We've had a couple of nice days this week.  Finally.  Outdoor painting was Friday and was at Osborne house.  My painting wasn't too special, but when the sun came out the view was lovely.

More and more people were arriving as the sun really made it's presence felt.

Tomorrow is the start of Pleinairpril and I've been practicing painting gouache outside - bit tricky, but will carry on with it.  Perhaps start with the garden first.

Missed swimming on Thursday due to a long traffic jam. - Poor excuse!

Taken the dogs down to the boat a couple of times now, but Muffin is still very nervous.  Have to work on that.

The sun has just come out, so I'd better get on and practice that gouache.

 Just got back from walk with Henry - absolutely bitterly cold out there even though the sun is shining.  Managed to get in a quick sketch.

Last Monday we were at St Helens.  My sketch was pretty mundane, think I need to concentrate more.

Have continued doing oil pastel sketches on a Wednesday and gouache and oil sketches as often as possible, but to be honest, I haven't really been very motivated.

Here is one of the oil sketches

Not too displeased, perhaps it will make a reasonable subject for a proper painting.

Swimming is going ok,  Have managed to do 40 lengths a couple of times.

Our Monday plein air group have decided to become Friday plein air group.  This will give us the chance of more cafes being open.  We have also drawn up a more comprehensive list.  So that should be good.  We start this coming Friday and as it's easter have decided to go to Osborne, because at least we will get parked there.

 Cold, rain, sunshine - whatever you wanted, we had it this week.  Monday's painting was at the Green Yarmouth. A bit cold, but I managed something in an hour. 

I did change some bits and pieces, but again I really must move away from a book which is spiral bound.  Unfortunately I discovered in my stash, that I actually have two more of these books! As April is plein air month, hopefully I can use up one of the books.

Swimming is progressing ok.  But the dogs are starting to be a bit naughty!

Boat comes out next week, so that will involve a lot of  to-ing and fro-ing for Perry.

Got a super little cushion laptray on which I can do painting and drawing.  Hopefully.   I know it breaks my no art materials year, but I thought it would be really useful.  Can have it in the car as well.  However, I must use it!

 Again what a mixed bag of weather.  Didn't put anything out last week because my plein air work was pretty awful.  It was at Godshill and of course it rained.  For the rest of the week and this week I've been messing about with my oil paints, a bit of gouache and drawing and oil pastel.  On Monday we went to Noethwood House in Cowes, although it was very cold we did manage to get a bit of painting in.

Mike and I found a very sheltered spot, even though it had a hedge in the way.  The others, although a better view, were really exposed to that cold wind.

I've been carrying on with oil pastels, which I do find really relaxing, but only do them once a week.

Perry and I seem to have spent an inordinate amount of time trying to sort out out BT contract.  Think we've got it sorted now.  I hope.

The very cold or very wet weather has made it difficult to take the boys out and I think they are getting a bit stir crazy......

Although the sun is shining today it is bitterly cold.  Let's hope it gets a bit warmer and we can hopefully have a fun day out!