Happenings at Farleigh

Incubation

2012-01-26T09:32:00.003Z

It is at times like this I realise I need to get a wiggle on. No money (lots of ways to spend it) and in need of something to keep me going before I finish off the 5th Sun series painting, I am playing with ideas of what to do next.

After speaking to the Galleries, I think it won't be until September that they can show my work. Why I did not realise there would be a wait, I don't know. Sometimes I can be like a shaken bottle of fizzy pop. I get a small thought and BOOM, I have planned what I am to do, how, where, why; you get the idea.

That is why after starting a small (10 X 12) canvas at the weekend, I am glad to have finished this. The ethereal quality I was after, and with Glastonbury Tor in the background, has come together in what should hopefully be very marketable in the town.

The hare and the moon. The hare has the moon in its eyes as it runs past the Tor (its mind in the sky). I took a few sketches when visiting the Tor the other weekend so used this with the trees marching up the slope like the white-robed men in the Beatles 'I am the Walrus' video.

Yes. It is at times like this I think I should be more serious about things. Ah well, can't change my spots now.

Below are a few sketches in the moleskine; thinking of a river theme for the contemporary art group in Bath.
Wanting to view the river as seen from the bed, it is hard to not make it look as if it is being viewed from the surface. Obviously I will have to think hard about this one, hence the title 'incubation'. That is as far as I seem to get right now. I need production (and sales).

Maybe I shall stick with a bird theme and do something similar to the ducks I painted a few years back.

Almost there!

2012-01-20T11:07:00.001Z

I have been painting for what seems like an eternity. The detail and little background bits on this series can be a bit of a trial and now having just completed # 4 my eyes hurt.

Here we go, bad photographs (sorry for that) but I never said I could take pictures, did I?

Just one more to go if the people I want to display them with like it- fingers crossed.

Three hares

2012-01-12T10:00:00.001Z

I don't like the look of the hate on the right - too Disney!

_____________________________________________

I wonder who first came up with the clever idea of three hares, each seemingly with two ears each but actually sharing each ear with its neighbour? I had no idea the symbol is so universal. As early as the 7th Century, the motif has spread across the world in just about every religion.

I have it in mind to take some slices of wood and turn them into clocks, and have been thinking of a circular image to fit the face. (Mark has pointed out I would need seasoned wood - I was thinking of just taking some from the fallen trees in the woodland). Sketching an outline, this is the preliminary first;

After colouring one in last night, just to see how it might look I have since done the rest. It is always a problem when trying things out; keep it 'real' or make it abstract? 'Real' first seems the best, simply as the design is and abstract one. If I am to make a clock there will already be enough going on with hands and digits.

Hares and rabbits symbolise fertility (among other things). I believe a hare is one of the few (if not the only) mammal which can become pregnant while already carrying babies. That is some turn-over and I am glad we humans do not share this trait.

Will the theme work with other animals?

Mmmm... not sure. I might have to work on it!

Golden start

2012-01-06T13:39:00.000Z

unfinished

2012. The years come and go too quickly for me to wax lyrical about them. There is to be a turning point for me soon, but it has nothing to do with the date.

I have been quiet because I lost my little camera; no bad thing as the lens was scratched. It meant me searching on line for a second hand one which has just arrived today. JOY!

No; golden refers to something far more prosaic. Gold leaf. Well, imitation gold leaf (the real being a bit pricey and I couldn't tell the difference anyway).

5X7 canvas board

Ordering a box of 25 sheets from Ken Bromley art supplies, the possibilities seem endless, this is how I have done so far. Just messed about with a couple of small boards.

trying it out

There is a reason I went with the tree-theme. After working away at the next two in the sun series I am thinking of, trees have been uppermost in my mind. However, I would like your input here please.

Jack, my son back from university says making 6 of very similar paintings is probably not going to work. It was an idea of mine to have a series, where the sun changed position in the sky and when all 6 lined up together would effectively show the sun set, frame by frame.

I have one to be entered into the Black Swan Arts and will hear if it is accepted soon. The other two are more or less finished, making three.

Have I become carried away with the idea of a series to the extent I have lost sight of what I will actually be left with, or it is worth making another 3 or 4? I would like to sell them to keep me in tea and paint.

50X50 cms board

Please let me know your thoughts - all are welcome.

