sea blue sky abstracts

Here's Jimi

2012-01-28T22:48:00.002Z

'frisco Blues

2012-01-28T22:12:00.004Z

Love this version of 'frisco Blues........

l

Some unframed paintings at Absolute Arts

2012-01-23T20:14:00.000Z

I've recently uploaded some unframed paintings to my page on the Absolute Arts website

The paintings are rendered in oil on primed board and measure approx 5 " x 5 ". Larger paintings have been added here

The lovely mug used to give scale below, is an example of Kevin Warren's slipware and the design features acorns, oak leaves and a blackbird. Click here to view more of Kevin's oven to tableware.

Click to enlarge. Copyright Lesley Ninnes.

Art Space Gallery is OPEN

2012-01-18T21:39:00.001Z

Yes, Art Space has reopened after a speedy refurbishment - looking brighter and fresher and very colourful! Come along and see for yourselves. Winter opening is from 10.30 am - 4.00 pm daily.

January clear skies

2012-01-11T23:04:00.001Z

This is the view I woke up to - taken around 7.45 am - please excuse the blurriness, the camera was hand held and the photographer barely awake. It was wonderful to be greeted by clear skies after dreary grey!!

Early sunlight setting the hedges ablaze with colour.......

Taken a little later - around 8.30 am, the moon is much lower, though still bright.

And from the front bedroom window - St Ives Bay, with mist - no frost here, being 'burnt off' by the early sun.

And the fine weather continued for most of the day. It was absolutely lovely.

I have added photos of framed paintings to my other blog, click here to see them.

Art Space Gallery Refurbishment

2012-01-08T21:48:00.004Z

A new year - and time for a coat of fresh paint at Art Space. The gallery will close on Wednesday 11 January 2012 - for as short a time as possible, we hope! Apologies for any inconvenience caused.

More Mallorca Sun

2012-01-02T20:59:00.001Z

A new year, 2012 - still winter in this part of the world of course, so I think it's a good idea to recapture some lovely Mallorcan sunshine!

This post continues the day trip to Soller - busy narrow streets ........

Aboard the tram for the short downhill trip to Port Soller.

The journey

Beautiful Port Soller viewed from the road to the lighthouse. We didn't make the lighthouse as conditions were just too hot for anything so arduous as a lengthy uphill climb!

Once the photos were taken, we headed back down to the beach and immersed ourselves in the welcoming sea.

Happy New Year everyone. x

Click pics to enlarge. Copyright Lesley Ninnes.

Hand Printed Christmas Cards

2011-12-14T07:12:00.003Z

Some of the Christmas cards produced during a printmaking workshop at Newlyn School of Art in November. The Robins have also been finished with watercolour and ink.

Click to enlarge. Copyright Lesley Ninnes.

My wall at Art Space for December

2011-12-09T20:44:00.001Z

Art Space Gallery is open from 10.30 am - 4 pm daily

Click to enlarge. Copyright Lesley Ninnes

St Ives Society of Artists Christmas Open

2011-12-05T07:16:00.001Z

Come in out of the cold on a December night and enjoy a diverse and colourful show in good company. Exhibition runs from 7 December 2011 - 9 January 2012, hours of opening 10.30 am-5.30 pm.

St Ives Society of Artists, Old Mariners Church, Norway Square, St Ives, Cornwall, TR26 1NA. Tel: +44 (0)1736 795582.

Rejuvenated Paintings!

2011-11-24T21:17:00.001Z

'Plunge' SOLD

Homage to Robert Culwick - 'Wetlands' SOLD

Homage to Robert Culwick - 'Sea Wall'

The rejuvenated paintings above and below as they were before......

Click to enlarge. Copyright Lesley Ninnes.

Mallorca - train to Sóller

2011-11-19T20:33:00.001Z

Still posting about Mallorca - but hey it's November and generally grey in this part of the world at the moment, which makes recalling blue skies and warmth so pleasant!

In this post I have only covered the train journey to Sóller and the exhibitions of Miró and Picasso. For more info about the train click here or here to watch a YouTube video.

Heading for the mountains, passing through olive groves on the way.

Views from the station stop at Bunyola.

The train stopped for a while giving us an opportunity to look down on our destination and to admire the mountains that surround Sóller.

I didn't take any photos of our approach and arrival at Sóller Station but you will find some here and Val Javin's interesting recollection here is well worth a read.

Thoroughly enjoyed the exhibitions - see the work of Joan Miró below.

and Picasso's ceramics

Lucky us! Click to enlarge. Next time I'll post about our journey on the tram from Sóller to the Port.

More Mallorca

2011-11-06T21:17:00.000Z

The first week of the holiday was active, exploring the island from our base at Santa Ponsa, about 20 km (approx 12 miles) West of Palma, whereas a good part of the second week was spent relaxing on the beach at Magaluf - see below.

On the second Sunday we started walking East from Santa Ponsa. The weather was baking but there was a pleasant breeze to keep us cool and a plan to find somewhere to swim. The cliffs were high but we hoped to get to a lovely stretch of coast close to the spectacular Islas Malgrats. This was not to be as a large outward sloping wall blocked the only access, so we carried on, walking the C1 cycling route. Fringed on either side by pink and white oleander bushes and wide enough to accommodate pedestrians and cyclists with ease, the route took us through arable farmland and mountain views, inland to Son Ferrer, 6 km from where we started!!

What to do? The intention had not been to walk so far, but the breeze and the fact that buses were running decided it - we would carry on to Magaluf 6 km ahead and catch the bus back.

Expectations weren't high, which made the first sighting of this beach even more breathtaking! Plus, it was off season, so quieter and there were days of constant sunshine!

Straw parasols for shade and loungers for comfort, to read or watch the activity in and on the water.

Below, looking across the Bay of Palma, with Isla de sa Porrassa or Black Lizard Island, in the foreground.

Watching one afternoon as a wisp of smoke developed into a full blown fire in the mountains (Randa Massif) not far from the airport.

Beautiful beach, great view.

Crystal clear warm water, perfect temperature!

Click to enlarge, copyright Lesley Ninnes.

Beautiful Mallorca

2011-10-23T21:00:00.000+01:00

Two weeks spent on the lovely island of Mallorca, from 1-15 October - heaven!! The photo below is of Port Soller on the West coast of the Island. Click to enlarge.

Have a good week everyone. x

St Ives and St Ives Bay seascapes for sale

2011-10-23T20:34:00.000+01:00

'Fining Away 2011' currently exhibited at Penwith Society of Arts, Back Road West, St Ives, Cornwall. Oil on board, white wood glazed frame, £220.

Both paintings below are currently displayed in the Members Autumn Show at St Ives Society of Artists, Old Mariners Church, Norway Square.

'Light, Late in the Day' oil on board, double moulded polished wood frame , £345.

