A bit of a squash

Posted on October 30, 2022October 30, 2022 by Mel Hendy

It's a squash. Watercolour (main image) with pencil study. This was done for my monthly art group challenge on the subject of 'Botanical'. We were privileged to have a demonstration by the incredible Jon Evans (botanical artist) the previous month and he explained what was meant by botanial illustrations so I thought I'd have a go. I love squashes, they are really fascinating because they come in such extraordinary variety and you can eat them as well - brilliant! (Spicy soup, or just ...

Minster Roofscape

Posted on October 30, 2022October 30, 2022 by Mel Hendy

Watercolour study. Roofscape of York from the city wall with the Minster rising up over it all. I love this image, it's so majestic. Every step along the route of the city wall affords a photo opportunity and inspiring views from panoramic sweeps of the city, to an intimate glimpse of back gardens, cluttered roofscapes and interesting perspectives.

St Mary’s Abbey

Posted on October 30, 2022October 30, 2022 by Mel Hendy

Watercolour study. Detail of St Mary's Abbey, York. The city of York has so many interesting sites to visit whatever you're interested in, and you'll probably discover a whole bunch of stuff you didn't realise you WERE interested in until you get there! The ruins are in the York Museum Gardens and I have visited these beautiful grounds when they have been covered in snow, flood water, autumn leaves and blazing sunshine. Just stunning. I recommend a visit. Afterwards, take a boat trip ...

Lady Peckett’s Yard (again)

Posted on October 30, 2022October 30, 2022 by Mel Hendy

If you don't recognise this already, it's Lady Peckett's Yard and I will never tire of this fabulous little place, as you can probably tell. Watercolour study.

Lady Peckett’s Yard, part 2

Posted on October 30, 2022October 30, 2022 by Mel Hendy

Lady Peckett's Yard, looking up. Fineliner on watercolour paper.

Lady Peckett’s Yard

Posted on November 13, 2021November 13, 2021 by Mel Hendy

Lady Peckett's Yard, looking down. Ink line drawing on watercolour paper. I love this little lane, it's like stepping back in time. I wish the whole city still looked like this but happily, there are plenty of these tiny alleyways all over York and the city is steeped in character so there are many evocative places where the past still pervades the present.

Minster Roofscape

Posted on November 13, 2021November 13, 2021 by Mel Hendy

Small ink line drawing of one of my favourite views in the world. It's breath-taking from every angle. I love how it dominates the clutter of the buildings below.

A View Towards the Hills

Posted on November 13, 2021November 13, 2021 by Mel Hendy

Acrylic on stretched canvas. This was painted for the monthly art group challenge on the title theme and this is my first full painting done with a palette knife (except for the grasses and flowers in the foreground.) I thought I'd try something different and have only ever used a palette knife once before with no idea of what I was doing. I still had no idea what I was doing this time, either, but I persevered and found it was actually quite fun squidging the paint around on the canvas....

Elderflower Gin

Posted on November 13, 2021November 13, 2021 by Mel Hendy

Acrylic on canvas board. Always thought gin was a vile drink until I discovered it comes in lots of lovely fruity flavours meaning it doesn't actually taste like gin to a massive non-connoisseur like me. Combining my love of painting and alcohol, this is my drink in the Ship Inn, Exeter. Really enjoyed trying out this style of painting. Might do more. I was thinking of doing a series of paintings of lovely drinks I have enjoyed in fabulous bars. If the quality of the paintings begins ...

Superheroes

Posted on November 7, 2021November 7, 2021 by Mel Hendy

Superheroes This was the title of the monthly art challenge my daughter set me. Open to any interpretation of this theme, the choices were numerous. I initially considered a montage of Marvel characters and then briefly considered inventing my own superhero but that just led to a whole bunch of questionable ideas so I quickly moved on. I liked the concept of paying tribute to real-life superheros but it's impossible to pick one; it's not just the emergency services, it's anyone who ma...