature is still up and I definitely have ‘brain fog’ but wanted to get a little update out to you all 😉

Wildlife Art Workshops for 2023

£60 per person

All workshops are held at Martin Mere Wetland Centre and 50% of all proceeds go straight back into conservation.

This Kingfisher project was the subject for June 2023 art workshop over at WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre.

Diary Dates

Art Safari in Uganda	Postponed
Global Bird Fair	14th – 16th July 2023
Exhibition of Wildlife Art	28th – 30th July 2023
Arctic Expedition	31st July – 11th August 2023
North West Birdwatching Festival	14th -15th October 2023

Global Birdfair – an international three day event – Join a community of nature lovers and birdwatchers from around the world as we gather to make a difference to Conserving Nature Worldwide. Lectures, demonstrations, art exhibitions, holiday destinations, authors, photographers, Global Birdfair auction, optics companies including Nikon, Viking Optical, Zeiss & Swarovski Optik – there really is something for everyone at this annual event that attracts thousands of people from across the globe. Global Birdfair will take place at Rutland Showground, Oakham, Rutland UK.  LE15 7TW 

Exhibition of Wildlife Art – ‘an exciting three day show featuring the work of some of the world’s most talented wildlife artists. The biggest and most successful, open selling, exhibition of Wildlife Art outside of London. All exhibited work is for sale and many artist demonstrate whilst there.’

Arctic Expedition – ‘Take a cruise around Spitsbergen and explore the icy waters of the North Atlantic. This special expedition offers you the chance to catch site of whales, reindeer, Arctic foxes, walruses, seals, and the star attraction, the polar bear.’

North West Birdwatching Festival – Open at 8am, start your day by watching the spectacle of thousands of wild geese leave the roost before heading for breakfast in the Martin Mere restaurant. Over the two day there will be an array of guest speakers and exhibitors, artists and photographers including photography workshops, guided reserve walks, and more. I’ll be exhibiting and demonstrating throughout the weekend and would love you to drop by and say hello.

Art Safari in Uganda – a two week tour taking in some of Uganda’s best national parks, optional gorilla and chimpanzee tracking, visiting a rhino sanctuary and so much more. With a maximum of 6 participants this art based safari ensures you’ll have all the natural world of Uganda has to offer, plus plenty of 1 to 1 guidance from me when you need it to enable you to capture all that you want on paper or canvas.

Subscriber Question

Q. Hi there Kerry, I know you do work for Derwent but do you know what the new Inktense colours are please?

A. Thank you Emma for your question. I actually made a little video using the new colours and can thoroughly recommend them all. They are available open stock so that you can purchase the new individual colours if and when needed. I hope this helps.

I may not always have a video on my YouTube channel to go alongside a subscriber’s question, but when I do I’ll be sure to add it.

Okay folks that’s it for me for today, as my head feels as though it’s going to explode lol.

Thank you once again, as always my friends, for spending some time with me today, and please feel free to leave a question or suggestion in the contact form below.

Wishing you all the best, until next time, as always, stay safe and stay creative, Kerry xXx

• YouTube
• Facebook
• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Twitter
• Mail

Here to Ignite, Encourage and Inspire your Creative Flame

”Keep your eyes on the stars and your feet on the ground.”
– Theodore Roosevelt

Please note: some items are repeated for the benefit of new subscribers. Thank you 😊

Hey there my friends I hope you’re all keeping well. Wow what a crazy few weeks it’s been this end, and the next couple of weeks, I’m pretty sure, are going to be surprising (this may be the understatement of my life lol). ‘Lifechanging’ may be the apt word, time will tell. So lets catch up and I can you share with you all that’s been happening here.

Now many of you having been asking if my new studio is ready yet. Well I’m pleased to say that after eight months, a lot of hard work, and with the rest of the house resembling a building site my studio is finally complete 😁 The plastering is done, the walls have been painted, the electrics are finished and the flooring is down, hurrah! It’s been worth the wait as I finally have the room (as in area) that I had been missing since moving to Cheshire eight years ago.

So I’m sure you were expecting to see my newly finished studio complete with my studio furnishings and art materials, and me relaxing at the easel, paints out, music on, while a fresh coffee aroma fills the air. Well you wouldn’t be on your own thinking that as I assumed that’s just what I’d be doing too. However, things happen in life that can change your plans for the immediate future in the blink of an eye, things that you’d never even dreamt of.

Those of you who read my last newsletter will recall that I’d been invited to demonstrate at the Global Birdfair 14th – 16th July by Simon Rowland, owner of Wildfoot Travel Simon commissioned me to create a painting which he then donated to the Birdfair auction, the proceeds of this auction going straight into conservation projects across the world. This year the chosen project was ‘Saving Choco Forest’ – take a peek at the link: https://www.birdlife.org/campaigns-appeals/birdfair-choco-forest/ So humbled to be part of this.

Okay so there I am on the Wildfoot Travel stand, painting penguins, chatting to the public and sharing my techniques with anyone who asked. this link shows a little video of me ‘working’ lol: https://fb.watch/m0Y_0ZEc2v/

The first day was very busy, chatting to the public, answering questions, handing out business cards of course and getting to know Simon’s team on the Wildfoot stand. The second day was busy too, with the added bonus of selling my Lapwing painting:

Now if that wasn’t enough, life had another surprise in store for me. Simon introduced me to a lovely gentleman, a biologist named Ko de Korte from Oceanwide Expeditions (he’s a consultant there). After a lovely chat Ko invited me on an Arctic Expedition!!! Yes you read that correctly, and no I still can’t believe it myself. And so with a mixture of excitement and nerves I’m flying out to the Arctic on Monday 31st July – yep in four days time!!!! Needless to say that furnishing my new studio is going to have to wait lol.

