'Still Waters' 12" x 10" Oil on Canvas Board

This one started out as another local scene along the River Cole but actually looks nothing like it.  I went off on a bit of a tangent!

 

It's also the painting I used for my new book at http://www.LearnToPaint.net

 

I made my first painting video on YouTube for several months yesterday.  I'm going to try to use the video frame stills for photographs in a new watercolour tutorial book I've got planned.  Hopefully the resolution will be good enough.

My first book - 'Oil Painting Step-by-Step'

Well here it is, my first attempt in the world of publishing!  Time will tell if the black and white format works.  The book follows the last oil painting I did with a series of photographs from a blank canvas to the finished painting.

 

You can preview the book at my new bookstore http://www.LearnToPaint.net

 

I would be extremely grateful for any comments or constructive criticism that I can take forward into my next book.

New Automata Model Photos

Here are some photos of my dads new automata model. Still early days but many of the mechanics are now in place.

Beach at Padstow 15 x 11 inch Watercolour Painting

We recently spent the day at the lovely Cornish fishing town of Padstow.  As was the case on our only other visit, the heavens opened upon our arrival.  Sheltering in the car, we awaited the sun's arrival.  We didn't wait long and were soon exploring the busy harbour and neighbouring shopping streets.

 

Rick Stein has a strong influence in these parts and you soon encounter several of his dining outlets.  Unwilling to pay for the privilege of eating in one of Mr Stein's eateries we ended up in a posh greasy spoon.  In saying that, I didn't actually check the price of his menus and they may well have been quite reasonable!

 

Breaking free of the crowds we headed uphill along the coast and were greeted by an altogether more calm and tranquil scene.  As the land rose the huge, deserted beach came into view.  The painting illustrates the welcoming spectacle as we followed the path to the beach.

River Cole, Stechford 15" x 11" Watercolour Painting

This is a very loose painting of the River Cole not far from where I live.  Determined to finish this book, not far to go now!  I've no idea what it's going to look like in print but I can't wait to see it.  Hopefully this will be the first of many!

Sunset over Little Loch Broom 8" x 6" Oil on Canvas Board

I wanted to try something a little different to what I normally do and so ended up with this effort from my pochade box.  I'd love to say I was there but I'd be lying.

 

'Oil Painting Step-by-Step - Still Waters' is the title of my book publishing debut.  It's a tutorial following the last oil painting I did consisting of a series of photographs with accompanying text explaining the colours and techniques.  I've decided on the 8" x 5" paperback in black and white to keep publishing costs as low as possible and to give myself a fighting chance of selling a few copies.

Little Loch Broom from Dundonell 15" x 11" Watercolour Painting

Here's a quick one of Little Loch Broom

'Falmouth Docks' 8 x 6 inch Oil on Canvas Board

This is a loose impression of Falmouth docks I painted the other day.  I'm going to St Ives next month and hope to do one or two in this style whilst down there.

 

I've pretty much decided I'm going to have a go at a book.  Just trying to work out the formatting.  For the title I'm thinking something like 'Travels through Cornwall in Oils'.  Early days but I've got to have a go!

 

Painting sales at http://www.stevencronin.com

Babbs Mill Lake, Kingshurst 8 x 6 inch Oil on Canvas Board

Another one of Babbs Mill Lake near where I live.

 

Before I forget, my sister and her husband have a new motoring directory website.  For all your motoring needs visit http://www.st1ng.com

 

Back to the painting and Babbs Mill is currently my favourite painting subject.  Once I've gained the courage I may even paint there plein air instead of using photos.  One of the problems I have when I'm walking around with a camera on my own is that I feel like a pervert.  I feel people looking at me thinking 'what's he doing?'  It's the same when I'm sitting in the car alone with paints.  I guess you just have to get used to it.

 

Sales at http://www.stevencronin.com

New Automata Model

My dad has started work on his new automata model.  If you haven't seen the last one you can view it here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E48dFbpeFNk

He's guessing approx 4 months to complete.  This time the entire mechanics will be on display at the bottom with the animation above.

South Cerney in the Cotswold Lakes 8 x 6 inches Oil on Canvas Board

I've gone for an evening scene in the Cotswolds for todays effort.  The last time I was in that neck of the woods we spent the day at the Cotswold Wildlife Park.  It's a lovely place and well worth a visit for anyone in the area.

Thirlmere, Lake District 8 x 6 inches Oil on Canvas Board

I used a limited palette for this impression of Thirlmere in the Lake District.  Sales at http://www.stevencronin.com

'Winter Morning' 15 x 11 inches Watercolour Painting | Book publi shing?

I painted this one in response to an email I had from Larry in Dublin.  He wanted to know the colours used in a Ron Ranson painting he saw in a book.  I felt the best way to work out the colours was to paint the picture myself.  I love this kind of scene and was happy to paint it.

 

I've noticed recently one or two artist bloggers have produced their own books using online services that have now become affordable and user friendly.  I've always envied travel writers.  It must be wonderful to earn a living from your journeys.

 

I was looking through the photographs of a recent trip to Cornwall and had the thought of combining travel writing and paintings together in a book.  It's just a thought but certainly something that intrigues me.