Inspired Naturally – Kate MacAndrew, artist and school workshop leader based in Derbyshire

I can’t believe it’s February already – I know it’s a cliche but the start of this year has gone so fast!

This week I’ve been busy painting both my pheasant and a new image for some new ideas I’ve had:

and over the weekend we’ve had 4 inches of snow and to make the most of this went for a long walk around the village and neighbouring fields:

What have you been up to this week?

Here’s what my pheasant painting is looking like now – there’s still lots and lots of feathers to put in … think I might be sick of them by the time I’m finished!

I can’t believe it’s been 4 months since I posted an update on my newest painting. The fact that I’m still a long way off finishing goes to show how busy I have been with other things! I can’t wait to be able to sit down and crack on with it (similar to when I painted this last year)

I am both dreading and looking forward to tackling the tiny feathers on the back of the bird – I always like a good challenge

I have decided upon a new image to paint, and here he is:

Below is the photograph I am painting from – I took this photo earlier this year whilst in Yorkshire. I just think the colours are absolutely stunning and wanted to have a go at recreating them. I have only just started adding some colour but I thought I’d share here on the blog

It’s bank holiday Monday for me today but I thought before I head out for the day with family I would share with you my finished painting. Here’s how I painted Fudge in 10 steps:

I am now looking for more pet portrait comissions so if you are interested in a no obligation quote please get in touch via my contact page.

Whatever you are up to today have a great day

 It’s been a good day today. I have managed to dedicate most of my time to painting. After completing my eagle owl I wanted to finish my Fudge portrait before starting something new. I have enjoyed getting back into it and am making progress. 

Have a great weekend everybody!

It’s been a while since I updated you on my Eagle Owl painting….

It’s finished! Here is a step by step of its progression:

 I’m amazed how quickly I’ve managed to finish it – I tried to be strict with myself and plan ‘painting time’ to ensure it got done. I have to admit I didn’t really need to force myself to paint, I have enjoyed every minute of painting this chap.

As this post’s title suggests I am off to Yorkshire for a long weekend – hopefully the weather will be fine *crosses fingers* I thought I’d leave you with some links for you to browse if you get chance over the weekend:

• If I had a girl I would definitely get her this (in fact, I think I might be able to get away with having one myself!) 
• My blogger friend Kate is having a special birthday giveaway here
• My very talented website designer is having a HUGE giveaway here
• I am planning to try this receipe very soon
• I have been meaning to give this a go myself – hopefully one day soon I will make the time to do it!
• Finally, this ’how to’ is just fantastic!

Hello, I hope everybody had a great weekend – mine involved entertaining 40+ guests in our home/garden for my OH’s Mum’s birthday. It was very enjoyable but tiring! Despite having lots to do over the weekend, I managed to get some more of my eagle owl painting done:

As you can see I’ve toned down the circles in the background and continued to build up the detail on the owl’s front. The next step is to continue this to the right of the owl, until the whole bird has lots of texture.

Whilst enjoying a great family and friends weekend I noticed that my large poppies had FINALLY decided to start opening! I have lots of them dotted around and they have been reluctant to open until this last Saturday…

Beautiful aren’t they? I’m hoping to be able to use some of these photos in some future artwork

Have you had any nice surprises in your garden recently?

Here is another painting update – the changes are more subtle now but you can just see where Ive added detail to the right side of the owl. I’m also beginning to add more of the darker brown areas before I can go in lighter.

Hi everybody, today I thought I’d share with you the progress of my eagle owl painting. I have to admit I am loving getting stuck into painting the feathers! I also had to start the eyes though – I hate having them looking empty!