To say that the last couple of weeks seem surreal is another understatement. Planning, preparing and not a lot of sleep lol. What I can share with you though is, I’m pretty sure, that this trip is going to be lifechanging.

The expedition circumnavigates West Spitsbergen (part of the Svalbard archipelago) Whilst on board the vessel Hondius, between landings on the Arctic ice, I’ll be sketching and painting and sharing my passion for wildlife & art with any passengers who may be interested. I’ll also be giving a 30 minute lecture (although I prefer the term ‘presentation’ as it sounds less formal and more relaxed). The idea behind this invitation from Ko is to enable me to immerse myself in this amazing part of our world, to research and gather reference material of the unique wildlife species that call this place home. All of this I will then use for an important future project based on the Arctic regions. Looking forward to hopefully catching sight of Polar Bear during one of our treks out on the ice – close enough to photograph but not too close if you know what I mean lol. Other wildlife encounters could include Arctic Fox, Caribou, Walrus, a variety of whale species including Gray, Blue, Fin, Minke, Bowhead, Beluga and Narwhal. Plus many bird species native to the Arctic regions. I’ve a lot to learn 😉

Talks are already underway regarding a trip next year, possibly in June, where likeminded passengers will be able to take part in art workshops with me. Ko likes to think of me as an ‘added attraction’ lol. But seriously my mind is just full of what ifs at the moment, hey I don’t even know whether I’ll get sea sick yet (but just in case the tablets are packed lol) Whatever the future holds is just that, in the future, for now I’m going to enjoy this amazing gift that’s been given to me, and hopefully in return encourage others to take the trip of a lifetime (a sketchbook in hand) with Oceanwide Expeditions and Wildfoot Travel.

While I’m away (31.07.203 – 11.08.2023) they’ll be little chance of contacting anyone, being so far north. So the wonderful team at Wildfoot Travel have introduced me to a wonderful website (and an app you can download to your phone) to share with my family and friends. It’s called Cruise Mapper, and is completely free. When you open this website, or app, you simply enter the vessel’s name I’ll be travelling on ‘Hondius’ and you’ll be able to see where I am 😊

If you would like to be kept up to date regarding future expeditions, just reading about them is amazing in itself, then drop me an email and I’ll pass your email details onto them xXx

kerrynewell1@gmail.com

I’ll be sure to write an extra special newsletter when I return 😉

Wildlife Art Workshops for 2023

£60 per person

All workshops are held at Martin Mere Wetland Centre and 50% of all proceeds go straight back into conservation.

This Kingfisher project was the subject for June 2023 art workshop over at WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre.

Diary Dates

Art Safari in Uganda	Postponed
Global Bird Fair	14th – 16th July 2023
Exhibition of Wildlife Art	28th – 30th July 2023
Arctic Expedition	31st July – 11th August 2023
North West Birdwatching Festival	14th -15th October 2023

Global Birdfair – an international three day event – Join a community of nature lovers and birdwatchers from around the world as we gather to make a difference to Conserving Nature Worldwide. Lectures, demonstrations, art exhibitions, holiday destinations, authors, photographers, Global Birdfair auction, optics companies including Nikon, Viking Optical, Zeiss & Swarovski Optik – there really is something for everyone at this annual event that attracts thousands of people from across the globe. Global Birdfair will take place at Rutland Showground, Oakham, Rutland UK.  LE15 7TW 

Exhibition of Wildlife Art – ‘an exciting three day show featuring the work of some of the world’s most talented wildlife artists. The biggest and most successful, open selling, exhibition of Wildlife Art outside of London. All exhibited work is for sale and many artist demonstrate whilst there.’

Arctic Expedition – ‘Take a cruise around Spitsbergen and explore the icy waters of the North Atlantic. This special expedition offers you the chance to catch site of whales, reindeer, Arctic foxes, walruses, seals, and the star attraction, the polar bear.’

North West Birdwatching Festival – Open at 8am, start your day by watching the spectacle of thousands of wild geese leave the roost before heading for breakfast in the Martin Mere restaurant. Over the two day there will be an array of guest speakers and exhibitors, artists and photographers including photography workshops, guided reserve walks, and more. I’ll be exhibiting and demonstrating throughout the weekend and would love you to drop by and say hello.

Art Safari in Uganda – a two week tour taking in some of Uganda’s best national parks, optional gorilla and chimpanzee tracking, visiting a rhino sanctuary and so much more. With a maximum of 6 participants this art based safari ensures you’ll have all the natural world of Uganda has to offer, plus plenty of 1 to 1 guidance from me when you need it to enable you to capture all that you want on paper or canvas.

Subscriber Question

Q. Hi there Kerry, I want to start drawing but I don’t know what to subject to draw, and I’m frightened that if I try to draw something I’ll just go wrong, hoping you can offer some advice.

A. Hi there, thank you for your question Bridget. If I were you I’d go on either of these two websites www.unsplash.com or www.pixabay.com begin looking at subjects that are of interest to you. You may like birds or mammals, fish, amphibians or reptiles. Or maybe you like flowers or shells. Well these two websites hold a plethora of images, all royalty free so that you can use them to draw from with no issues such as copyright getting in your creative way.