'Rising Tide' oil on board, double moulded polished wood frame, £345. SOLD

Andrea's Universe

2011-10-23T20:21:00.001+01:00

Thanks to Andrea for highlighting my work on her blog Gluckspilzchen's Universe here and here. Andrea dreams of revisiting St Ives after 20 years - fingers crossed she will manage to come across from Germany in 2012.

Click here to read her interview with Carolyn at Love Stitching Red.

Porthmeor Beach

2011-09-11T21:49:00.003+01:00

Same beach, same day!

A wide angle view of Porthmeor taken this morning at approx 9.45 am.

Looking a little closer shows some big waves out there!

Around midday.

High tide, photo taken at approx 5.30 pm.

Surfers heaven! The red flags stayed up all day though, as conditions were not suitable for swimming.

Click to enlarge.

Porthmeor Gale

2011-09-07T22:14:00.002+01:00

Some wild sea driving in from the Atlantic these past few days accompanied by strong winds came as something of a shock following two gloriously sunny and warm September days. Hopefully the blue skies will return again very soon.

The painting 'Porthmeor Gale' is definitely a winter painting though, inspired by a gale so strong that I struggled to stand to take photos most of which, even on 'continuous setting, were blurred. The swells were vast and often seemed to engulf 'Man's Head', the headland on the left of the picture, surf rushed onto the sand and frothed like snow in the wind. Currently displayed at Penwith Society of Arts, Back Road West, St Ives, in an exhibition which opened on Saturday 3 September, 2011.

'Porthmeor Gale' oil on primed board, glazed frame, approx 31 x 41 cm. SOLD

Close up below - click both images to enlarge.

Sennen Sojourn

2011-08-14T20:42:00.004+01:00

Sennen Cove, pictured last Friday 12 August, at around 9-9.30 in the morning - wet, misty conditions don't detract from the empty beauty of this lovely, curved beach.

We stayed with my friend's brother and his wife, who run the Old Success Inn, Sennen arriving on the Thursday evening in plenty of time to take part in the regular quiz. After a night spent within earshot of the sea (the photo above was taken just across the road from the Old Success) in what must be the most comfortable beds ever, followed by a delicious full English breakfast, we made our way down to the sea.

Thank heavens for wet suits!

'Ground sea' had created pits in the sand, kelp strands swirled around my feet and I was thrilled to be joined by a Shag swimming and diving within touching distance - that's a first, what a treat.

Have a look at this earlier post to see more photos. Click here for more info about the Old Success.

Above and below are details of 'Go Down to the Sea' rendered in oil on deep-edge canvas, measuring 31 x 81 cm. Click to enlarge. Copyright Lesley Ninnes.

Have a good week everyone. x

A Trio of Artists

2011-07-30T13:52:00.002+01:00

AngelaGarner, Lesley Ninnes and Jo Hamilton Jones present examples of recent work ina colourful and lively exhibition which opens on Sunday 31 July and runs until Saturday6 August, 2011, at St Ives Arts Club, Wescotts Quay.

AngelaGarner, who moved to Cornwall in 1998 from Surrey, says. “Mypaintings are about depth and colour for the viewer to meditate upon. The viewer is invited to look into the layersof colour in my painting to the beyond to enable the mind to relax. I am currently studying for a Fine Art Degreeat Camborne College and am also a member of St Ives Arts Club.”

StIves painter, Lesley Ninnes is a long time member of Art Space Gallery co-op. “Living here brings an awareness of theelements, the movement and moods of the sea and challenging weather conditions– wild and exciting nature up close – a never ending source of inspiration.” Herartworks have twice been selected for exhibition in the annual ‘21^stCentury Watercolour’ competition at Bankside Gallery, London. She has shown at Bristol Affordable Art Fair,Edinburgh Art Fair, The Northern Art Show and recently, at Bath Society of ArtsAnnual Open Exhibition. Lesley is amember of St Ives Society of Artists and St Ives Arts Club, and an associatemember of Penwith Society of Arts.

JoHamilton-Jones moved to Cornwall in 2004. She has recently graduated from CamborneCollege with a Foundation Degree in Fine Art Practice and has just accepted aplace at Falmouth University on the BA Fine Art Degree course. Jo describes her current work as beingconcerned with ‘the visible and the invisible’. “I state what my artwork is, in the form of chemical compositions andpigments. I layer the words into the paintings leaving them hidden but stillvisible in certain light and from certain angles so that the viewer may findthem if they wish. I also aim to please the viewer in an aesthetic manner bypresenting colour that may be seen to be beautiful in its own right. I workintuitively, with materials that please me, such as oil paint, resin andacetate.”

Opendaily from 10.30 am – 5 pm, the show includes original paintings, sculpture,contemporary jewellery, prints and cards – and admission is free.

My Darling Girl

2011-07-24T02:16:00.000+01:00

I am going to miss you so much.......

It has been so hard to let go of the first ever dog I have owned. She was a star - so clever, so feisty - a joy, a pain - a revelation, a friend, an individual, a companion who didn't judge, with the biggest heart ever - 24/12/97-23/7/11.

Porthmeor Rain

2011-07-10T21:50:00.006+01:00

Forgot this painting when posting yesterday! Rendered in oil on board, it's roughly A4 in size and when mounted will also be placed in one of the browser boxes at St Ives Society of Artists. SOLD

Click to enlarge.

Two paintings

2011-07-09T08:46:00.005+01:00

Two recent paintings below, both rendered in oil on board. The first has been framed and is currently part of the 'Small Picture Show' which continues at St Ives Society of Artists until 3 August, 2011. Entitled 'A Choice Spot, Gwithian', the image is 30 x 30 cm square, framed size 50 x 50 cm.

'Godrevy' below, when mounted, will also be offered for sale at the Society. I forgot to measure it - but dimensions are approximately 20 x 40 cm. SOLD

Click to enlarge.

Click here to see more paintings.

Surfing fun!

2011-07-08T21:13:00.001+01:00

The Sunday before last was a real scorcher in this part of the world, spurring my sister and I to head to the beach in the early evening (having been busy in the daytime). She's on the left in this photo, which was taken by her partner - we're not saluting him - the sun was still dazzling at 6 pm.

I'm holding the wooden surf board that I first used from about the age of 10 - it's a bit scratched and beaten up but still works a treat!

Wetsuits are essential - the days of braving UK sea temperatures without adequate insulation being long gone. In fact, prior to buying the wetsuit (and boots) I hadn't ventured into the sea for years - what a worthwhile investment that particular purchase has been, a real 'passport to fun'.

Conditions were lovely - nice breakers, with a gentle off shore breeze to lift spray from the waves, and not a cloud to be seen. We're on Gwithian beach on the other side of St Ives Bay, with Godrevy Lighthouse in the distance.

Looking in the other direction, cliffs fringe the beach.

A tranquil evening, with colours deepening as the day shortens.

Just before we left, coming up to 9 pm and still beautiful.

Click to enlarge.