Peace

2011-12-28T11:34:00.000Z

Ah; the lull. I am not going to pretend the lead-up to Christmas has been exceptionally hectic. In fact, this year it has been a doddle, what with the cottages all booked out on long term bookings (no decorations for me to put up or last-minute laundry). With the exception, that is, of a truly life-shortening episode on Friday when I received an e mail telling me a HUGE party of people were arriving that day and of which I knew NOTHING. (No booking form had been sent).

The folk in Beech Lodge have a little pug-like dog who is very friendly. I met her and her owner walking through the wood. We have plenty of foxes running around here but it turns out they are not afraid of the little pug and one chased her! I have never heard of that and wish a fox would come out to see me.

Mark gave me a fabulous set of Derwent pencils. Not having used so of them before I gave one of their examples a try - and it was a fox, so seemed fitting. The 'drawing' series are so smooth they almost have the effect of a pastel. This picture (above) is showing larger than the original which has been done on one of those tiny moleskines.

Yes, I have been trying them out with other images too.

Sometimes I find the best way to really see a picture is to get inside it and draw it.

Lolling about comes all too easily to me but I have also been gearing up to showcase the next idea I have for the new year.

I love the sun painting done earlier this year and after seeing a linear display space had the idea of painting a series of similar images, but with the sun heading further toward the horizon as in a cartoon strip.

It is going to be a lot of work as the finer detail (as above) takes quite a while and I find the concentration makes my eyes tire very quickly.

After the different colours of the background trees, it is the foreground branches and twigs which can take an age as they stretch their near-silhouetted forms across the tops of the canvas.

I guess I am to be going a little cross-eyed this week.

Glastonbury - revisited

2011-12-18T20:58:00.000Z

After seeing I had been earlier, Alison fancied visiting Glastonbury, so as the sun was shining we made our way across the Somerset countryside to the old flood plain where Glastonbury Tor stands guarding the town.

This photograph was taken as we left and clouds drew up from the north

I had always assumed the tor was built as sanctuary for the town in times of flood, but Alison thinks it was a look-out. I have just read a bit about it on line and feel a bit sick. Why did people do such awful things to each other; as here in the 16th Century?

Back to the relatively cosy 21st C. One over-riding memory of the town, apart from the alternative lifestyle is the ubiquitous smell of incense. It is burnt in almost every other shop; gently smoking away near crystals, magical candles and herbs. One is not too bad but it can become a little over-powering.

Some of the little alley ways have beautifully constructed entrances. This one (pictured below) had semi-precious stones embedded into the walk way and the windows made me feel I had walked onto a Harry Potter set.

I am glad we stopped at the Blue Cedar Art Cafe. I liked the food we had went I visited with Ellen and, seeing Angela the owner, I finally checked with her whether it was OK to have lifted some photographs from her site. I didn't expect her to remember me, but she did. Not only that, but she had taken a look at my site, and wants me to bring some pictures in after New Year! I felt very honoured and am now thinking about what I can do. She liked the Hare Hill painting and the setting sun of which I am already starting a series, so it looks as if I am going to be busy for a while. Bliss.

Ah, if only I were rich. This beautiful shop full of treasures caught my fancy. Alison brought her camera. Here is her photostream. I actually like the picture she took of me. I don't look like a freak. (Not good at having my picture taken).

So here I am, sat at the kitchen table and taking a break, Sunday evening, from the painting. After sketching out a sun and trees, I have started laying the first glaze of colours before adding detail to the background tress and the foreground. It is my intention to paint 6 with the sun in a variety of positions so if the 6 are placed in line, it could be seen as the sun gradually setting. I wonder whether I can hold out long enough to paint them all? The first one took quite some time and the finer twigs strained my eyes to the extent I was not able to paint for long periods.

I am also messing about with paper cutting with a mind to the moleskine exchange project. It could actually go into two of the books; one being 'in the kitchen', and the other 'my favourite things'. You will get the idea when you see these below...

I have shown the shadows cast rather than the paper as I will spray the white paper black once finished and mount them on a white backing. Can you see what it is yet? Yes, TEA! (Love it).

Little App

2011-12-15T14:31:00.002Z

I know a lot of people who read this blog have an interest in art or crafts, so I thought you might like to see this photo effects package a friend recently shared with me. Best of all; it's FREE! (One of my favourite words).

