Prawn (tagliatelle) #584

Daily painting #584 6"x8" oil on primed canvas panel 

My daughter is away on school camp so Ross (my son) asked if we could have prawns for supper...Amy will NOT, under any circumstances, eat prawns (it's the eyes!). I think Ross said it as a joke, so he was really surprised when I whisked him off with me after school to a fish market to buy prawns. The market is not in the nicest area of Durban so I was grateful my daughter wasn't with us (she would have had a fit heading off into such a dodgy area). But the seafood is delicious and fresh...and so worth it! So tonight I treated the boys with a lemon and garlic prawn tagliatelle and other than cleaning the prawns, it is SO easy to make ...and SO yummy! If you love prawns and pasta...this one is for you! I will share it with you...

• prawns (you can buy already peeled and shelled if you don't want to cut, clean and shell)
• tagliatelle pasta (you can use any shape pasta you like)
• small finely chopped onion
• 2 crushed garlic cloves
• olive oil and knob of butter for frying
• salt and pepper
• lemon zest and juice of 1 large lemon
• 1 cup of quality white wine
• extra knob of butter for sauce if needed (sorry this is not one for the diet book!)
• 2 tablespoons of fresh chopped parsley or coriander
• optional is a little chopped red chili (if you like it a little hot!)

Prawns cook quickly so start by cooking pasta in boiling salted water until al dente (just cooked).
While pasta cooks soften onions in a little butter and olive oil combined, once onions are soft add garlic (if added too soon, garlic can go bitter or burn). Toss prawns into the hot pan (season with salt and pepper) and as soon as the prawns colour, add wine and lemon zest and juice. If the sauce needs it, add a little extra butter. 
Drain pasta and toss the prawns and sauce through the pasta. Add the fresh parsley/coriander and check your seasoning. Retain a little of the cooking liquid from the pasta and add a little if needed as the pasta will start to absorb the sauce. Enjoy...

A delicious feast and SO easy (super quick too) and you are bound to impress! My amateur photography meant that by the time I got a couple of photos the sauce had probably gathered in the bottom of the bowl...but you get the idea! I was hero for a moment and my boys thought I was THE BEST....until I asked them to help me clean up!

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Rossy red buds #579

Daily painting #579 6"x6" oil on primed canvas panel 

Mmmmm....some more florals....rosey red buds to brighten up your day. My daughter is doing her piano exam today at the Durban Music School and my son starts his mid-year exams at school. So we all need a little cheering up in this house (the tension!!!!!) ....I hope you have a cheery day too....and I hope my kiddies ace their exams today!!!! (Holding thumbs!) 

P.S. Sorry about all the explanation marks, can you feel the tension (!!!!)

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Cheese and mustard powder #578

Daily painting #578 5"x7" oil on primed canvas panel

It's been a tough week of trying to get back to 'normal' (Am I normal? Maybe not!) so I was determined to end the week with getting back into my kitchen. My son has been craving French toast for breakfast...so French toast it was. My husband planned to stoke up his regular Sunday fire and braai (barbecue) so I decided to make some homemade cumin and coriander burger patties for a change to charred (burnt - don't tell him I said that) meat.  Granny Jean (my mother-in-law) was also coming around for mid-morning tea, so I made some Cheese scones (Aunty Pat's Cheese scones to be specific). Talk about getting back into my kitchen...I think I did a pretty  fine job! I also did a pretty fine job of leaving a wake of devastation behind me and my kitchen looked like it needed a cleaning fairy to clean my mess. Unfortunately for my husband he was the 'cleaning fairy', with the help of the trusty dishwasher!

Aunty Pat's Cheese Scones (muffins) were a favorite growing up. She seemed to whip them up for afternoon tea in minutes and they really are dead easy. My little painting is of 2 of the ingredients but I think I will share the rest of them with you...maybe you will give them a try! I would love to hear from you if you do...happy (easy-peasy) baking!

• 1 cup flour
• 1cup grated cheese
• 1/4 tsp mustard powder
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (I prefer a little paprika or dried mixed herbs)
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2tsp baking powder
• 1 cup milk

Mix all the ingredients in a bowl and place into muffin trays (I usually use mini muffin pans and make bite size ones). Bake at 180 C for about 15-20 min. Eat while warm.