This Sunday was hot and sunny again which saw me in the sea at Porthmeor, the surf beach in St Ives that faces into the Atlantic. The waves were great, with plenty of force, though the water was much colder. The sand is coarser too, pulverised shell and rock fragments are easily seen - I suppose that Gwithian is so much warmer owing to being on the inner curve of a shallow bay allowing the water to lose its chilly edge and the sand making process to become more refined?

Have a good weekend everyone - hope that it's sunny where you are. x

Bath Society Open

2011-06-17T20:51:00.001+01:00

Remember 'Riverford Pears' below? Well, it has been included in the Bath Society of Artists 106th Annual Exhibition, currently showing at the Victoria Art Gallery, by Pulteney Bridge, Bath, until Saturday 16 July, 2011. Hours of opening are Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-5pm, Sunday 1.30pm-5pm. Closed on Monday. And best of all, admission is free!

The catalogue front cover (below) features 'Hedgefund Predators' by Jim Connelly.

And this last photo shows the centrefold of the catalogue, with Riverford Pears illustrated alongside other works selected for the exhibition. Click to enlarge. Have a lovely weekend. Lesley x

Look.......

2011-06-16T21:19:00.000+01:00

Two weeks to the day since getting together for tea and cakes at the Beachcomber Cafe, on The Wharf, in St Ives - catching up, chatting and generally enjoying the company of three like-minded people - here, at last, is my post to mark the occasion! First to arrive were Diane 'Heart-Shaped' and Noelle 'Sew On and Sew On' followed a little later by Carolyn 'Love Stitching Red'

It was lovely to see Carolyn, who lives locally and Diane, who holidays in the town as often as possible, again - and to meet Noelle (who also lives in St Ives) for the first time! The sun shone too, of course.

What a clever trio they are - I am in awe of their stitching and creative textile skills.

This first photo shows one of Carolyn's beautiful 'Gardening Hearts' - luscious shades of blue, contrasting fabrics and tiny ultramarine beads.

A mixed media card using sequins, wax resist and iridescent colours.

And a selection of her hand-made beads - just look at those colours and effects!

And from Noelle, the cutest seagull - how clever is this? So original and well made - everyone loves him!

Feel the love with her soft, deep pink felt bird with pretty beaded tail.

Diane's dramatic stitched heart, its luxurious cloth studded with pearly buttons, contrasts beautifully with the contents of the pottery cupboard. Domestic ware by Masahiro Kumagai, John Bedding, Peter Swanson and Alex Shimwell help to set the scene.

As if that weren't enough, pictured next is a handmade fruit 'teabag' card; a pincushion that is as much of a joy to hold as it is to look at and a delicate silk flower brooch with tiny pearl beads at its centre, pinned to an aqua coloured handmade tag! How does she do it?

Hoping to see those girls again in the not too distant future. In the meantime, follow the links to see more of what they do and click the photos to enlarge.

Honeysuckle and Sunset

2011-06-03T21:50:00.001+01:00

A lovely day, crowned by a beautiful evening - there's no wind and lots of insects, which means that the bats will arrive soon, around 10 pm, at dusk.......

Honeysuckle, with Giant Hog Weed in the background. The scent of the honeysuckle at night, especially if there's a dew, is so much more fragrant than during the day.

The next photos are cropped to avoid showing clothes lines and also goal posts and flood light poles in the top rugby field!

Photos taken outside again now - so pretty isn't it? 'Whisky in the Jar' playing on Radio Cornwall as I upload this post - and a 'life is good' moment.

Click to enlarge. Have a wonderful weekend. x

PS A sliver of the palest crescent moon has just become apparent low in the West as the sky darkens (9.55pm).

Bright Blustery Sea

2011-05-29T15:44:00.000+01:00

This little painting is small and chunky, measuring 4 x 5 inches by 1.5 inches deep. Should it be framed? Maybe not. It looks quite good placed on a shadowy shelf, which heightens the dark drama of the subject, whereas the painting's small dimensions might make it seem lost on a wall - unless part of a group that is. I've placed it for sale on my page at US based Absolute Arts here.

Click to enlarge. Bye for now. x

Room to Breathe

2011-05-09T21:38:00.000+01:00

Source of endless fascination - how many times have I photographed the sky to the West from the back garden? Light, shade, high contrast and movement. This dramatic and beautiful skyscape will reappear in a small seascape later on no doubt!

The above photo was taken yesterday afternoon - excuse the sloping horizon, there was a strong, unrelenting wind blowing - but what a spectacle, being in the midst of so much openness and space is such a buzz. Click to enlarge.

Additions to 'the other blog'

2011-05-06T15:23:00.000+01:00

Have just added some more small paintings to my other blog Picture from St Ives Click the link and let me know what you think!

Wonderful Waltz

2011-05-01T20:16:00.002+01:00

Heard the Khachaturian Masquerade Waltz (previous post) on Radio 2 whilst washing the dishes earlier on - it's so uplifting, graceful, exciting and passionate - makes me want to dance, dance, dance and it doesn't matter that I can't waltz, does it?

Also a quote to ponder and yes, that really is his name!

Jack Russell quote

“Good things to do in life...Forgive, Love others, Praise, Be thankful, Give, Take opportunities, Show your feelings, Smile, Hug, Move more eat less, Pray, Write letters, Have you time, Travel, Touch nature, Help others in need.”

(Will try, but may not always succeed!)

Masquerade Waltz - Aram Khachaturian (War and Peace 2007)

2011-05-01T20:08:00.000+01:00

Beautiful evening, cold wind

2011-04-28T21:20:00.000+01:00

Trees are silhouetted black against the sky - a clear expanse unsullied by even one cloud - pink/yellow low in the West merging into pale blue and deeper, darker blue out into space. The air is still in this corner sheltered from the cold North East breeze and tiny bats are dipping and diving for insects in ideal conditions.

This is how Porthmeor Beach looked around an hour ago as the sun started to set - lovely, but very, very chilly!

Two new works sort of.........

2011-04-26T20:33:00.001+01:00

'Wild Weather Porthmeor' oil on primed mdf, white wood frame. Image size 19 x 15 cm, framed size 32 x 28 cm.

'Porthmeor - light late in the day' oil on primed board framed, image size 43 x 30 cm, framed size 60 x 47 cm.

'Wild Weather' has been painted over an earlier painting that didn't work and 'Porthmeor - light' is a new painting in an old (but very nice and too good to waste) frame. Both paintings are destined for the Clare White Gallery in Barnsley.

Mistakenly posted on Picture from St Ives!

2011-04-19T22:10:00.001+01:00

Have just completed a post intended for Sea-Blue-Sky-Abstracts on my other blog 'Picture from St Ives'. Please click here to read - honestly, could I get much more absent minded?!

Glorious in St Ives today, with sun, sun, sun, all day long on The Wharf - hordes of people enjoying themselves on the Foresand. Tomorrow (Wednesday 20 April) is my day to work at Art Space Gallery, so why not pop in and say 'Hello'? x

More paintings in watercolour

2011-04-06T21:41:00.000+01:00

Here are some new additions to the wall at Art Space gallery - I thought it would be interesting to include because of the two paintings on the top left of the photo.