Once you’ve found an image you like, and normally that’s the hardest bit as there’s so many images to choose from, you’re ready to start drawing. Personally I like to start with basic shapes, lots of rough lines that can be left or erased later. My sketches start out very loose and tighten up once I’m happy with the basic shapes I’ve made. Leave the details to last so that you don’t get distracted by them. And remember to relax, it’s just a piece of paper and a pencil, nothing to be scared of. What’s the worst that can happen? If you go wrong you can always start again.

I’ll add a little video below that you may find helpful xXx

The following video uses a very limited palette so you can see that a lot can be achieved with just a few colours.

I may not always have a video on my YouTube channel to go alongside a subscriber’s question, but when I do I’ll be sure to add it.

Okay folks that’s it for me for today, still lots to do before Monday ✈

Thank you once again, as always my friends, for spending some time with me today, and please feel free to leave a question or suggestion in the contact form below.

Wishing you all the best, until next time, as always, stay safe and stay creative, Kerry xXx

• YouTube
• Facebook
• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Twitter
• Mail

Here to Ignite, Encourage and Inspire your Creative Flame

”If something is important enough, even if the odds are stacked against you, you should still do it.”
– Elon Musk

Please note: some items are repeated for the benefit of new subscribers. Thank you 😊

Hey there my friends I hope you’re all keeping well. I hope you’re all finding time to be creative. Lots happening here I’m happy to say. My latest commissioned painting is now complete and safely delivered to my client. Tears were shed when Sandra finally received the portrait of her beloved husband, Barry, who sadly passed away last year, and their delightful canine companion Gracie. Sandra has kindly given permission for me to share this portrait with you all:

I’m also pleased to say that my new studio is finally resembling a usable space after eight months of looking like a building site lol. For those of you new to my newsletters – in October last year I began renovating our garage into a new studio. The journey has been a huge learning curve to say the least. The plasterers have been and worked their magic and the electrics are in. Now it’s up to me again to get the walls painted. After which the electrician will return to finish off, including bringing the spot lights down through the ceiling etc. Then the flooring, skirting boards and window sill will go in. And then I’ll finally be able to begin moving my studio equipment and art materials in, exciting times ahead. So here is a before and where I’m up to at the moment:

And now to some equally exciting news, an update – only one week to go the the Global Birdfair! Wow how time flies when you get short noticed lol. For those of you who haven’t read my most previous newsletter – I’ve been invited by Wildfoot Travel to demonstrate for them at this year’s Global Birdfair 🙂 If you haven’t heard of or visited this event before then I truly urge you to check out the link for more information on this amazing annual event: Global Birdfair If you do visit then I’d love it if you could drop by and say hello 😉 Robin Marquee, Stand R11, 12. I take my coffee white (soya or almond milk) and no sugar lol. Only joking of course but it would be great to see you. Wildfoot Travel has commissioned me to create a painting for them which they will be donating to the Global Birdfair auction, so it’s a win win for everyone concerned.

Then in just three weeks time I’ll be exhibiting and demonstrating at the EWA (Exhibition of Wildlife Art) over on the Wirral. This really is an amazing event too, lots of exhibitors from across the UK, many of which are on hand demonstrating and chatting with the public. So blessed that they chose part of my Kingfisher painting as the logo for this year’s event.

Wildlife Art Workshops for 2023

£60 per person

All workshops are held at Martin Mere Wetland Centre and 50% of all proceeds go straight back into conservation.

This Kingfisher project was the subject for June 2023 art workshop over at WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre.

Diary Dates

Art Safari in Uganda	Postponed
Global Bird Fair	14th – 16th July 2023
Exhibition of Wildlife Art	28th – 30th July 2023
North West Birdwatching Festival	14th -15th October 2023

Global Birdfair – an international three day event – Join a community of nature lovers and birdwatchers from around the world as we gather to make a difference to Conserving Nature Worldwide. Lectures, demonstrations, art exhibitions, holiday destinations, authors, photographers, Global Birdfair auction, optics companies including Nikon, Viking Optical, Zeiss & Swarovski Optik – there really is something for everyone at this annual event that attracts thousands of people from across the globe. Global Birdfair will take place at Rutland Showground, Oakham, Rutland UK.  LE15 7TW 

Exhibition of Wildlife Art – ‘an exciting three day show featuring the work of some of the world’s most talented wildlife artists. The biggest and most successful, open selling, exhibition of Wildlife Art outside of London. All exhibited work is for sale and many artist demonstrate whilst there.’ I’ll be demonstrating whilst exhibiting there this year and would love for you to drop by and say hello.

North West Birdwatching Festival – Open at 8am, start your day by watching the spectacle of thousands of wild geese leave the roost before heading for breakfast in the Martin Mere restaurant. Over the two day there will be an array of guest speakers and exhibitors, artists and photographers including photography workshops, guided reserve walks, and more. I’ll be exhibiting and demonstrating throughout the weekend and would love you to drop by and say hello.

Art Safari in Uganda – a two week tour taking in some of Uganda’s best national parks, optional gorilla and chimpanzee tracking, visiting a rhino sanctuary and so much more. With a maximum of 6 participants this art based safari ensures you’ll have all the natural world of Uganda has to offer, plus plenty of 1 to 1 guidance from me when you need it to enable you to capture all that you want on paper or canvas.

Subscriber Question

Repeated from the last newsletter due to a faulty YouTube link xXx

Q. After reading your last newsletter I treated myself to a small set of Derwent Inktense pans. Do I have enough colours to complete a full painting?