I hope you have enjoyed seeing a recipe for a change (I even took a photo for you) and not just the ingredients painted. I often get asked why I don't share the recipes for mushroom sauce, spicy aubergines, apple crumble, marinated olives, Christmas mince pies and cake...and all the other yummy things that find their way into my studio as objects or still life for daily paintings...so today I give you a recipe. I know Aunty Pat won't mind. What do you think? 

Busy day...full tummy...happy heart...exhausted and ready for bed!

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Sunflowers #132

Daily painting #132. 6"x8" oil on primed canvas panel. SOLD

I had one of those "I told you so....!!!!" moments with my daughter this morning. Only problem is that the "I told you so" was directed from daughter to mother rather than the other way around, I have to admit!!! A friend, on reading about my Valentines flower painting idea sent me a message saying she loves seeing the daily paintings, and enjoys the proteas and roses (one of which she owns) however she would love to see me paint some sunflowers.... Little does she know Amy had only the day before tried desperately to convince me to buy some beautiful bright sunflowers from our local florist to paint! I had stood there debating the merits of painting sunflowers with a 10 year old, explaining that somehow sunflowers just screamed Van Gogh and I just couldn't bring myself to find the confidence to do them justice. Well now I had no choice but to give them a go...so off I went to the same florist today and came home clutching 3 sunflowers.....for Amy and Tersia!

If you didn't read about my VALENTINES offer yesterday....painted flowers will last a lifetime, so all floral paintings in the store are $40 or  R420 if purchased locally, contact me at heidishedlock@gmail.com . Anyone purchasing a floral painting (view them all by clicking the highlighted writing below) will stand a chance to win the little painting "Cherries and lace" ....all names will go into a draw, the offer closes 8pm SA time on 13 Feb and the winner will be announced on Valentines day! So someone will be getting a little surprise on Valentines day.... 2 paintings in the post instead of 1!!

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Liquorice Allsorts #130

Daily painting #130. 4"x6" oil on primed canvas panel SOLD

Liquorice Allsorts....yummy, fun and colourful....they take centre stage, climbing, tumbling, rolling and fooling around....a little bit of fun for the middle of the week!

130 paintings in 130 days today! As someone pointed out to me ...I have been painting little daily paintings for a third of a year!

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Pretty Pilchard #129

Daily painting #129. 6"x8" oil on primed canvas panel

Another beautiful find at the market yesterday! I love to have a look at the fresh produce in the Seafood section but my daughter is a fussy seafood consumer and so I am limited in what I can purchase unless of course I plan on cooking 2 meals ....which of course I have no plan to do!!!! Two fish however that even the rest of the family, other than my Portuguese stepfather, would refuse to eat are sardines and pilchards! So I had to ask the man serving behind the counter if I could take a photo of his fish .....in the hopes that I could paint them later! He thought I was crazy but was obliging....so unlike my usual daily paintings which are almost always captured from life this beautiful Pilchard was  captured from a photo....I love the subtle colours and tones as the light catches it!

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Mango on a box #128

Daily painting #128. 6"x8" oil on primed canvas panel

The heat might be unbearable at this time of year but one positive is all the delicious summer fruit that is on offer! I am especially enjoying the mangoes at the moment! I love chopping them and adding them to my plain yoghurt for breakfast. Today I couldn't resist buying a whole box of  mangoes. They were vibrant in color and delicious in taste....and even the box could be put to good use as a 'stage' for the star of the show....the mango! 

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Blueberries and a sugar spoon #127

Daily painting #127 4"x6" oil on primed canvas panel SOLD

Today has been a family day....a lazy lunch catching up with family and relaxing on the verandah in the cool breeze. It has been MUCH cooler today....thank goodness! Family get togethers in our family always happen around the table and involve yummy food. I think I am going to have to spend the rest of the week eating fruit and salad only, to compensate for my indulgence....however life would be dull and boring without a little indulgence every now and again!

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In memory of a bee #121

Daily painting #121  6"x6" oil on primed canvas panel

I am not a lover of  creepy crawlies and flying noo-noos (insects), especially that mosquito that was buzzing persistently around my ear in the early hours of the morning!! But I have to admit to finding bees fascinating and hate it when I see someone squishing them. Granted neither I or my children are allergic to bee stings and thank goodness for that because living on the border of a public park which is densely populated with trees means lots of bees! There are definitely one or two hives close by! But lately, sadly, we have been finding quite a few dead bees...around the swimming pool...in the kitchen...and in the garden! My children have even commented on how strange it is! Today as I approached my easel in the studio this little bee lay on the floor at the base of my easel. The dying bees are a mystery....and this little chap looked like he lay waiting at my easel for a reason.... and so I began my daily painting...in memory of a bee!