See below for a closer view. Based on plant forms, the third in the series was swapped with Cathy at One Pink Goose for this lovely pen & ink study

Click to enlarge.

Paintings in watercolour

2011-04-03T03:09:00.000+01:00

Some examples of the type of work I'm exhibiting at Art Space Gallery at the moment - they're all diptychs, painted in watercolour and gouache on heavyweight (300lb) watercolour paper, which doesn't need stretching.

Click here to see some new little paintings on my other painting blog, Picture from St Ives.

Help Japan Challenge

2011-03-29T14:15:00.000+01:00

'Tulips' an original drypoint print completed with watercolour and ink has been submitted to The Help Japan Challenge posted by painter Keiko Tanabe. The challenge - to raise funds to help the stricken people of Japan overcome disastrous after effects of the recent earthquake and tsunami - features an ongoing online auction of artworks with proceeds going to charity.

Money raised through the sale of 'Tulips' will be donated to the Japanese Red Cross Society (send money via Google). Take a look at Katherine Tyrrell's Making a Mark blog which is where I first found out about Help Japan. Have a good week. x

You are Invited...........

2011-03-22T15:49:00.001Z

Come along to the Exchange Gallery on Saturday night if you are in the area for the Art Auction in aid of St Julia's Hospice - admission £3.00 includes a glass of bubbly and there's music too!

Not able to attend but would like a chance to bid, click here to view the options available.

Thanks also to Katherine Tyrrell who has posted about the above event on her comprehensive art blog 'Making a Mark'.

Fundraising Auction for St Julia's Hospice

2011-03-13T21:41:00.004Z

'Above Gulval' below, which will be auctioned alongside works by many other artists to raise funds for St Julia's Hospice, at the Exchange Gallery, Penzance on Saturday 26 March, 2011.

This large painting, measuring approx 91 x 61 cm, shows two hawthorns - bent over by prevailing winds - growing in a hedge on the B3311 St Ives to Penzance road, high above the village of Gulval. In fact, the central tree is no longer there, having blown/fallen over a couple of winters ago. Rendered in acrylic and oil on canvas in a lime waxed wooden frame.

The painting has a modest estimate of £150/£200 with 50% of the selling price being donated to St Julia's. Click to enlarge.

To download a copy of the catalogue and view some of the stunning artworks available by a host of talented artists and makers, please click here

Hope that you will be able to come along on the night - there will definitely be something affordable to suit every taste and all in a very good cause too.

Painting equals

2011-02-26T20:27:00.002Z

Painting = fun, play, trepidation, release, balm, struggle, challenge, excitement, frustration, enlightenment, learning, compulsion, happiness..............

'Rive the Wave' 2004 oil on board

'Lie of the Land 2007' watercolour/gouache on paper

'Northerly Gale' 2010 oil on board

Painting is never dull or boring.

Click to enlarge. Copyright Lesley Ninnes.

Some new work for February 2011

2011-02-19T21:39:00.001Z

Paintings in acrylic and oil on deep edge canvas, unframed. Below is 'Low Tide & Headland' 46 x 61 cm.

Detail

'Reef' 75 x 61 cm.

Detail

'Lie of the Land 2011' diptych 92 x 61 cm.

Detail

Detail

I've had fun producing these artworks, keeping everything clean and uncluttered while luxuriating in the use of colour and creating texture and alternating between opacity and transparency. Click all images to enlarge.

Save our Forests

2011-01-31T20:36:00.000Z

Hi everyone, please read an excerpt below from a message sent by the Save Our Forests campaign which arrived today:

This Wednesday there is a crunch vote in Parliament. MPs will vote on a motion demanding a rethink of plans to sell our national forests. The fact this vote is happening shows that MPs have noticed our campaign.

Right now, the petition is nearly 330,000 strong, and every name counts. So we’re setting a bold new target of half a million people by 5pm on Tuesday in time for Wednesday’s hugely important vote.

http://www.38degrees.org.uk/save-our-forests

So many of us have joined this campaign because we all understand something the government doesn’t seem to get yet: that our woodlands and forests are priceless, and once they’re gone they’re gone forever.

We know that places like the Forest of Dean, the New Forest, Grizedale, Thetford, and Alice Holt are national treasures. We know that they belong to all of us, and we will do whatever we can to keep them in public hands and protect them for future generations.

Click the link above if you would like to add your name to the petition.

Paintings and the coast road from Portreath

2011-01-21T22:12:00.000Z

This first artwork is entitled 'Porthmeor Sunset 2010' a reworked abstract which only suggested sunset - and was a little too subtle - it's a much better painting now! Acrylic & oil on deep edge canvas, framed, 35.5 x 35.5 cm. Click to enlarge.

'Distant Surf 2010' acrylic & oil on primed board, mounted, 61 x 52 cm.

'Gwithian Dark Cloud' acrylic & oil on primed board, unmounted/unframed (so far) 46 x 37 cm.

The picture below was taken at around 8.15 am today and shows the moon about to drop below the horizon in the West.

By the time we ventured onto the coast road from Portreath at around 3.30 pm, clouds had begun to pile up and the welcome sunshine of the past three days started to disappear.

Headland and beach at Portreath. The large rock is part of a formation known as the Cow & Calf, the smaller being hidden from this angle.

The sea wall.

Further along the coast and the Cow & Calf can be seen in the distance - click to enlarge. Does it look cold? There was a bitter North Easter blowing.

Heading back along the coastal path.

Looking down at the caves, Hell's Mouth.

The coast road passes very close to Hell's Mouth.

Gwithian Beach ahead - not looking anywhere as dramatic as last week, quite impressive though.

Trencrom Hill in the distance, overlooking St Ives Bay.

Have a good weekend everyone. x

January Sunshine

2011-01-19T21:34:00.000Z

A beautiful day here in St Ives, from start to finish, the moon shining brightly as it set in the West before dawn this morning until rising again, bold and full, early this evening, and barely a cloud to be seen in between. Yet this is January, mid-winter in the UK - and roads just a little way inland began the same day frozen, fringed with trees whitened by a blanket of frost.

Click the pics to enlarge for a better view of the moonlight reflected in St Ives Bay below.

My day at Art Space Gallery, no hardship at all spending time in the sunniest, warmest spot in St Ives!

I didn't spend all day in the sun honest!

My wall at Art Space. We'll close for a couple of weeks from Sunday, to clean and decorate, before opening again in early February, 2011.

Late developer

2011-01-17T21:19:00.000Z

Dragged kicking and screaming into the 21st Century I have nevertheless embraced new technology a nano step at a time - way behind everyone (and I mean everyone) else of course, so humour me and sympathise!

