Melanie’s August Monthly News

Welcome to Melanie’s August Monthly News about what we have been up to this month. Often here in Wales we have beautiful weather all the way up to August and then it seems to be somewhat of a washout. We have had storms, winds, rain and more storms this month. It hasn’t been such good weather for the tourists that have been visiting.

We have had good friends to stay who have been in our bubble, the only people to visit us this year. It was also really lovely to spend some time out of the studio and take them to our favourite places. We were unable to eat out, however we had picnics and takeaways which were just as good. The photo below is of us in Newport Pembrokeshire.

We have known Steve for 26 years as we were all at college together. His aunty, who you can see pictured standing behind us, came along this year too and it was a lovely few days break for us all. Also the dog you see in the foreground with Lily was from passers by who offered to take a photo for us.

The photo below is of me balancing on an old fallen tree, trying to take photos, until the very kind passers by offered to take one for us.

Lily and I have been going out on our little trundles up the lane still on the dry days. Lily is a fair weather walker, a little like me! The photo below was taken at the top of the lane, a beautiful view across the fields.

Lily has been to the groomers this week and so is looking lovely and silky and clean. She was enjoying her walk when this was taken below.

Can you spot Lily on the side of the lane?

The Cottage Garden

The garden veg hasn’t done as well as we had hoped this year. Our tomatoes haven’t ripened yet, which is a real shame. Sadly, we don’t have the extreme warm sunny weather here needed to ripen them. We have had some success with a few mini cucumbers, peas, lettuces and runner beans. We intend to move the greenhouse to a different spot in the garden for next seasons tomato growing, so we will see how that goes.

The garden itself is doing well and this little chap was in the undergrowth at the weekend. Couldn’t resist taking a photo.

Autumn is on its Way!

Autumn is heading our way and I have been taking some lovely photos of the flora and fauna on my travels. The acorns are forming, the leaves are starting to turn also. On a cool but sunny day, its lovely to observe the changes in season.

The Puffballs are just forming. These were taken just along the track when walking Lily. They are beautiful and natural in colour, with so much detail and texture on them. They are great to photograph all intertwined in the undergrowth.

The blackberries are starting to ripen too. We have had one crop from along the track which made a lovely apple and blackberry crumble for our visitors, plus another for the freezer.

Melanie’s August Monthly News – Happy Clients

Work wise we have been busy, Nicholas is currently working on a couple of deadline portraits which we will reveal next month. We have also received two amazing photos from a client in the USA. I drew two portraits of their cats, one a few years ago and one earlier this year with their new addition. You can see Erika with both portraits below. I am always very grateful for clients taking the time to have a photoshoot with the portraits as it really does make my website all the more special. I will be adding these in the coming weeks to my website!

Melanie,
I gave the portrait to Erika the day before our Anniversary. We were sitting drinking some wine and it seemed like a good time. She was very surprised and really loves it.
Thank you again,
Kevin

Lotties Oil Painting

Nicholas was commissioned by a lovely family in the USA to paint their beautiful Tibetan Terrier called Lottie. Sadly Lottie passed away this year and so Mike and his family commissioned a 12 x 10 oil painting and frame to remember her by. The frame is Belgravia Cream and you can see it, along with a video of the painting at they link – Belgravia Cream. Nicholas was overjoyed to receive a commission to paint a Tibetan Terrier, especially one that looks so much like our own Tibetan Terrier Lily. Mike emailed when the painting arrived which you can read below…

Hi Melanie and Nicholas,
Just to let you know the picture has arrived safely. I opened it up (I can see what you mean about all the packaging) and it’s gorgeous. The color and the detail is amazing. I’m so happy with it, and now need to work out where to put it. I’m also happy that I did get you to frame it too. As you say, the quality of the frame, and the colors, really do compliment the painting. It makes a big difference, and makes the picture look much larger. Thank you again. If ever I can be a reference for you both please feel free to ask.
Mike

Lucie’s Oil Painting

Lucie’s painting was commissioned by Jon and his family who similarly live in the USA. The oil painting was a 20 x 16 on linen canvas, framed using our Providence Frame. If you head over to that page you can see a video taken of the painting too.

This looks absolutely fantastic! Thank you so much for the great work and the attention to detail. I can’t wait to see it in person. No edits needed at all.
–Jon

Tosca’s Pencil Drawing

The pencil drawing I completed of Tosca last month for a returning client has now been framed. It is displayed in my clients home along side my other drawing of Monty completed a few years back. You can read Allie’s email below.

Melanie, you are such a talented artist, you have brought our two much loved cocker spaniels to life beautifully with your pencil. 
We are very grateful.
Best wishes
Ally

We hope that you have enjoyed this months Melanie’s August Monthly News blog, if you missed last months blog post head on over to our July Monthly News to read more.

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