A. Hi there, thank you for your question Emma. Now I’m assuming from your description that you’ve purchased one of the two Inktense travel pan sets. Either of them will give you the mixing capabilities to create numerous colours and therefore paint a painting of your choice. What I would do if I were you would begin by swatching your colours out so you can see clearly the vibrant colours in your set. Following this begin mixing a few colours from the colours you have. Once you have an idea of what colours can be achieved with your set you’ll find it easier to choose a reference that matches your supplies so to speak. Mixing cool colours together and mixing warm colours together is a simple way of avoiding mixing mud lol. I’ve just made a mental not that I need to create a video on just this (I’ve written it down to so I don’t forget lol)

The following video uses a very limited palette so you can see that a lot can be achieved with just a few colours.

I may not always have a video on my YouTube channel to go alongside a subscriber’s question, but when I do I’ll be sure to add it.

Okay folks that’s it for me for today, I do hope you all have a ‘feel good Friday’ tomorrow and a wonderful weekend thereafter.

Thank you once again, as always my friends, for spending some time with me today, and please feel free to leave a question or suggestion in the contact form below.

Wishing you all the best, until next time, as always, stay safe and stay creative, Kerry xXx

• YouTube
• Facebook
• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Twitter
• Mail

Here to Ignite, Encourage and Inspire your Creative Flame

”Whatever your goal is you will never succeed unless you let go of your fears and fly.”
– Richard Branson

Please note: some items are repeated for the benefit of new subscribers. Thank you 😊

Hey there my friends I hope you’re all keeping well. The weather here is gorgeous, as I hope it is for you too wherever you may be. So nice to be able to have all the windows and doors open so that when I’m at my easel working on a painting it still feels like I’m sitting outside lol. Yep one of my many mind-games to keep me motivated lol.

I’m so pleased to say that I finally found the time to sit and edit a huge amount of video footage. There was around seven hours of it that I had to trawl my way through, needless to say one large mug of coffee didn’t suffice lol. This video when posted over onto my YouTube channel seemed very popular. It seems more and more people are beginning to use Derwent’s Inktense (water soluble ink products) but are just unsure of how to go about it. I now have several videos on my YouTube channel covering the use of this medium, and definitely want to create more moving forward. If there are any mediums, techniques or subjects you’d like me to cover just let me know and I’ll pop it onto my ‘to do’ list. Just in case you haven’t spotted it on my YouTube channel yet:

So that’s what I’ve been up to, but what am I doing now? Well I’m pleased to say that my latest commission is now on my easel. I can’t share this with you all just yet as the lovely lady who commissioned my receives and reads my newsletters lol.

A couple of weeks ago, 01/06/23 to be exact, out of the blue I received an email from my dear friend Simon over at Wildfoot Travel. He asked me if I was exhibiting at this year’s Global Birdfair and if not did I want to demonstrate on his stand instead 😃 Now I’m a great believer in things that are ‘meant to be’ – the Global Birdfair dates coincide with Patchings Art Festival (an event that I’ve demonstrated at for the past 12 years) so before agreeing to Simon I needed to find out first if I was still needed at Patchings this year. Guess what… due to unforeseen circumstances I’m free for the Birdfair instead!

And so it is with a grateful, and very excited, heart I can announce that I will indeed be demonstrating this year at the Global Birdfair for Wildfoot Travel in the Robin Marquee, Stand R11, 12.

Wildfoot Travel has commissioned me to create a painting for them which they will be donating it to the Global Birdfair auction, so it’s a win win for everyone concerned.

Global Birdfair – an international three day event – Join a community of nature lovers and birdwatchers from around the world as we gather to make a difference to Conserving Nature Worldwide. Lectures, demonstrations, art exhibitions, holiday destinations, authors, photographers, Global Birdfair auction, optics companies including Nikon, Viking Optical, Zeiss & Swarovski Optik – there really is something for everyone at this annual event that attracts thousands of people from across the globe. Global Birdfair will take place at Rutland Showground, Oakham, Rutland UK.  LE15 7TW 

Wildfoot Travel offer ‘Wildlife Cruises and Expeditions to Antarctica, The Arctic and Other Wildlife Destinations Around The World’

So they’ll be more news on this venture coming soon.

Wildlife Art Workshops for 2023

£60 per person

All workshops are held at Martin Mere Wetland Centre and 50% of all proceeds go straight back into conservation.

This Kingfisher project will be the subject for June 2023 art workshop over at WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre.

Diary Dates

Art Safari in Uganda	Postponed
Global Bird Fair	14th – 16th July 2023
Exhibition of Wildlife Art	28th – 30th July 2023
North West Birdwatching Festival	14th -15th October 2023

Global Birdfair – an international three day event – Join a community of nature lovers and birdwatchers from around the world as we gather to make a difference to Conserving Nature Worldwide. Lectures, demonstrations, art exhibitions, holiday destinations, authors, photographers, Global Birdfair auction, optics companies including Nikon, Viking Optical, Zeiss & Swarovski Optik – there really is something for everyone at this annual event that attracts thousands of people from across the globe. Global Birdfair will take place at Rutland Showground, Oakham, Rutland UK.  LE15 7TW 

Exhibition of Wildlife Art – ‘an exciting three day show featuring the work of some of the world’s most talented wildlife artists. The biggest and most successful, open selling, exhibition of Wildlife Art outside of London. All exhibited work is for sale and many artist demonstrate whilst there.’ I’ll be demonstrating whilst exhibiting there this year and would love for you to drop by and say hello.