Anyway, too 'tight' to buy an Apple ipod - I first bought a Sony Walkman MP3, then a 'dock' (because those headphones really hurt) and more and more adventurous, daring even, decided to bite the bullet and download Apple iTunes, which I love!!

I still marvel at how easy it is to buy favourite pieces, classics, from way back, right up to the present day, single tracks not a complete album, which often includes music unwanted or downright depressing.

Latest downloads have included the wonderful track entitled 'Nothing Ever Hurt Like You' by James Morrison, click the YouTube video in the previous post. Great voice, great blues, somehow redolent of 'Heard it through the Grapevine'. What do you think?

Think I'll have to ration iTunes usage!!!

James Morrison - Nothing Ever Hurt Like You

2011-01-17T20:58:00.000Z

Wet & Windy Thursday

2011-01-13T23:26:00.000Z

Wet and windy today in this part of the world. I had cause to pay a visit to Porthtowan Ecopark and chose to return via the coast road to Hayle because, even though the conditions were dark and wet, everything looked so dramatic and elemental! Note to self: Always take the camera!!!

We passed through Portreath and glimpsed turbulent seas under the dark, imposing headland before dropping a gear and climbing up to the straight stretch of road above North cliffs, where the clouds were low, the puddles reflected the sky, bracken glowed deep, rich, red-brown and low trees on the edge of Tehidy woods bent away from the sea. On past a deserted Hell's Mouth, the cafe closed and car park empty and then the panoramic view of Gwithian beach from above, the long line of surf providing a gleaming brightness. Wow!

Wish that you could have been there and I'm sorry that there are no photos! Please accept the (slightly shaky) pic below as a substitute - it shows Porthmeor Beach in the teeth of a Northerly gale, sometime in November, 2010.

Click to enlarge - I'm off to bed.......night.

Better Late than........

2011-01-05T19:44:00.002Z

I'm shamed into publishing today having seen Carolyn's most recent post on her beautiful textile blog, click here to view. Being lucky enough to possess two of Carolyn's handmade Christmas cards and two of her tree ornaments, I really must share these pictures with you - taken this evening.

First here's this year's card - look above to see Carolyn's handmade crystal snowflake ornament.

This is the card that Carolyn sent last year, complete with newly added beading.

And below is the decoration originally placed on last year's card, it's so pretty - apologies for the quality of the photo.

Click to enlarge. Time to go now to do the job I hate, taking down the Christmas Tree - everything looks so bare afterwards. Have a lovely evening. x

New Year's Eve

2010-12-31T08:48:00.000Z

New Year's Eve 2010 - time to put the events of the past year, good and bad, behind us and to look forward to what the coming months will bring.

Thinking of you all and sending wishes for a healthy, happy and prosperous 2011, Lesley x

Using a Highly Scientific Method of Random Selection.................NOT!

2010-12-30T20:22:00.002Z

At long last, the Giveaway Draw has taken place - only a week after closing - must be improving he he (smile).

Each name lovingly written on a rectangular piece of paper and folded over and over before being placed in the lucky red bowl - well, lucky for one person - as you know, I wanted you ALL to win!

I closed my eyes, giving the papers a good old mix and shuffle, before taking the plunge and picking the winner. Then came the tricky bit, opening eyes - that was easy enough - whilst operating the camera with the other hand to record the occasion.

Moment of truth.............and the winner is Milla at Country Lite! Congratulations Milla (please email your address and I'll get the prints posted to you asap) many thanks to all who took the time to visit and comment and take part in this first Giveaway at Sea Blue Sky Abstracts. x

Giveaway - not forgotten

2010-12-29T10:11:00.000Z

Just posting quickly this morning before heading off to Art Space - hoping for a busy time there today! Anyway, I have not forgotten the Giveaway, which closed on 23 December and the names are all written, the papers cut and folded and results of the draw will be announced sometime tomorrow - towards the end of the day probably.

The photo above was taken on 14 December, 2010 a beautiful frosty morning captured as I headed over to Penzance on the 'back road' (B3311) for more Christmas shopping. Looking West from the hamlet of Cripplesease. Click to enlarge. See you here again soon. x

Hand painted Christmas cards

2010-12-12T01:46:00.000Z

This year I have painted 7 original Christmas cards in oil on primed paper. Again they were fun to do, but also very time consuming. Click here to see last year's collaged cards.

Click to enlarge. Copyright Lesley Ninnes. Please remember to check giveaway in the previous post. x

A Giveaway - at long last!

2010-12-09T21:30:00.001Z

There should have been a giveaway to mark reaching 100 posts - but there wasn't. There should have been a giveaway to mark the first year bloggiversary of Sea Blue Sky Abstracts - that didn't happen either! The intention was there but the moment(s) passed - so here at last is a Giveaway! The prize is two mounted prints of my original artwork. Both prints will go to one winner - that way they can be placed 'face to face' and posted anywhere in the World if necessary, with minimum risk of damage. Click pics to enlarge.

'Laid Up' image size 19 x 19 cm, mount dimensions 33 x 33 cm. Printed with Epson Durabrite inks on Epson Heavy Duty Matte paper.

'Riverford Pears' image size 18.5 x 18.5 cm, mount dimensions 32.5 x 32.5 cm. Printed with Epson Durabrite inks on Epson Heavyweight Matte paper.

Click here to view shots of the original Riverford Pears painting on this blog.

The giveaway is open to everyone; regular readers, lurkers, visitors from other sites, anyone with a Google account in fact (if you don't have one, it's free to sign up). All you have to do is to visit my other blog Picture from St Ives and leave a comment on the Home or Paintings for Sale page and you will be included! Closing date is Thursday 23 December at 8 pm GMT.

We travelled 'out West' today, taking the coast road from St Ives to Sennen - the photo above looking towards Land's End and the Longships was taken at around 4 pm. The weather had been about as glorious as it's possible to be at this time of the year, but we had lingered over lunch at the Old Success Inn down in the Cove, unable to leave the welcoming log fire and cosy festive surroundings for the lower temperatures outdoors any sooner. The pub offers a fairly wide menu of both hot and cold dishes and has a nice programme of events organised for Christmas and New Year. Accommodation, with wonderful views over rugged and beautiful Sennen Cove, is available for those who want to enjoy a few days 'away from it all'.

The little harbour and slipway, with the Brisons and Cape Cornwall visible on the horizon.

The pair of black timber buildings are holiday chalets - what a lovely setting.

From higher ground, during the journey over, the Isles of Scilly could be seen clearly outlined on the horizon, at approximately 40 miles distant.

Click to enlarge. Copyright Lesley Ninnes.

Warmth of the sun and a partial thaw!

2010-11-30T20:43:00.001Z

Sunrise and clear skies caused the snow to start to thaw this morning for a while, but what is left is frozen hard and treacherous underfoot and the stiff North East wind makes it feel very, very cold!

A lovely pink light.

My neighbour's clothes line and pole below - beyond is the top rugby field, with flood light and dugout visible.

