14. ROBIN IN THE SNOW

The original photo had snow in the background but I found it too difficult to paint so I just put in a simple blurred background. In this painting I got to know a robin ... one of nature's most beautiful creatures.

13. PEONY ROSE

This is my first attempt at painting in an impressionistic style. I found the painting process quite challenging because I prefer 'structure' and so I had to resist the urge to give each blob a border. The original painting was done in watercolours and now oil has added a new dimension to the peony rose.

12. MARY MAGDALENE

This is my impression of what Mary Magdalene might have looked like. This is one of my favourite paintings. I really enjoyed working on this painting. 

11. BOWL OF LEMONS

I got to know the colour yellow while painting this picture. I also got to know more about lighting and depth of field. The blurred blobs in the background give the picture a depth by bringing the lemons into focus in contrast. I enjoyed painting this picture. Confidence growing with each little creation!

Prints available from Jan at jancoll@gmail.com

10. PURPLE CROCUSES

In painting this picture I discovered how difficult it is to mix a clear purple in oil paint. Eventually, I found a tube of Dioxazine Purple No. 47 and it was the closest I could get to the colour I wanted. The crocus is a study! Just look at the little men standing in the middle of each flower. They made me laugh! I enjoyed creating this painting knowing that I could never replicate the perfection of nature. My attempt is good enough!

9. BOWL OF ORANGES

After a gap of three years I am back painting again! Ann and I enrolled in a new art class. Redwood Art School Dun Laoghaire. Our teacher's name is Mary and she is just what we need ... calm and encouraging! This is my first painting under Mary's guidance and I really learnt a lot from this painting. I got to know the colour orange and I also made friends with a small brush! Ann is on a roll churning out masterpieces!

8. CHERRIES

This is the first painting I am fairly happy with. It is 8" x 8" on canvas.

7. TWO LEMONS

6. PINK AND LILAC TULIPS

5. PINK TULIPS

4 OLLIE THE LOST SHEEP - AT SEA

3. BOWL AND PEAR

2. OLLIE THE LOST SHEEP

This is my 2nd. painting Nov 2009 and I am very happy with the outcome.
Ollie makes me laugh!

1. JUG AND LEMONS

My first painting Oct 2009
Most students in our class start with this painting. Copy of an original.

THREE WOMEN 1982

This is my third attempt at oil painting. 20" x 16" 

After this painting I put away my brushes and paint and didn't paint for another 27 years.

TEA AND PEACHES 1982

This is my second attempt at oil painting. 24" x 18"

ITALIAN SCENE 1982

This is my very first attempt at oil painting in 1982 (aged 30)