Day 4 of the JANUARY SALE. Click on the highlighted writing below to view available daily paintings. If you are living in South Africa please message me heidishedlock@gmail.com for the price in ZAR and to make use of the free postage in SA which I am offering for the duration of the sale.

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Garlic cloves #120

Daily painting #120. 6"x6" oil on primed canvas panel

We have had a busy week and another busy week is on the horizon so today was a 'stay-at-home-relax-family' kind of day! My best! Relaxing at home on a Sunday usually means we will braai (barbecue).....my husband loves to stoke up that fire and cook over the hot coals! Today instead, we decided to make a traditional South African meal called a potjie. Potjie directly translated in Afrikaans means little pot. So essentially it is a type of stew (there are millions of varieties) cooked in a traditional African black pot over hot coals. The pot gives the meal a distinctive taste and the coals add a subtle smokiness. So while my husband gathered, chopped and peeled the ingredients I sat keeping him company and painting one of the ingredients. I am amazed at the huge variety of colours in garlic....beautiful subtle tones! My husband did at one stage glance over my shoulder and question what the 3 blobs on the canvas were....but a beady glance kept him quiet thereafter! He redeemed himself by cooking up the most delicious meal.....!

There are only a few more days left of the 30/30 challenge and today marks 120 paintings in 120 days for me! By the time this post goes live it will also be day 3 of my JANUARY SALE! All prices displayed in my online store have been discounted ...some of them by as much as 50% so be sure to not miss out if you have had your eye on a little painting! Please contact me if you have any questions on heidishedlock@gmail.com. To view available daily paintings in the store gallery click the blue highlighted writing below....

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Three Prunes #118

Daily painting #118  4"x6" oil on primed canvas panel

I can't say I am a huge fan of prunes ...as in the shrivelled variety you buy in the dried fruit section...but these little fresh gems were delicious and sweet!

THE JANUARY SALE HAS BEGUN.....!!!!!
All prices displayed in the online store are the sale prices. Some little paintings have been marked down by as much as 50% and there are one or two EVEN BIGGER bargains to be found....so have a good look! It's time to make way for new daily paintings!
All prices are displayed in $ as it is the most easily recognized currency but if you live in South Africa, please contact me for the price in ZAR (South African Rands). I am also offering free postage  within South Africa! Contact me on heidishedlock@gmail.com
I hope your favorite little painting is still waiting for you....and at a good price.....so click on the highlighted writing below to take a look at the SALE! Happy shopping!
Sale ends 12pm on Friday 31 January!

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Christine's protea #117

Daily painting #117. 6"x8" oil on primed canvas panel. SOLD

One of my students wanted to paint a protea today! Now I would normally have one sitting in a jar or vase or antique jug somewhere in my house and I could easily have brought it into my teaching studio for her to paint...but today I didn't! Isn't it funny how things work out like that? So when I walked past my favorite florist this afternoon on my way to the shops the bucket of proteas perched in the doorway caught my attention immediately! Naturally I had to buy at least one ....unfortunately it is too late for our lesson this morning, but it made its way into my studio instead! So this one is Christine's protea....maybe she can paint it another day!

It's January SALE time!! All paintings displayed in my online store will go on sale for the last week of January. The sale will begin Sat 25 Jan and end 12pm (SA time) Fri 31st Jan.  It's easy....browse my online store and choose your favorite....then watch out on Sat to see the sale price displayed....maybe you too can receive a painting in the post!
(All store prices are displayed in $ but South African buyers are welcome to message me privately heidishedlock@gmail.com for the price converted to ZAR-South African Rands)

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Old friends #115

                       

Daily painting #115. 4"x6" oil on primed canvas panel  SOLD

It is so good to have all the ladies arriving back at the studio for classes! Not only is it great to discuss new projects with them, it is also lovely to hear everyones news from the holiday....like catching up with good friends! Many of the paintbrushes haven't been pulled out of the bag since our last class (oh dear!!!)....but it won't be long before they too are feeling like old friends!
It's time to get those brushes to work again....