A very different scene from what was recorded yesterday at around the same time.

Click to enlarge. Copyright Lesley Ninnes.

Snow in St Ives today!

2010-11-29T22:27:00.000Z

The snow started falling at around 8am and stuck!

Yes, the red bloom is a rose, destined never to progress beyond being a bud I fear! The snow has remained and is freezing over tonight - nothing to what is being experienced elsewhere in the country though. Wrap up and keep warm everyone. Click to enlarge.

Variable Weather

2010-11-26T22:25:00.001Z

Wednesday (24th November) was a beautiful day in St Ives and I managed to catch the tail end of it on Porthmeor Beach. Compare the following day and contrasting wild weather conditions. A bitter North wind was blowing and thundering breakers driving on shore - all very dramatic and elemental and as beautiful in its way as the calm and sunny conditions of the previous day.

To see some stunning photos of rural Cornwall in November, taken by Jane of Jane and the Happy Crow please click here .

Click photos to enlarge. Copyright Lesley Ninnes. Have a lovely weekend everyone!

My Wall at Art Space Gallery

2010-11-17T22:22:00.002Z

Here are some images of my wall at Art Space Gallery, though we'll rehang next Sunday/Monday, so there will be a different mix of everyone's work on display. I'll be updating the Art Space website and also the Art Space blog in the next few days, so please take a look.

Is anyone else having difficulties uploading images? Blogger won't allow me to upload more than one per post - and I have only achieved 3 in this post by publishing after each insertion and then editing subsequently!!!

Hello again!

2010-11-16T22:05:00.002Z

Here are the artworks that I was unable to load in the previous post? First is 'Blue Canyon' another reworked canvas - an uninspired red abstract is hidden beneath the layers. This painting evolved into its present form when I recognised the appearance of a skyline and mountains, much brighter and cheering than the original, take it from me! Oil and acrylic on deep edge canvas, 30 cm square.

This next painting covers a much duller abstract, one that just did not cohere. 'Red Evening Shore' is a definite improvement. Deep edge canvas 30 cm square, acrylic & oil.

Here's a closer view of the same painting. Click all images to enlarge.

Night, night - it's still raining out there. x

What a night!

2010-11-16T21:44:00.000Z

What a night is not a boast by the way, just a comment on the heavy rain falling outside! Grim, but at least, but it's cosy inside this evening. The day started so well too, bright and clear for some time, which was nice for painting and photographing artwork and drying the washing on the line. Anyway, here are some more pics.

A reworked triptych, now entitled 'November Lie of the Land', each deep edge canvas measures 30 cm square. This version works so much better than the first attempt! Acrylic & oil. The image at bottom should actually be in the centre, because the triptych is landscape format.

Blogger is not allowing me to add any more images to this post for some reason, so I'll have to create another. Back in a minute!

Wet & Windy

2010-11-05T12:59:00.002Z

Yes, it's very windy and wet outside today, though quite bright too - and mild. Inside there's colour and light, the colours of summer and the sea.

Look on my beautiful heart, a gift from the so very talented Carolyn, and walk on the beach below an 'Alfred Wallis' cottage, among the shells and swirls of water and glitter, the sparkle of sun on sand and surf - and then visit Carolyn at Love Stitching Red she will be delighted to see you.

The painting below (haven't decided on a title yet) features Browthin a rock just off Clodgy Point to the West of St Ives and looking at it takes me back to that May evening, when a sea mist rolled in and out making everything grey for a while before receding to reveal soft, lovely, sunset hues. I used acrylic and oil on primed board, rendered with brush and knife.

No title for this one either, which features my favourite subject, Porthmeor Beach, which never ceases to fascinate - it's impossible to capture the magic! Again, rendered in acrylic and oil on primed board, using impasto and glazing techniques with layering of opaque and transparent colours. SOLD

Click all pictures to enlarge.

The Cornishman Blog Review

2010-10-09T20:36:00.000+01:00

What a lovely surprise! Thank you to The Cornishman which featured Sea-Blue-Sky-Abstracts in last Thursday's edition (7 October 2010) Blog Review. The newspaper has being reviewing Cornish blogs for quite some time now and the features always make interesting reading.

Click the pictures to enlarge - and have a great weekend everyone. x

Away for too long

2010-10-05T17:22:00.005+01:00

Nearly a month has passed since the last post on this blog - I had to look twice! What's more, visiting everyone else's blog has fallen by the wayside too, something that will have to be rectified over the next week or so, as my inbox has never been so empty - I'm losing touch!!

Life has been busy in more ways than one - ref the two artworks below. They're both rendered in acrylic, acrylic texture medium and oil on primed wood - the last remnant of an old, second-hand wardrobe which saw service as a toy cupboard when the girls were young. Not framed yet, they will be part of the 'December Light' exhibition at the Glass House Gallery, Penzance. These paintings were started in the winter 2 years ago - the forthcoming exhibition providing the necessary spur to get them finished.

Above is 'High Road to Ludgvan' 70 x 36 cm. SOLD

'Sun & Frost 2010' 49 x 33 cm

New painting

2010-09-07T20:28:00.000+01:00

Actually, it's not a new painting, but an earlier abstract that just didn't 'come off'. More attention was needed I felt and as a result the subject changed direction slightly and the artwork turned into 'Landscape Evolution 2010' - the date has been included as Landscape Evolution is a title I have used before, albeit for a much smaller painting.

Currently exhibited in the St Ives Society of Artists Members Festival show. Click to enlarge.

Blog Pals

2010-09-07T19:42:00.002+01:00

This summer, three British bloggers holidaying in the town have visited Art Space Gallery while I have been on duty.

The lovely Diane of 'Heart Shaped' was the first to drop in - to view her blog please click here . Linda, 'Vintage Heart' was the next - we only discovered the blogging connection when I admired the handmade brooch she was wearing! Click here to visit Linda's blog.

Most recently, I was lucky enough to meet the very talented Valerie of Acornmoon, who was spending a few days in St Ives with her husband and family. Prepare to be green when you see what I got through the post, below!

It was such a pleasure to meet you Diane, Linda and Valerie. x

Beautiful morning in St Ives

2010-08-30T21:26:00.001+01:00

Had to drive down to Art Space to collect a couple of paintings, camera etc 'before the rush' - luckily, the battery was still charged and I was able to capture these images of a beautiful Bank Holiday Monday morning at around 9 am. The sun was hot and everything looked wonderful.

Even the seagull obliged, staying put until the photo was framed to my liking! And some early paddlers are silhouetted below.

The sun shone all day and this evening continues bright, clear and fresh. x Click to enlarge.

Shooting stars on Friday!

2010-08-15T20:04:00.002+01:00

Perseids Meteor Shower, next instalment: The cloudy skies persisted for a good part of Friday but miraculously cleared from around 6 pm, leading to a bright and clear evening and night - and as darkness fell I was lucky enough to find myself in an area with plenty of open sky and very little light pollution, with good company, seating, warm clothes, a blanket and even a camp fire!

