Damsel

Hi all,
It's been a  while since I did a post, but at last I have managed a painting that I am very pleased with. The painting is a watercolour of two yellow flag irises and a blue damsel fly. I have watched may of these wonderful creatures flitting between the reeds while I have been fishing, and I have always wanted to capture the essence in a painting.

I am really pleased with the way it came out and I'm giving it a score of 50 out of 100.

The bad bits.
I'm trying hard, but unlike the previous paintings I've display, I can't find anything bad to say about it. Of course, it isn't top gallery material, but given my experience I think it's a damn good effort.

The good bits.
Firstly, I think the composition is very good. I suppose experts looking at this painting could ramble on for days, and perhaps even weeks, about the rule of thirds. Well I don't know much about that, if a painting is pleasing to the eye, then mathematical equations don't matter a tinker's cuss. I also like the colours, which are set off by the dark background. I think it s also clear, when looking at this painting, that I have used artist quality paints. If I'd done it in using El Cheapo watercolours it would have the the appearance of a old washed out dish rag.

Anyway, it has given me a lift regarding my paintings. The only downside is that I have now set myself a new level, one that I think may be hard to retain. I guess we will see in my next painting.

By the way, regarding my books. I am retiring in April so I am going to simplify life for myself. At the moment, my books a available through Amazon, Smashwords and Draft to Digital, but I'm going to knock the last two on the head and stick exclusively with Amazon.

Besides making life simpler, it will also give me chance to really see what difference enrolling all my books into Amazon's select program makes to sales. Currently 90% of my sales come via Amazon, so although I may be giving up 10% of my sales by giving up on Smashwords and Draft to Digital, I am hoping my overall sales levels will increase. I' a bit of an old wart really and keep a lot of detailed graphs about my sales, so in a few months I should have a good idea if my ploy works.

The upshot of all this is that I will be offering more free books on Amazon, which is good news for those of you who follow my post, because you will get to find out straight away when a free book is on offer.

To make a start, you will find that "Bossyboots" is free on Amazon on the 18th and 19th of February 2016.

If you want a free download of a book that will make you laugh out loud, click on the book's tab at the top of the page and follow the "Bossyboots Link.