North West Birdwatching Festival – Open at 8am, start your day by watching the spectacle of thousands of wild geese leave the roost before heading for breakfast in the Martin Mere restaurant. Over the two day there will be an array of guest speakers and exhibitors, artists and photographers including photography workshops, guided reserve walks, and more. I’ll be exhibiting and demonstrating throughout the weekend and would love you to drop by and say hello.

Art Safari in Uganda – a two week tour taking in some of Uganda’s best national parks, optional gorilla and chimpanzee tracking, visiting a rhino sanctuary and so much more. With a maximum of 6 participants this art based safari ensures you’ll have all the natural world of Uganda has to offer, plus plenty of 1 to 1 guidance from me when you need it to enable you to capture all that you want on paper or canvas.

Subscriber Question

Q. After reading your last newsletter I treated myself to a small set of Derwent Inktense pans. Do I have enough colours to complete a full painting?

A. Hi there, thank you for your question Emma. Now I’m assuming from your description that you’ve purchased one of the two Inktense travel pan sets. Either of them will give you the mixing capabilities to create numerous colours and therefore paint a painting of your choice. What I would do if I were you would begin by swatching your colours out so you can see clearly the vibrant colours in your set. Following this begin mixing a few colours from the colours you have. Once you have an idea of what colours can be achieved with your set you’ll find it easier to choose a reference that matches your supplies so to speak. Mixing cool colours together and mixing warm colours together is a simple way of avoiding mixing mud lol. I’ve just made a mental not that I need to create a video on just this (I’ve written it down to so I don’t forget lol)

The following video uses a very limited palette so you can see that a lot can be achieved with just a few colours.

I may not always have a video on my YouTube channel to go alongside a subscriber’s question, but when I do I’ll be sure to add it.

Okay folks I’m going to have to leave you now as I need to get to my easel and crack on with my latest commission, and don’t forget that if your out enjoying the sunshine remember your sun cream and stay hydrated 😉

Thank you once again, as always my friends, for spending some time with me today, and please feel free to leave a question or suggestion in the contact form below.

Wishing you all the best, until next time, as always, stay safe and stay creative, Kerry xXx

• YouTube
• Facebook
• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Twitter
• Mail

Here to Ignite, Encourage and Inspire your Creative Flame

”Whatever you are, be a good one.”
– Abraham Lincoln

Please note: some items are repeated for the benefit of new subscribers. Thank you 😊

Hey there my friends I hope you’re all keeping well. Today was going to be a day doing some photography and sketching at Chester Zoo, but unfortunately the weather had different ideas. So never one to waste an opportunity I decided that I’d grab a drink and catch up with you all while I have a spare few minutes.

Not sure if I’ve mentioned this in a previous newsletter, if I have please forgive me lol. Around four weeks ago I received a surprise gift from Derwent. It came completely out of the blue, I videoed the ‘unboxing’ so I could share the moment with you all.

I was simply blown away by the ongoing generosity of Derwent, a fabulous company to be an ambassador for. Upon opening the my gift I was pleased to find the new release – 100 Inktense Pencil set containing their brand new 28 colours. I decided that I’d separate these new colours and create a little project just using them. I hope you like my little tree frog. I think I’m going to print some off smaller than life size and have them as book marks 😊

I videoed the process so that you could see the new pencil colours in action:

I’ve many smaller projects on the go at the moment, as well as a new commission waiting to be started, but I’ll share these with you as they take their place on my easel or work table.

Wildlife Art Workshops for 2023

£60 per person

All workshops are held at Martin Mere Wetland Centre and 50% of all proceeds go straight back into conservation.

This Kingfisher project will be the subject for June 2023 art workshop over at WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre.

Diary Dates

Art Safari in Uganda	Postponed
Patching’s Art Festival	13th – 16th July 2023
Exhibition of Wildlife Art	28th – 30th July 2023
North West Birdwatching Festival	14th -15th October 2023

Patching’s Art Festival – an international four day art event celebrating the best in art & craft. Open to all there’s something for everyone, the chance to meet over 250 artists, a lot of which will be demonstrating (including me demonstrating for Caran d’Ache). Plus ‘hands-on’ workshops and art material offers all set in 60 acres of beautiful Nottinghamshire countryside.

Exhibition of Wildlife Art – ‘an exciting three day show featuring the work of some of the world’s most talented wildlife artists. The biggest and most successful, open selling, exhibition of Wildlife Art outside of London. All exhibited work is for sale and many artist demonstrate whilst there.’ I’ll be demonstrating whilst exhibiting there this year and would love for you to drop by and say hello.

North West Birdwatching Festival – Open at 8am, start your day by watching the spectacle of thousands of wild geese leave the roost before heading for breakfast in the Martin Mere restaurant. Over the two day there will be an array of guest speakers and exhibitors, artists and photographers including photography workshops, guided reserve walks, and more. I’ll be exhibiting and demonstrating throughout the weekend and would love you to drop by and say hello.

Art Safari in Uganda – a two week tour taking in some of Uganda’s best national parks, optional gorilla and chimpanzee tracking, visiting a rhino sanctuary and so much more. With a maximum of 6 participants this art based safari ensures you’ll have all the natural world of Uganda has to offer, plus plenty of 1 to 1 guidance from me when you need it to enable you to capture all that you want on paper or canvas.

Subscriber Question

Q. I purchased some ‘jelly gouache’ paints after watching one of your videos. But when I wanted to use them they’d dried out. Please help as I can’t afford to throw them away.