Just looking at the constellations and Milky Way in those conditions really was reward enough but there were shooting stars too - some so brief as to be just a suggestion of a flare caught by peripheral vision, others with a distinct tail and one or two providing a dramatic streak across the firmament. I counted 10 during the course of the evening.

The icing on the cake though was the arrival of Jupiter (didn't know which planet at the time, only that it couldn't be Venus) as it appeared above some silhouetted buildings at around 11 pm in the Eastern sky, a big, bright, yellow globe, what a stunning sight!

PS Cathie if you're reading this, I didn't take this photo either!!! Credit goes to the National Geographic news website.

This is Annoying!!

2010-08-12T20:34:00.000+01:00

Clear skies were forecast for tonight - so where has all this cloud come from? There are layers of Stratus to be seen, layer over layer of thick, grey, cushiony cloud - something that's quite usual for August and that's why I don't normally look to see the Perseid Meteor Shower. But having heard that clear skies were expected tonight, I had it all planned for the back garden, come 11 o'clock (it faces North West, apparently that's not a problem despite the shower coming from the East) - the lounger at the ready, the binocs to hand, a blanky and thoughts of hot chocolate and amazing celestial goings on, a heavenly light show...........I'll let you know if, by some miracle, the clouds disappear!

This image is not mine, it features onThe Vie magazine blog

August - Two new abstracts

2010-08-06T15:31:00.002+01:00

Here are two new abstract paintings that I have been working on for quite some time and, after some quite radical changes, I'm happy with how they look now. Both paintings will be on show at St Ives Society of Artists members exhibition, which opens in the Crypt Gallery, Old Mariners Church, St Ives, on Monday, 9 August, 2010. Click images to enlarge.

'Clouds and Mountain Tops' acrylic/oil on canvas, 36 x 18 inches, 91 x 46 cm. SOLD

Details from the main image.

'From Land and Sea 2010' acrylic/oil on canvas, 30 x 24 inches, 76 x 61 cm. SOLD

Details from the main image.

Beauty in the mist and rain

2010-07-20T16:48:00.006+01:00

Sitting at the table working this morning I looked at the scene below and was struck by its loveliness, despite the rain and mist.

In fact, the garden looks beautiful because of the mist and rain.

Saturated foliage and saturated colour. No wind and a sky 'neutralised' by the blanketing mist.

Even the weeds growing between the paving slabs look acceptable!

Cornwall Creative Skills website

2010-07-12T18:59:00.012+01:00

Creative Skills, the professional development organisation for all creative industries practitioners in Cornwall, has launched 'Outhere' with generous support from Cornwall Council.

Outhere is a creative community of people interested in all kinds of creative practice. It is a place to meet, share resources, announce your events and showcase your talents. I've become a member too, click here to visit my page.

Budget Camping

2010-07-08T21:45:00.008+01:00

Camping at a quiet location, just 3 miles outside the hustle and bustle of St Ives can be found at Lower Penderleath Camp Site this summer, from the end of July through August. Tents only. Hot and cold water showers are available and there's an area with hot water for washing pots and pans etc. Regular bus service to Royal Square, St Ives. For more info/bookings click here or phone 0772 301 4567.

The photo below - although not of the camp site - shows the surrounding scenery of this lovely part of the world.

Photo Attribution: Sheila Russell

Exquisite!!

2010-07-01T13:13:00.003+01:00

This beautiful pen & ink drawing is entitled 'Nuthatch' and is the work of talented Cathy at One Pink Goose. Click to enlarge to appreciate the detail and amount of work that has gone into this exquisite piece of work. I love everything about it, from the intricacy of composition and subtlety of contrasting tones to the range of marks used and subject matter. I will treasure this work of art always, thank you so much, Cathy. x

Gwithian Rock Pools

2010-06-22T20:51:00.007+01:00

These rock pool photos were taken on a perfect evening a couple of weeks ago, at Gwithian, on the other side of St Ives Bay. There have been so many beautiful evenings since - including this one. Although setting, the sun is still bright in the sky (at almost 9pm), the smell of honeysuckle is wafting in through open windows and it's so quiet, with just the occasional bird sound to be heard.

The rock pool pics are for you, Libby! Hope that you like them?!

More tulips!

2010-06-11T13:03:00.003+01:00

Two small, deep edge canvases - the larger painting shows part of an Arthurium flower with the tulips and measures 15 x 15 cm/6 x 6 inches. The smaller is just 10 x 13 cm/4 x 5 inches.

Click to enlarge. Have a good weekend everyone! x

Is Love Waiting?

2010-06-03T11:31:00.003+01:00

I look at the magpie atop the waving fir tree

Lit by early sun and a sky cloud free

The month is June, the day is three

And I wonder, 'Is love waiting for me?'

Jibby and Juna Etsy Treasury Sunrise Sunset

2010-05-31T19:57:00.004+01:00

Sunrise
seablueskyabs...
$20.00 USD
sunlight fog shadow smo...
quarks
$43.00 USD
4 Tiny Petri Dish Soap ...
CleanerScience
$12.00 USD
Curvaceous Cups
jfishdesigns
$35.00 USD
Vintage Lace Earrings- ...
modesign
$28.00 USD
fleeting sparrow earrin...
tundradear
$38.00 USD
Sketchbook 1037 (Origin...
hiroshimatsumoto
$50.00 USD
Blue lace agate Ring St...
purifiedart
$92.00 USD
Large Plum Blossom Ring
AnandaKhalsa
$310.00 USD
Six Large Lathe-turned ...
Malodora
$35.00 USD
Prisma - Handfelted Bowl
reyaveltman
$85.00 USD
Peaches N Cream
potsogold
$60.00 USD
Hellebore
aufilde
$35.00 USD
Purple Clutch
ShibaNgDesigns
$65.00 USD
Jello Molds, Instant Co...
shavingkitsup...
$20.00 USD

Thanks to JibbyandJuna for including one of my artworks in the Etsy Treasury 'Sunrise/Sunset'.

Printmaking Workshop

2010-05-29T20:16:00.009+01:00

A week ago today I attended a printmaking workshop run by Michele Wright and Jane Ashdown, at the Porthmeor Printmakers studio above the Penwith Gallery in Back Road West, St Ives.

We 'novices' started off experimenting with intaglio techniques, using engraving tools on flexible, glossy faced card. The fine lines in my first attempt below (hmm, pears again) were created using sandpaper whereas the black areas were created by drawing an outline with one of the tools and then tearing away the top layer of card allowing the under layer to absorb a large quantity of ink. See the bird and the solid black contour on the left side of the pear.

Yesterday (Friday) I applied finishing touches using pen and ink to create cleaner lines and enhance contrasts.

To produce this second print I cut and tore more of the card 'plate' - a little too enthusiastically - and later worked into it with pen and ink and collaged a small area to improve the right hand pear shape.

