The girls and I went in search of the first snowdrops in the local woods here this morning , and here they are in all their glory. We feel lucky to have these beautiful nature reserves and managed woodlands to explore right on the doorstep.
A new Lion oil painting in progress
Here is a new Lion portrait on the easel, approaching the finish line. This piece is 76 x 76 cm oil on canvas and will be available on my website quite soon.
An Enjoyable, Stress-Free Painting Day
A lovely day at the Moon Hare painting workshop day. We had 5 beginners in the group, who went from never really having picked up a brush, to producing a beautiful piece of original artwork to take home. It is exhilarating to see all the paintings coming to life throughout the day!
A lovely day at Sharpes Pottery Museum for the Moon Hare Workshop
Creative Art Workshops in Swadlincote
Come join us at our upcoming art workshops in Swadlincote and learn to paint with my help and attention. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned artist, all are welcome!
A unique idea for a 'Hen Do'
My painting workshops are both fun and relaxing and everyone leaves with their piece of beautiful original artwork! If you are organizing a Hen Party, a special birthday party, or perhaps a team outing from work, I can design a day’s painting workshop to suit your party. Beginners are welcome! All the materials are supplied, and if required I can arrange catering, although I always keep participants supplied with plenty of tea and cake -got to keep your energy levels up after all! Just give me a ring 01283 223239 or email enquiries@suegardnerstudio.com to ask about pricing and availability
Choose from many animal and bird-themed painting days - some popular ideas are Highland cows, Alpacas, Flamingoes, Moongazing Hares, Chickens…
A recent Highland Cow themed art workshop day
Kingfisher Oil Paintings
A new Kingfisher piece in situ
This small piece is newly available on my website. The jewel shades of green and blue lend a touch of relaxation and nature to a study space (above)
This painting is now sold however I love Kingfishers and often paint them, they’re such beautiful little birds. Take a look at my available paintings here
Trying The Brigardier-Water Buffalo Painting in situ
When a lovely local family purchased my large bear painting recently, I was delighted when they sent me some photographs of him hanging up in his rightful spot at the top of the stairs. I was inspired to try ‘The Brigardier’ in some bigger lobby and corridor settings, via the Artplacer App . This app also lets you try my paintings in your own space viw augmented-reality . Ill place a link on The Brigardiers page here so you can try him for size using your smartphone!
Another painting from Pit Prop Woods
This woodland is a stone’s throw from our house. It feels quite magical and has quite a history. Originally planted as part of the local mining industry, the trees were grown to provide pit props to use down the mines. There are humps and hillocks which is where spare earth was dumped. The woods received a community grant about 10 years ago which has been used to make the walkways safe, clear some pathways, and create a nice little children’s play area complete with a fairy ring of toadstools to sit on. There is a wetland area that is thriving with wildlife, a butterfly bank that is beginning to become established, and areas of fallen and cleared wood which has been left for the wildlife to make use of. I have spotted a fox creeping around here in the early morning, many, many squirrels and birds. There is a woodpecker who I usually hear but have yet to see. It’s a really lovely area to visit and is typical of the National Forest regeneration project. I am going to make a series of paintings from this little wood.
Forest Sunlight Painting
This piece is 100 x 100 cm I think - I have yet to measure it
I really love getting inspiration from the beautiful National Forest surrounding my home. Especially during the early Spring when the sun is low in the sky, as it makes stunning lighting effects for my work!
Update* This piece was sold, through the excellent Ferrers Gallery near Ashby de la Zouch. Please see my originals page, or join my art collectors mailing list for newly upcoming forest scenes.
New painting of a lion in gorgeous warm shades of red and gold.
Rufus the Lion, in shades of red, gold and plum, 76 x 76 cm, and will be heading to exhibit in a local gallery soon.
Sebastian Bear getting shiny
Varnishing my big bear painting ‘Sebastian’ ahead of a viewing in my studio at the weekend
2021 paintings
Once again, I have made a slideshow of the pieces that have found beautiful new homes this year.
Thank you everyone, I appreciate you a lot! Happy New Year!
New studio -almost fully moved in!
And I have now loaded and unloaded my van with more big canvases than I care to remember! The old place had two rooms and a flight of slippy stairs to navigate also, so I dearly hope this is the last move for ages and ages. This is an extrmely comfortable place in which to work and I love it already.
Barn Owl Paintings - one of my favourite things.
I absolutely love making Barn Owl paintings, they are such a beautiful and mysterious bird. Here is an owl in the early stages of a painting. I often have owl paintings for sale, so check out my originals page, or sign up for my art collectors newsletter for details on newly released work.
A new Kingfisher painting in progress
Finishing my wolf paintings with a layer in oils
Today I added another layer to both of my new wolf paintings, this time in oils. These are mixed media (acrylic and oil) canvases. The red guy is finished and signed, the blue guy needs a few last touches.
A year since I made this timelapse of a commissioned piece for a very lovely couple.
Adding texture to my wolves
My two new wolf paintings are nearly finished. Tomorrow I will complete some details in oil paint, today I was adding texture and depth to the ‘Howling Wolf’ . Hopefully tomorrow I will have some completed photographs of them to show. Once finished these will both be for sale on my website.
Unpacking in my new studio again!
This studio is lovely, warm and quiet! My big easel can go almost full stretch under the high ceiling in this old Victorian building.
Original UK Cow Artwork for Your Collection
Add some unique British style to your home or office with a beautiful piece of handpainted artwork featuring cows! With paintings crafted by me, in Ashby de la Zouch, United Kingdom, you'll get a one-of-a-kind piece that you won't be able to find anywhere else.
Choose a Unique Artwork to add Character to any Room
Adding a hand-painted piece of artwork featuring cows to your home or office is the perfect way to bring in some English countryside charm. Whether you’re looking for a subtle accent or an eye-catching statement piece, our collection of cow artwork has something for everyone. Pick something truly special and add some character to any room with one of my original UK cow artworks! See my currently available pieces here.
Multi-coloured Cow
close up of the painting
Argyle - new pictures showing off my multi-coloured cow and her gorgeous tropical colours! I can’t get over the way these colours shine from this beautiful cow! See more of my available original colourful cows here on my ‘Originals’ page.
Colourful details