A. Oh stop right there, there’s no need to throw them away, they’ll be perfectly fine. The same thing happened to me, so I made a little video showing you how to fix them by rehydrating them. Follow the tips in my video and you’ll be painting again in no time. Plus I explain how to stop them drying out in the future.

I may not always have a video on my YouTube channel to go alongside a subscriber’s question, but when I do I’ll be sure to add it.

Okay folks I’d love to sit here and chat with you all a while longer but I’ve plenty of things to be getting on with, including some DIY in my soon to be new studio. It’s getting there slowly but surely.

Thank you once again, as always my friends, for spending some time with me today, and please feel free to leave a question or suggestion in the contact form below.

Wishing you all the best, until next time, as always, stay safe and stay creative, Kerry xXx

• YouTube
• Facebook
• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Twitter
• Mail

Here to Ignite, Encourage and Inspire your Creative Flame

”Your passion is waiting for your courage to catch up.”
– Isabelle Lafleche

Please note: some items are repeated for the benefit of new subscribers. Thank you 😊

Hey there my friends I hope you’re all keeping well. I’ve been writing for Derwent, sending off a new commission proposal and video editing this week, as well as completing my latest painting – so in all it’s been a busy week so far.

”Your passion is waiting for your courage to catch up.” – Isabelle Lafleche. What a powerful quote isn’t it. And the more I read it the more it speaks to me. If it speaks a truth to you too, know that you’re not on your own. We all, as human beings, often deny ourselves from reaching our goals. Not because we can’t but because we wont. By this I mean that sometimes our lack of self belief can hold us back, our fear of failing or our mind set that says ‘we don’t have time’. And then there’s ‘imposter syndrome’ – the persistent inability to believe that one’s success is deserved or has been legitimately achieved as a result of one’s own efforts or skills. Now that is a syndrome that many of us have felt – well now it has a name too.

So the above paragraph may sound all doom and gloom, but it isn’t, trust me. Firstly lets consider why we feel these things:

Simple human evolution can provide a lot of answers. Staying ‘safe’ is programmed into our DNA. In fact our daily lives revolve around it whether we’re aware of this or not. Just think of a typical day going to the shops for some food items. Our ‘keep me safe’ thought processes are probably in overdrive lol. Driving or walking – avoiding collisions, assessing road or pavement conditions, arrive at the store – stairs or escalator? Maybe stairs going in as our hands are free, but escalator on the way back out etc. Then choosing our food items – checking sell by dates, do our food items look ripe or over ripe. Even if we see someone else handling a certain item that we want we wont choose that one but another one that hasn’t been handled (not that we’ve seen anyway) and it goes on and on and on. So what does this have to do with art you’re probably wondering, well the answer is ‘everything’! If we’re prewired to avoid situations that make us feel unsafe, then stepping out of our comfort zone when creating can feel just the same.

So we have the ‘feeling’ and now we have the ‘why’. So what’s the answer?

Rationality – the quality of being based on or in accordance with reason or logic.

We need to rationalise our doubts and fears. Really what’s the worse that can happen? Maybe we use up a few sheets of paper or some paint with not a lot to show for it. But we can always start again. Want to try a new art medium? Go ahead and try it, don’t expect to be great straight away, just enjoy experimenting. Want to put your artwork in a local exhibition? Do it, and enjoy being around other likeminded people. If you sell your piece then its a bonus. Want to draw or paint a different subject? Just try it, you may just find your new style or a love for something you hadn’t considered before.

My artistic journey is simply that. A journey that had a starting point somewhere in my past. I didn’t start this journey knowing how to draw a Kingfisher for instance. We’re all on this journey together, so lets all enjoy it and encourage each other to step out of our comfort zones as we go.

Here is my completed Kingfisher painting and the YouTube video I created from it this week, enjoy xXx

There’s a video link towards the bottom of the newsletter regarding out of focus backgrounds. I’ll leave it in this week’s newsletter and then move on to another subscriber’s question in my next newsletter.

Wildlife Art Workshops for 2023

£60 per person

All workshops are held at Martin Mere Wetland Centre and 50% of all proceeds go straight back into conservation.

This Red Panda project was the subject for February’s art workshop over at WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre.

Diary Dates

Art Safari in Uganda	Postponed
Patching’s Art Festival	13th – 16th July 2023
Exhibition of Wildlife Art	28th – 30th July 2023
North West Birdwatching Festival	14th -15th October 2023

Patching’s Art Festival – an international four day art event celebrating the best in art & craft. Open to all there’s something for everyone, the chance to meet over 250 artists, a lot of which will be demonstrating (including me demonstrating for Caran d’Ache). Plus ‘hands-on’ workshops and art material offers all set in 60 acres of beautiful Nottinghamshire countryside.

Exhibition of Wildlife Art – ‘an exciting three day show featuring the work of some of the world’s most talented wildlife artists. The biggest and most successful, open selling, exhibition of Wildlife Art outside of London. All exhibited work is for sale and many artist demonstrate whilst there.’ I’ll be demonstrating whilst exhibiting there this year and would love for you to drop by and say hello.

North West Birdwatching Festival – Open at 8am, start your day by watching the spectacle of thousands of wild geese leave the roost before heading for breakfast in the Martin Mere restaurant. Over the two day there will be an array of guest speakers and exhibitors, artists and photographers including photography workshops, guided reserve walks, and more. I’ll be exhibiting and demonstrating throughout the weekend and would love you to drop by and say hello.