This next plate below was created by engraving on clear, flexible plastic from a sketch of tulips and then printing with black ink.

For this print I painted a mixture of screen filler and carborundum in the negative spaces, which absorbed the ink and printed black.

The technique was the same for this print, which I later had great fun transforming with pen and ink, watercolour pencils and gouache.

Finally we produced a collagraph - the most complicated procedure of the day - which involves gluing anything from string, card and fabric to leaves, petals and seedheads onto greyboard or mountboard, which is then sealed with shellac and allowed to dry before being inked up and printed.

For my collagraph I used sand - see the top very dark layer - and anaglypta for the Moon and Venus. The tulips were cut from beautiful paper doillies given to Jane by her Mum. The turquoise coloured ink is a signature colour used by Michele when creating her lovely collagraph prints. The painter in me couldn't resist using white gouache to brighten the Moon, Venus and tulips.

There was just time on the day to produce one more print from the collagraph plate, having quickly applied a roller-ful of yellow ochre. At my leisure yesterday - having made all of the other modifications above - I used watercolour and gouache to define the tulips and leaves, which I think improved the composition no end.

Evening Seascapes

2010-05-25T20:32:00.006+01:00

Three new mounted seascapes on primed board. Click to enlarge. Hope you like them. I'm off to read some blogs! x

'Pink Sky and Headland' mounted size, 61 x 41.5 cm. SOLD

'A Fine Evening Sea & Sky' oil on board, mounted size 32.5 x 55.5 cm. SOLD

'A Fine Evening Sea' oil on board, mounted size 32.5 x 55.5 cm. SOLD

Miss Jane

2010-05-20T11:47:00.004+01:00

Several comments made on older posts by Sea Blue Sky Abstracts have been made by 'Miss Jane' - all of which (hopefully) I've removed. Miss Jane based in Taiwan, according to her profile, is the front for a sad spammer - which I'd suspected anyway when the only word to appear in English was 'sex' and confirmed when Google enabled translation before speedy deletions ensued! Because of this I have introduced comment moderation on posts that are over 14 days old and apologise is this causes inconvenience.

Venus, the facts.

2010-05-18T19:49:00.005+01:00

I gathered the following information for 'Venus, the facts' from the web. Credits: the first article comes from http://stargazing.suite101.com (click the link to view) and the second, which provides a step to step guide to identifying the planet, has been written by Douglas Christian Larsen for Ehow. Also included below are links to some other very informative sites. Enjoy!

How to Locate Venus in the Night Sky

Contributor

By Douglas Christian Larsen, eHow Contributing Writer

Article Rating: (1 Ratings)

Locating the planet Venus in the night sky is usually not difficult. Venus is the closest planet to Earth, and it resides between the Earth and the sun. Therefore, after the moon, Venus is the brightest body in the night sky. Known as "the morning star" when seen just before sunrise in the eastern sky and "the evening star" when seen in the western sky at twilight, Venus is most easily seen during its cycles of moving farther away from the sun.

Things You'll Need:

· Clear night sky

· Binoculars

· Telescope

1. Step1

Situate yourself in a dark location with an open view of the night sky, preferably away from city illumination.

2. Step2

Depending on the time of day you are viewing the sky, you will view either the western or eastern horizon. Since Venus is closer to the sun than is Earth, it helps to imagine that Venus is following the sun; so in the evening, Venus is in the west following the setting sun, and in the morning, it's in the east running ahead of the sun.

3. Step3

In the evening, Venus should be visible in the western sky for approximately 3 hours after sunset. Toward morning, Venus should be visible in the eastern sky for approximately 3 hours before sunrise.

4. Step4

Venus will always appear brighter than any other star or planet. Once Venus is located with the naked eye, the planet may be viewed through either powerful binoculars or a telescope. Seen through a telescope, Venus may be seen in phases, similar to the moon (from full to crescent), depending on its position in relation to the sun.

5. Step5

Venus will also appear brighter, and larger, when closer to Earth.

Star

Astronomy Central

Moon: Yes, Venus: Yes, Bat: No!

2010-05-17T21:56:00.004+01:00

Another beautiful night sky that I just could not resist photographing. Yesterday evening (Sunday) there was not a cloud or a bat to be seen when these photos were taken, at around 10.30 pm.

Click to enlarge.

Riverford Pears

2010-05-11T20:58:00.008+01:00

Another painting from life, this time the pears that arrived in the Riverford organic box! I'm uncertain what variety they are - 'Williams' pears, perhaps - but love their craggy forms and the symmetry of the negative spaces between them. The pears turned a beautiful shade of yellow eventually. They tasted delicious and were very juicy! Click to enlarge. 'Riverford Pears' oil on canvas, 30 x 30 cm/12" x 12".

A Tangle of Tulips

2010-05-10T19:47:00.009+01:00

The lovely tulips that inspired this painting were a gift from my daughter and placed in a very plain tubular glass vase, which with the gladioli buds immortalised in an earlier painting 'Floral Pedestal' here were a gift from my other daughter. The pink and blue flower pattern in the background of 'A Tangle of Tulips' was copied from the printed cellophane wrapper that came with the flowers! Click the images to enlarge.

PS 'Floral Pedestal' is currently exhibited in the Spring Exhibition at Penwith Society of Arts, Back Road West, St Ives.

Return of the bat!

2010-05-04T21:44:00.003+01:00

Yes, the bat came back but my plan to use continuous mode on the camera backfired and I was left with nothing to show but several empty frames. Hmm there may be a video option with this camera..........Watch this space!

For now, hope that you like these two photos taken as the sun was setting.

Venus and the bat!

2010-05-03T22:22:00.006+01:00

A clear and still dusk tonight - ideal for spotting bats. This one, joined briefly by another, wheeled and swooped back and forth as I tried to get photos, not very successfully, as can be seen. The pics do give some idea of the bat's movements though, don't they?

An absolutely beautiful evening. Venus can still be seen in the background.

Saturday's Walk

2010-04-22T21:28:00.008+01:00

Deciding to make the most of the wonderful weather we've been having, my Mum and I took the dog to the village of Zennor, about 3 miles West of St Ives, on Saturday afternoon. We left the car in the park adjacent to the Back Packers Hostel (formerly the Wesleyan Church) and walked past the old Tinners Arms pub on one side and Zennor Church on the other, and took the lane which skirts the farm along the side of the valley that runs down to the sea, and then onto the footpath to Zennor Head.

We were mostly sheltered from the breeze, which was cold, and really enjoyed the warmth of the sun. First we walked down to where the river flowed quite forcefully and loudly over the boulders and then climbed back up steep granite steps, glad to stop halfway and sit on a very comfortable weathered, lichen clad, wooden seat.

Gurnard's Head can be seen through the haze.
The return walk. Part of the village can be seen ahead - click for a better view.

The Gorse was ablaze with blooms; fat rich yellow flowers filling the surrounding air with a compelling coconut scent triggered by the sun's heat.