New Year News from Town House Films

Next year gets off to an exciting start with a number of new releases already in the pipeline. In January we will be releasing Brian Ryder's New DVD Winter Landscapes in Oil.

Early next year will also see our second film with the amazing Jean Haines SWA. Her last DVD for us,  Amazing Ways With Watercolour,  has been a best seller and her army of fans around the world have clamoured for  a second release which will be out in early spring.

We are thrilled  to be working with a new artist Chris Forsey RI who will be showing how to produce incredible watercolours which go beyond the boundaries of traditional  watercolour painting. Chris is a very exciting artist and a member of the Royal Institute  Of Painters In Watercolour. Look out for this title in April.

Spring will also see the release of our third DVD with ROI President Peter Wileman. In response to many request from our customers around the world,  it will concentrate on Peter's abstract  oil landscapes which are a luscious feast of colour and tone.

Plus lots more exciting projects in the pipeline. In the meantime Elaine and I would like to wish all of our customers around the world a very happy and peaceful Christmas and a very painterly New Year!

New Brian Ryder DVD Out In January

We have just finished filming with Brian Ryder  for our first release of 2012 - Winter Landscapes in Oils. Brian is a devoted plein air painter and is keen to encourage all painters to tackle winter landscapes with their sparkling light and special atmosphere.

Brian painted in some lovely locations just a few miles from his home in Wells Next The Sea in Norfolk. The weather only defeated him once  - a picture we see him finishing off in the studio. The cold weather meant that Brian completed each picture in no more than and hour and a half and its fascinating to see just what can be achieved in a short space of time with heightened observation.

Judge for yourselves.

Brian's new DVD will be released in early January 2012

Visit The ROI Annual Exhibition in London

Several of the artists we have filmed with are members of the prestigious  Royal Institute of Oil Painters which holds its annual  exhibition at London's Mall Galleries  from DEC 7 to 18th. Check out the ROI blog for full details and a sneak preview of some of the pictures:

http://royalinstituteofoilpainters.blogspot.com/

Step By Sep Watercolour Demonstration from Robert Brindley

The execellent Robert Brindley RSMA has supplied us with a very usefull stage by stage watercolour demonstration showing his wonderful atmopsheric technique. I hope you enjoy it.

SMOKE AND LIGHT / WHITBY HARBOUR - WATERCOLOUR STEP BY STEP DEMONSTRATION

This painting was inspired by an atmospheric winter morning overlooking Whitby harbour. The reference material was 'cropped' fairly dramatically, to produce a cameo scene which I felt captured the light and atmosphere more successfully.

MATERIALS:

Paper - Arches 300lb rough

Colours - Raw Sienna, Burnt Sienna, Permanent Magenta, Cobalt Violet, Cobalt Blue, Cerulean Blue, Ultramarine Blue.

Masking Fluid

S

STEP ONE

The image was drawn out fairly accurately, using a 2B pencil. Masking fluid was applied to the main highlights and also to 'mid tone' areas which are surrounded by 'darks'.

STEP TWO

The following washes were applied to damp paper:

Raw Sienna, Cobalt Blue, Cobalt Violet for the sky and distance, which merge seamlessly together. Cerulean, Cobalt Violet, Raw Sienna plus Cobalt Violet and Cobalt Blue plus Permanent Magenta were introduced for the water and 'mid distant' harbour structures. Cerulean plus Cobalt Violet, Raw Sienna plus Cobalt Violet, Cobalt Blue plus Burnt Sienna, Cobalt Blue plus Permanent Magenta and two mixes of Ultramarine Blue plus Burnt Sienna (a 'warm' and 'cool' version) were used for the harbour wall and its dark reflections, the roadway and the buildings on the right hand side.

The paper was then allowed to completely dry.

STEP THREE

The masking fluid was removed from the distance and also the lighter areas in the water using light pressure and a clean finger. The paper should be completely dry.

Mixes of Cobalt Blue plus Permanent Magenta, Cobalt Blue plus Burnt Sienna and Ultramarine Blue plus Burnt Sienna were then introduced, 'wet into wet' on dry paper, to increase the darks on the bridge. 

STEP FOUR

The remaining masking fluid was removed and the following colours introduced to the buildings on the right hand side:

Cobalt Blue plus Permanent Magenta, Cobalt Blue plus Burnt Sienna and two mixes of Ultramarine Blue plus Burnt Sienna (a 'warm' and 'cool' version). 

STEP FIVE

The lower section of the roadway was tinted with 'wet in wet', pale washes of Raw Sienna, Cobalt Violet and Cerulean.

Details such as lighting columns, handrails, figures etc were painted. Some of the sharp edges and 'pure' whites, which resulted from using masking fluid, were softened using washes of Cobalt Violet and Raw Sienna.

Finally, to add atmosphere, smoke was carefully lifted out using a damp brush and kitchen towel.   