Art Safari in Uganda – a two week tour taking in some of Uganda’s best national parks, optional gorilla and chimpanzee tracking, visiting a rhino sanctuary and so much more. With a maximum of 6 participants this art based safari ensures you’ll have all the natural world of Uganda has to offer, plus plenty of 1 to 1 guidance from me when you need it to enable you to capture all that you want on paper or canvas.

Subscriber Question

Q. I really enjoy pastel painting but struggle with backgrounds. Any suggestions would be welcome.

A. Many people feel intimidated by backgrounds so you’re definitely not on your own there. A simple way to start is by creating a bokeh effect. It’s easy to achieve with a little practise and once you begin to gain confidence can be used for out of focus foregrounds too. If you’d like me to create a video concentrating on more detailed backgrounds just let me know using the ‘suggestion box’ at the bottom of the newsletter or via an email, whichever you find easier.

I may not always have a video on my YouTube channel to go alongside a subscriber’s question, but when I do I’ll be sure to add it.

Okay that’s it for today folks, time to settle down with a cosy warm drink, an old black and white movie and my hubby.

Thank you once again, as always my friends, for spending some time with me today, and please feel free to leave a question or suggestion in the contact form below.

Wishing you all the best, until next time, as always, stay safe and stay creative, Kerry xXx

• YouTube
• Facebook
• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Twitter
• Mail

Here to Ignite, Encourage and Inspire your Creative Flame

‘Magic is believing in yourself. If you can make that happen, you can make anything happen’
– Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe

Please note: some items are repeated for the benefit of new subscribers. Thank you 😊

Hey there my friends I hope you’re all keeping well and warm (still a bit chilly here in the UK).

Let me first take this opportunity in wishing you all a wonderful Easter, and whether you’re busy at home or at work that you’re still able to find some ‘you time’ to relax and be creative.

Since we last chatted I’ve been quite busy – completing a private commission (can’t share with you just yet), writing an article for Derwent which they were over the moon with (but I can’t share that with you just yet either, sorry), taking on a new commission (will share this one with you once I begin it) and finishing my Toucan in Inktense…. which I can share with you. Hurrah lol.

Plus the new studio is coming along slowly but surely (can’t wait to move into my studio space and yes, for all of you who’ve been asking, I will make a video of my studio room once I’m in). Still waiting on the electrics to be installed (my electrician has damaged his Achilles tendon so may be a few more weeks). But while waiting for that I’ve been busy fitting the last of the insulation, and have now cut most of the plasterboard panels to fit, so I’m getting there and so pleased to say that it no longer resembles a building site and now actually looks like an inhabitable room!

Back in my makeshift studio space (aka spare bedroom) I’m busy at my easel working on my latest project – Kingfisher in pastel (I’ll post the image in the section below this one). I’m creating this for this month’s wildlife-based art workshop due to run on Saturday 22nd April at WWT Martin Mere. Kingfishers are such a beautiful species, but I was surprised by how many people in the UK have never seen one in real life. That dazzling fleeting glance of turquoise and orange takes me right back to my childhood. Memories that I cherish.

Okay onwards with the rest of this pre-Easter newsletter:

On My Easel

As briefly mentioned above here is a quick glimpse of my current project, Kingfisher in pastel. I used Pan Pastels for the background to create a bokeh (out of focus) look, and I’m using pastel pencils for the actual subject. I’m hoping to get this one completed over the next few days, so that hopefully I’ll be able to share the finished painting with you all in my next news letter. Once this is complete I’ll then be able to begin my next private commission.

Wildlife Art Workshops for 2023

£60 per person

All workshops are held at Martin Mere Wetland Centre and 50% of all proceeds go straight back into conservation.

This Red Panda project was the subject for February’s art workshop over at WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre.

Diary Dates

Art Safari in Uganda	Postponed
Patching’s Art Festival	13th – 16th July 2023
Exhibition of Wildlife Art	28th – 30th July 2023
North West Birdwatching Festival	14th -15th October 2023

Patching’s Art Festival – an international four day art event celebrating the best in art & craft. Open to all there’s something for everyone, the chance to meet over 250 artists, a lot of which will be demonstrating (including me demonstrating for Caran d’Ache). Plus ‘hands-on’ workshops and art material offers all set in 60 acres of beautiful Nottinghamshire countryside.

Exhibition of Wildlife Art – ‘an exciting three day show featuring the work of some of the world’s most talented wildlife artists. The biggest and most successful, open selling, exhibition of Wildlife Art outside of London. All exhibited work is for sale and many artist demonstrate whilst there.’ I’ll be demonstrating whilst exhibiting there this year and would love for you to drop by and say hello.

North West Birdwatching Festival – Open at 8am, start your day by watching the spectacle of thousands of wild geese leave the roost before heading for breakfast in the Martin Mere restaurant. Over the two day there will be an array of guest speakers and exhibitors, artists and photographers including photography workshops, guided reserve walks, and more. I’ll be exhibiting and demonstrating throughout the weekend and would love you to drop by and say hello.

Art Safari in Uganda – a two week tour taking in some of Uganda’s best national parks, optional gorilla and chimpanzee tracking, visiting a rhino sanctuary and so much more. With a maximum of 6 participants this art based safari ensures you’ll have all the natural world of Uganda has to offer, plus plenty of 1 to 1 guidance from me when you need it to enable you to capture all that you want on paper or canvas.

Subscriber Question

Q. I really enjoy pastel painting but struggle with backgrounds. Any suggestions would be welcome.

A. Many people feel intimidated by backgrounds so you’re definitely not on your own there. A simple way to start is by creating a bokeh effect. It’s easy to achieve with a little practise and once you begin to gain confidence can be used for out of focus foregrounds too. If you’d like me to create a video concentrating on more detailed backgrounds just let me know using the ‘suggestion box’ at the bottom of the newsletter or via an email, whichever you find easier.

