Keep drawing ... #jesuischarlie #467

Daily painting #467 4"x6" oil on primed canvas panel

Today has been an emotional day! My son had to go to the hospital to have a procedure done on his eyes this morning. We are home and he is in such agony (despite strong medication) and cannot see at all....it will get better! The 'mamma bear' in me is heartbroken that I cannot take the pain away! It is late and I have only just painted after watching the news channel to catch up on the awful events that have played out in Paris. Watching the gathering of people in Paris with pencils raised set me off on a massive  big sobbing session which had probably been brewing all day as the 'mamma bear' in me tried to be brave! I feel devastated for the families that have been affected by this awful massacre ...it is a sad reflection on humankind that some can feel justified in killing others. So through teary eyes,  I raise my pencils tonight in my studio (with my paintbrush) to all those who lost their precious lives in such an awful way..... #JeSuisCharlie #CharlieHebdo

Purchase paintings at Heidi Shedlock Fine Art
(Click on the highlighted writing to view gallery of available daily paintings and all purchase details)

Ripe nectarines #466

Daily painting #466 5"x7" oil on primed canvas panel

Back to reality with a bump! I did what felt like a never ending pile of laundry, took Christmas decorations down and packed them away (my worst chore), went shopping for school uniforms for Ross who seems to have grown SO much in the holidays and also managed to do a large grocery shop! Shew I think I need a holiday! I was planning on getting back into my studio to do some work but that will have to wait for tomorrow, other than doing my daily painting and loading it online, I really haven't spent much time in my studio and my emails are starting to look like my dreaded laundry pile....never ending! It's time to get back to work....and some healthy habits!

Purchase paintings at Heidi Shedlock Fine Art
(Click on the highlighted writing to view gallery of available daily paintings and for all purchase details)

Five roses tea bag #465

Daily painting #465 6"x6" oil on primed canvas panel

The last few days have been so relaxing. I have almost finished 2 books, spent some quality family time with my special people and managed to continue daily painting! We headed on home today as we did exactly a year ago when I painted my last Pumula painting...painting #100. How awesome it felt to have reached 100 paintings back then! Today I have reached 365...plus 100 more! 465 daily paintings in as many days......I have surprised myself!

Purchase paintings at Heidi Shedlock Fine Art
(Click on the highlighted writing to view gallery of available daily paintings and for all purchase details)

Looking up #464

Daily painting #464 4"x6" oil on primed canvas panel

Lying at the swimming pool on a pool lounger while my kids swim. This is what I see when I look up...blue skies and palm trees! What a beautiful day even though the heat is almost unbearable. I struggled to paint outdoors without my sunglasses on so this was a really quick one...looking up! I did get a few sideways glances from others at the pool who were chilling with magazines, books or cocktails....I had my paint box!

Purchase paintings at Heidi Shedlock Fine Art
(Click on the highlighted writing to view gallery of available daily paintings and for all purchase details)

Flapjacks and berry jam #463

Daily painting #463 6"x6" oil on primed canvas panel

Flapjacks, griddle cakes...or as we call them crumpets! Just one of the delicious things served today with an assortment of jams, berries and fresh fruit! Have I told you how delicious the food is here? The best part is that I don't have to cook it! Delicious food, plenty of rest, the ocean and a good book....what a way to start 2015!

Purchase paintings at Heidi Shedlock Fine Art

(Click on the highlighted writing to view gallery of available daily paintings and for all purchase details) 

Pumula late afternoon #462

Daily painting #462 6"x8" oil on primed canvas panel

We arrived at Pumula around lunch time to the most glorious weather. My children couldn't eat lunch fast enough to get to the pool for a swim...it was around 37degrees Celsius and the humidity levels added a good few extra degrees! By late afternoon when I finally found some quiet time to paint the sky had turned grey and the day's heat seemed to be brewing a huge thunder storm. Distant rumbles of thunder could be heard as I painted and I anticipated a good African thunder storm....but nothing materialized ....at least not at the coast! Pumula is a Zulu word meaning 'to rest' ...and this really is a place of relaxation. Below is a photo my husband took from our bedroom...so beautiful! How privileged we are to be able to spend time in the bush only a few weeks ago and to now be at the beautiful coast. South Africa really is a beautiful and diverse place. Only an hour away from Durban but heading west we would come to an amazing mountain range called the Drakensberg....bush, sea, mountains ....how lucky we are! A trip to the mountains will have to wait for another holiday! For now I am enjoying this beautiful coastline and a special place that we have been visiting for ages....a place that holds a bucket load of treasured memories for us!

Purchase paintings at Heidi Shedlock Fine Art
(Click on the highlighted writing  to view gallery of available daily paintings and for all purchase details)

Lilies #461

Daily painting #461. 6"x8" oil on primed canvas panel

I was given these beautiful lilies over the festive season and it is SO hot at the moment they are literally opening before my eyes. A closed up bud one minute and the next I walk past and the bud is opening. I have felt a bit like a wilted flower today....the heat has been incredible and leaves one feeling lethargic and drained. A load of washing hung out to dry was almost dry by the time I had finished hanging the entire load! Tomorrow we are heading off down the south coast to our favourite little beach spot! I better make sure the sun cream is packed....it's going to be HOT! My paint box is packed and ready to go....

Purchase paintings at Heidi Shedlock Fine Art
(Click on the highlighted writing to view gallery of available daily paintings and for all purchase details)