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Orange and red #114

Daily painting #114. 6"x8" oil on primed canvas panel

A 21st is something to celebrate....or does that only apply to birthdays? Either way....I am celebrating! I am 21 days into the 30/30 challenge and to date have painted 114 paintings in 114 days.  Studio classes have begun again, my children are off to a happy but busy start to the school year and I am managing to still find the time to complete a daily painting....not to mention doing other work too!
Life is busy, but good....and let's face it....a good celebration (or feeling gratitude) is always good for the soul! What can you think of that you could celebrate(or be grateful for) today?

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Cherries #113

Daily painting #113. 4"x6" oil on primed canvas panel SOLD

Cherries are getting harder and harder to find in the shops now, so I was so excited to find some today! Sadly though, they did not have the same sweetness as the cherries which came out at the end of last year. These were bitter, a bit hard and not nearly as juicy.... sadly! At least they can be put to good use in the studio.....they were the perfect models!

Day 20 of the 30/30 challenge....only 10 days to go....

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Rose study No.2

Daily painting #112. 6"x8" oil on primed canvas board SOLD

I have a large rose painting I am supposed to complete for someone and I have been procrastinating about getting it started....don't ask me why ....I start a new painting every day!!!! So today I set myself a challenge....to do a rose study for my daily painting to get my eye in and to get me into the mood for roses....and then begin the larger one! So here is the little rose study....and the larger painting is nearly complete too....just a bit more work! A good days 'work'....it's amazing what you can do when you set your mind to it!

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Uprooted #111

Daily painting #111. 8"x10 oil on stretched canvas

The KZNSA gallery is having its members exhibition from 21 January to 16 February. The theme for the exhibition is Grass Roots. Today's daily painting "Uprooted" will be submitted for the exhibition.  "Uprooted" by definition suggests ....to remove or tear away from a native place or environment...to displace, as from a home or country; tear away, as from customs or a way of life....
Rather a melancholic take on the theme, but having said goodbye to so many friends and family who have moved abroad, the theme once explored, evoked a very real emotion....

 This painting will not be available for purchase on my online store. Anyone interested in purchasing the painting should contact the KZNSA gallery directly. And just for the record ...my grass in the garden will no longer need a trim....I just about pulled out (what felt like) every blade of grass in my front garden to try find one with a root interesting enough to paint!!!

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Granny Smith apples #109

Daily painting #109. 6"x8" oil on primed canvas panel SOLD

Two Grannies huddle together, in the shadows on the shelf ....to catch up on market gossip....

(In case you are wondering who or where the grannies are....Granny Smith is a variety of green apple sold here in South Africa. It is crisp and tart in flavour)

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Back to school #108

Daily painting #108. 5"x7" oil on primed canvas panel. SOLD

Back to school....aaarrrggghhh!!!!! The holidays seemed to have flown by so quickly and now my children are about to start the 2014 school year! I am excited for them but I do love holiday time (who doesn't)! I have spent the last few days organizing stationery and covering books. In South Africa in both public and private schools, our children are required to wear school uniforms and so I have also been making sure uniforms fit and that nothing is lost, missing or needs replacing. Fortunately all that needed replacing was my daughters school shoes. 'Bata Toughees' is the brand name for the school shoes....and 'toughees' they are! They have not changed one bit from when I was at school...they are imitation black leather, hard soled shoes with a cross bar and buckle....and they are uncomfortable....especially when they are new! The first week of school you walk around like you have planks on your feet, they don't bend, they feel heavy (and hot in our weather) and give you blisters at the back and rub your toes even though you are wearing socks! Shoes AND socks in the heat of summer....crazy!!! Isn't starting school after a fun holiday punishment enough? The dreaded black school shoes....they bring back lots of memories!

Day 15 of the 30/30 challenge....half way there!!

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Rose study #107

Daily painting #107. 5"x7" oil on primed canvas panel

Today we were shown a bit of grace with slightly cooler temperatures which made sitting in the studio to paint far more bearable! Too late for this rose though....although the bloom still had a few more days life in it...the stem was so limp, it couldn't hold up the weight of the flower any longer! I took the single rose into my studio and made a few quick studies of it. Next week classes begin again and it will be a matter of time before someone needs assistance with capturing the essence of a rose. Painting roses is something that needs practice....there is no mystery....it is all in the looking...finding the tones and values and using your brush to find the shape. The trick is to not overwork the rose too much (I still struggle with this) and being confident with the mark you make....
I think no matter how many roses I paint....I will always remain a student ....always learning...always struggling to keep fresh marks and pushing myself to improve ...but that is the beauty of art!
 Even as a teacher ....I am always a learner too!

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