I may not always have a video on my YouTube channel to go alongside a subscriber’s question, but when I do I’ll be sure to add it.

Okay that’s it for today folks, short and sweet, feeling in need of an early night with a hot drink and a good book.

Thank you once again, as always my friends, for spending some time with me today, and please feel free to leave a question or suggestion in the contact form below.

Wishing you all the best, until next time, as always, stay safe and stay creative, Kerry xXx

• YouTube
• Facebook
• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Twitter
• Mail

Here to Ignite, Encourage and Inspire your Creative Flame

‘Don’t be afraid to give up the good to go for the great.’
– John D. Rockefeller

Please note: some items are repeated for the benefit of new subscribers. Thank you 😊

Hey there my friends I hope you’re all keeping well. I hope that you’re all being creative, whether that’s drawing, painting, knitting or crafting etc. Being creative in all forms is so therapeutic and makes me feel whole. This past week has seen me posting regularly each day on social media, not because I thought to but because my friend David encouraged me to. Sometimes being accountable to ourselves just isn’t enough, life gets in the way of living and we can easily let things slide. I’m sure I’m not on my own on this one lol. So I encourage each of you to encourage someone else today, even if that means stepping out of your comfort zone 😉

So I invite you to post one piece of artwork (or crafting project) each day for 10 days, and each day encourage someone new to join the challenge. It’s a fun way to share with others and to be honest quite addictive lol. It’s so enjoyable seeing what others post and filling social media with a positive vibe.

Just copy and paste the following, altering the highlighted areas for each day:

I have been nominated by Kerry Newell to participate in the #artistschallenge. Day 1 of 10. The challenge is to post one piece of your art for ten days with no explanation and to nominate another artist to participate. The aim is to support artists everywhere. I nominate the very talented your friend’s name xXx

On My Easel

I’m currently working on a Derwent Inktense painting. Derwent Inktense is a water-soluble ink, available as Inktense Pencils, Inktense Blocks and Inktense Pans. I’ve completed quite a variety of works in this medium now, so this current project is being filmed for a review which will be sent to Derwent, the video will also be available to watch on my YouTube channel when completed. So far, so good, absolutely love this medium:

Derwent have also released Inktense Paper – I’ve received some from Derwent, but have yet to use & review this, more news on this and other Derwent products soon.

Wildlife Art Workshops for 2023

£60 per person

This Red Panda project will also be the subject for this month’s art workshop over at WWT Martin Mere. Nine new dates have now been confirmed for this year and all workshops will be suitable for complete beginners.

Diary Dates

Art Safari in Uganda	Postponed
Patching’s Art Festival	13th – 16th July 2023
Exhibition of Wildlife Art	28th – 30th July 2023
North West Birdwatching Festival	14th -15th October 2023

Patching’s Art Festival – an international four day art event celebrating the best in art & craft. Open to all there’s something for everyone, the chance to meet over 250 artists, a lot of which will be demonstrating (including me demonstrating for Caran d’Ache). Plus ‘hands-on’ workshops and art material offers all set in 60 acres of beautiful Nottinghamshire countryside.

Exhibition of Wildlife Art – ‘an exciting three day show featuring the work of some of the world’s most talented wildlife artists. The biggest and most successful, open selling, exhibition of Wildlife Art outside of London. All exhibited work is for sale and many artist demonstrate whilst there.’ I’ll be demonstrating whilst exhibiting there this year and would love for you to drop by and say hello.

North West Birdwatching Festival – Open at 8am, start your day by watching the spectacle of thousands of wild geese leave the roost before heading for breakfast in the Martin Mere restaurant. Over the two day there will be an array of guest speakers and exhibitors, artists and photographers including photography workshops, guided reserve walks, and more. I’ll be exhibiting and demonstrating throughout the weekend and would love you to drop by and say hello.

Art Safari in Uganda – a two week tour taking in some of Uganda’s best national parks, optional gorilla and chimpanzee tracking, visiting a rhino sanctuary and so much more. With a maximum of 6 participants this art based safari ensures you’ll have all the natural world of Uganda has to offer, plus plenty of 1 to 1 guidance from me when you need it to enable you to capture all that you want on paper or canvas.

Subscriber Question

Q. Is there an easy way to transfer a sketch to watercolour paper?

A. There are many ways to get a drawing onto our watercolour paper. The easiest and probably the most common is just by using tracing paper. Another way would be to use a graphite ‘trace down’ paper. However, if you don’t have these to hand or are worried about extra graphite smudging on your paper surface (something that can occur when using the ‘trace down’ product) you may want to go down a different route using light. You can either tape your initial sketch to a window, place your watercolour paper over it and trace your outlines that way. Or invest in a light pad (as in the video below) and transfer your image that way. These light pads are relatively cheap (around £16) cheaper than continually purchasing tracing paper that is just thrown away once your project is complete etc.

I may not always have a video on my YouTube channel to go alongside a subscriber’s question, but when I do I’ll be sure to add it.

Okay that’s it for today folks, time to head for the kitchen and cook up something nice for dinner.

Thank you once again, as always my friends, for spending some time with me today, and please feel free to leave a question or suggestion in the contact form below.

Wishing you all the best, until next time, as always, stay safe and stay creative, Kerry xXx

• YouTube
• Facebook
• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Twitter
• Mail