Author name: Roy

Ronald Blythe at 90

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Ronald Blythe and Victoria Connelly

This week Ronald Blythe, the renowned writer on English country life, turned 90.  Last week we were lucky enough to be invited for tea at his wonderful home in the Stour Valley.  He lives in a 17th century yeoman’s cottage that was previously the home of the painter John Nash.

As a writer Victoria was keen to talk to him about his books and you can read her Interview with Ronald Blythe on her blog.

Photo: Ronald Blythe and Victoria Connelly. Photo by Roy Connelly.

 

 

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Plein Air paintings don’t have to be small paintings

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Stour Valley Nayland oil painting by Roy Connelly

This 36 inch canvas of the Stour Valley at Wiston near Nayland in Suffolk was painted in late May 2012. I worked on it for 3 days with the majority of the painting completed on the first day. After that, I only made minor changes and all work was completed on location.

I had thought I was on a quiet road but at one point four cars stopped, completely blocking the road, and everyone had got out to look. It was like a bizzare street party in the middle of nowhere but they all soon left and peace returned to this quiet country lane in a peaceful corner of Suffolk.

Above: Blocking in the big shapes over the ghost of an abandoned painting.
Below: The finished painting – click for a closer look.

Wiston near Nayland, Stour Valley in Suffolk by Roy Connelly
Wiston near Nayland, Stour Valley in Suffolk.
Oil on canvas 24×36 inches.

 

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Cliff top paintings in Cornwall

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danger old mine workingsWho could resist a sign like that?  Earlier this year I spent some time in Cornwall painting from the cliff tops. Although the days were sunny there was often a strong wind blowing across the cliffs from the Atlantic Ocean. I was using my Open Box M palette/panel holder on a Velbon tripod to keep my boards steady. Here are some photos from the trip.

Below: Painting the view along the coast to Pendeen Watch lighthouse from Levant Mine.

Landscape painter Roy Connelly painting at Levant mine in Cornwall

Work in Progress Pendeenby Roy Connelly

Pendeen Watch oil painting by Roy ConnellyAbove: Pendeen Watch Lighthouse from Levant Mine.
Oil on board, 8 x 10 inches.
Sold by The Little Picture Gallery in Mousehole.

Roy Connelly painting Lands End Cornwall

Lands End oil painting by Roy ConnellyAbove: Painting Land’s End from the cliff top near Sennen.
Below: Sunset on the last evening.Roy Connelly painting at sunset near Lands End.

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Why I don’t paint cows – very often…

2 Comments / On Location /

Yesterday evening, I spotted a picturesque field with six cows and six calves.  They were scattered around the field in a pleasing composition in front of a nice old oak tree. The ideal subject for a painting – or so I thought. But, as soon as I started to set up, they all wandered over to see what the fuss was about. They stood around looking at me for a while and then got bored and wandered off – over the hill!

cow

So, with no cows in sight, I got on with the painting and, after an hour or so, they wandered back and I thought I would be able to paint them. But – no – they just stood in a line with their backs too me.  Still no good for painting.

cows

Eventually, they composed themselves in to small groups and I was able to quickly add them to the otherwise empty field I had painted. In a few short minutes, they had wandered off again but the picture was finished.

Suffolk cow paintingCows near Poslingford, Suffolk. Oil on board, 8x12inches, 20x30cm.

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The Salute at Island Fine Arts

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Nocturne, Santa Maria Della Salute by Roy Connelly

Nocturne, Santa Maria Della Salute

This view of Santa Maria Della Salute in Venice was painted in December 2012. I set up on a little jetty sticking on the Grand Canal and worked by torch light.

It is currently available from Island Fine Arts in Bembridge, Isle of Wight.

Exhibition on until 23rd July 2012

Island Fine Arts
53 High St, Bembridge, Isle of Wight P035 5SE
Tel: 01983-875133

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Spring in Suffolk

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Top: Painting blackthorn.  Working on a 36×36 inch canvas on a windy spring morning.  The guy rope is to stop the canvas from blowing over. The next stage was to paint the white blossom.

Middle: Towards the end of the first stage of this scene near Stoke by Nayland. It’s the hottest day of the year so far and the light has an Italian feel to light.

Bottom: Apple blossom in the orchard behind our cottage.

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