My idea for this painting was to view the plate of fish from directly above, therefore eliminating the usual perspective issues. I also prefer to arrange the subject so that it flows off the edge of the canvas, making a far more interesting angle in my eyes.

Stage 1. Mapping out the shapes for my design very loosely, indicating roughly which colours I feel work together but not setting anything in stone at this stage. At this point I have only two fish and the background colours are very much “try outs”.

Denice Wingrove.

'April is the cruellest month.......'. Oh no it isn't.
I love the lengthening days when the clocks have gone forward; primroses and daffodils all over the place, violets secretly getting on with it and all the finches in our garden and beyond auditioning for Gareth Malone!
 
However the studio across the yard is still a bit spartan, and so I've been drawing, tracing and cutting lino in the comfort of the kitchen; near the coffee and the biscuit tin.


(Let's hope supper has no lino shavings by way of flavourings.)
I've brought in some daffs from the garden in bud and also nipped down to the farm shop along the main road for tulips. I love their curves. You can draw them in continuous lines and develop lovely patterns.

In the cupboard next the pantry are jugs (various) and one I particularly like was given to me by Chris (youngest daughter's boyfriend). It's a practical shape and pretty, and just right for Spring flowers among other things.
 
So from notebook to lino come the tulips in a jug, abbreviated and developed but essentially what's sitting at the end of the kitchen bench.
 
Now, if we could have a day or two of slightly warmer weather so the inks will roll and I don't get frost bite........... I might be able to show you a proof or two.
 
Watch this space.......!!

I have had to change my strategy - which is not really the point!
Every Artist that shows their work for the Norfolk & Norwich Open Studios 2013, is invited to show one piece in the fabulous venue of the Forum in Norwich for a week at the end of April. This piece should be typical of the Artists work & is of restricted size.
Here lies my problem. I can do less typical & small, or more typical & large!
To make a picture smaller (than usual), means that you have to restrict your movements & gestures & often you need to use different equipment. This doesn't always help of course, as I  have found that odd limbs seem to migrate of their own will to the edges & further!
My new strategy is to concentrate on one interesting area & to allow the rest to be lost if necessary. I must confess to loosing most of a torso recently , using my new ways!
So, finally I have chosen a piece, which means that this Sunday I can indulge myself with my big brushes!

Liz Christensen