Outr grateful thanks to Robert for supplying that feature. You can  see more of his work on his own excellent website from which you can also buy his insprational teaching books:

http://www.robertbrindley.com/

Here's Robert in action on his DVD Painting Atmospheric Watercolour Landscapes

New John Hoar DVD Out Now

I'm delighted to let you know that we have at last got supplies of our latest DVD which hs been keenly anticipated by so many of you. 

Your can order your copy here: Line, Wash and Watercolour DVD

Trailer For New John Hoar Line and Wash DVD

Just released - the official trailer for John Hoar's exciting new line and wash DVD. It's due out on Nov 29but can be pre ordered here: Line, Wash and Watercolour With John Hoar.

New John Hoar Line And Wash DVD Available For Pre-Order

Our latest release featuring John Hoar - Line, Wash and Watercolour is now avaialble for pre-order on our web site. It should be released on November  29. It is a much anticipated DVD with some people placing their order as far back as March!! Thanks for your patience.

Don't forget you can include a pre-order in any multiple order and still get your 12% discount off the whole order. A trailer will follow shortly. For more details of the content please see  my earlier posting.

Tim Benson Taking Part In Open Studio Event

Tim Benson AROI will be showing His work as part of the 'Open Studios' weekend at The Chocolate Factory in Wood Green, North London from 11/11/2011-13/11/2011. Please click on the link for details. http://www.collage-arts.org/open-studios/ If you would like to find out more about his work please visit his  website at  http://timbenson.co.uk/

Tim says: "Come along and see some paintings"

Mel, oil on canvas 40" x 40".

New One Man Exhibition For Peter Wileman

Peter's latest exhibiton is at the splendid Walker Galleries in Harrogate Yorkshire and runs from November 5 -11. As it opens on Guy Fawkes night I'm sure we are in for some fireworks!

Here are some of Peter's pictures from the exhibition.

Peter's new book is still selling well and available at  only £10.69 on Amazon.

 Click on the following link:

Painting Light in Oil By Peter Wileman and Malcolm Allsop

Jean Haines Elected To Full Membership Of The Society For Floral Painters

Jean has  been  selected as a full member of the SFP, The Society for Floral Painters.  Her  first style of painting was botanical  and illustrative which led her, sahe says,  to how she  paints today in watercolour.  Jean commented: "I adore painting flowers so I am  delighted to have been offered full membership to showcase my floral work in future SFP exhibitions."

Jean is already a full member of the Society of Women Artists

Many congratulations to Jean!

Tim Benson At Affordable Art Fair London

Tim Benson AROI will be exhibiting some recent  pictures at London's Affordable Art Fair in Hampstead which begins on Thursday October 27 and runs to  October 30.
Here are some of Tim's pictures that weill be on sale for really affordable prices.

On Tim's website you can see a short video of his handing over one of his recent portrait commissions. A great piece.

And here's Tim in action in our DVD Dynamic Oil Portaits

New Jean Haines Exhibition

A vibrant new collection of watercolours by Jean Haines SWA will be on show at the Frame Gallery in Odiham, Hampshire.

Subjects include many favourites including Jean's popular horse racing scenes and  vibrantly alive Autumnal paintings. The exhibition runs until November 18.

There will be cockerels and a few surprises so  this will definitely be a show not to be missed.
"The Laird" portrait from Jeans book " How to Paint Colour and Light" will be included and on show for the first time and  " The Beauty of Venice" the cover from the book will be in the collection.

Please pop into the gallery and meet Jan the owner who will be delighted  to offer a warm welcome.

Jean's workshops for 2012 are selling out fast so you had better book quickly if you want a place. Jean writes:  "My Dedham Hall course is fully booked by the way and I have  only a few places left for 2012 workshops now. I am also running a two day Motivational Masterclass in April but at the moment that only has two places available."

So book now! Contact Jean via her website: http://www.jeanhaines.com/

 

New One Man Show For Brian Ryder

Fans of Norfolk based painter Brian RyderAROI  have a splendid opportunity to view his latest work at his one many show which has just opened at the Picturecraft Gallery in Holt North Norfolk. It runs until Weds 26 October. More than 50 pieces are on display.

Here's Brian with Picturecraft Gallery Owner Adrian Hill at the private view on Friday Oct 21

And here are some pictures from that private view event. Click on the picture to view them full size.

 

Last Chance to Book Up For Brian Ryder's Oil Landscapes Masterclass

Just a few days left to book for the event on Sunday October 30 at the Picturecraft Gallery in Holt, North Norfolk. We were plannng to film this event but its proving so poular we felt the cameras would get in the way. Instead,  Brian will be painting two full demonstrations  - one either side of lunch which is included in the ticket price of £55. Ticket also includes tea and coffee and the next door art materials shop is beings specially opened for the day and offering discounts to those attending.

Brian Ryder fans will not miss out on a new DVD as we are filming with him later in the year for January 2012 release.

For those who have not met Brian before he is both an inspiring teacher and a very funny man. There will be ample opportunities to ask him questions during the event and I will be introducing the whole affair.

To book your place contact Picturecraft  Gallery on 01263 711040