Click here to go direct to the cropping and some effects.

http://pixlr.com/o-matic/ for the main page and other effects.

I took one of my latest. I think the messing about probably works better on an abstract.

I took this...

and did this...

This...

To this...

What fun.

I am also thinking of Tamara on the other side of the globe who is into all things retro. Just imagine what you could do with your holiday snaps.

Here is Ellen in the woods the other day.

My daughter. I love her very much.

Accepted!

2011-12-13T21:53:00.001Z

BOTH paintings have been accepted into the exhibition and, whilst I am pleased (it brought a big fat smile to my face), I am also worried as I am not a fan of the Bridge. Still, that doesn't mean someone else won't like it; it is a bit literal, but that is what some folks like.

http://boabee1.wordpress.com/bahamas/

Hope // Poverty

2011-12-12T12:36:00.000Z

I have back-peddled on what I think will be good for the exhibition at the Paintworks next year. What was I thinking with the 'Bridge' oil? I became carried away with an idea and a flash-picture conjured by my brain early one morning in the time between sleep and wake and went at it gung-ho with little thought.

Over the weekend I have been very busy creating another - a replacement; hopefully for the better.

It is an oil on board, 16X40"

I have written more about it on my art page. Click here if you want to know more!

I say oil on board, but actually it is mixed media as it has some slithers of foil too. I just need to tidy it up a bit at the edges and see whether I am successful in my bid.

The lovely lines of lino cut

2011-12-10T23:09:00.000Z

Well, it is an achievement for me. Ever since Catherine bought me a lino cutting set for my birthday, I find it a painful experience. The clumsy being that I am; I have not managed to finish a single piece unscathed until now. Maybe I have got the knack, what with getting older and all that but managed to create this today without a single injury. (It does make me wonder why this is considered a good project for middle school pupils; unless they use a softer medium).

However, sharing another aspect with this age-group, I do find myself coming over all silly and excited when peeling back the paper to see how the first print comes off. So much so, I have shared it with you. Now take a seat! It is blurred because I can't concentrate on holding the camera and burnishing at the same time.

Was that exciting? Yes, I know. I am a sad, sad woman.

Here is the result.

This is actually thinking of a friend, Sarah, who I saw last night at a concert in the Trinity Church, Bradford-on-Avon. Catherine was singing in the choir and there were poems and carols all set in among the Christmas tree festival. I forgot my camera, so here is a picture of the church leaflet with a photograph from last year of the 2010 snows; welcomed at first, and then hated as they lasted too long.

Sarah designs the lay out and sorts the illustration placements for children's books; and she has gone freelance. Already having orders taking her to the end of spring she still hasn't sorted out a logo for her new business and it got my mind racing. The name; Tickety Boo, first made me think of ticker-tape and celebration, but then I thought if it as type-facing and publishing, then that coupled with the old-fashioned sound made me think of an old rattly type-writer. I have to admit, I have since re-thought this and have another totally different design in mind. All this is considering Sarah hasn't even asked, but you never know - she might like something I have done.

I have been finishing off a painting for an exhibition at the Paintworks in Bristol next year for Mercy in Action. Hope // Poverty has an open invite for submissions with all or most of the revenue collected going to the charity.

I have done my usual; jumping into the idea with gusto, giving myself a headache and blurred vision from the concentration and drive, then once finishing the piece returning to it later to find I hate it.

Bridge

It is an 80X 60 cms oil on canvas.

As an expressionist abstract, the sea of people with a view of hope head toward the warm sun at the end of the bridge. The mass is very like the sea in its colour and style; indicating the number of people who are struggling to keep their heads afloat whilst living in poverty. The suspension bridge is held by wires which become stronger the more we pool our resources and help our fellow man. The arch has always been a symbol for me of change and new beginnings.

Well, that's how I see it. You might have different feelings on looking at it.

I now have another in the pipe-line but am not sure it will make the deadline of the 16th December. Maybe I should manage my time better. Instead of taking photographs like this, below.

Seldom up early enough to witness the event, winter is the time of sun rises. I think this was about 8:20 this morning. The frosty fields have already started their next growth as they toughen it out waiting for the first rays of light to soften their icy encasements. Sometimes I am glad I live in a house and am not wild.

Maybe it is the lower growth of this Hawthorne tree that has allowed it to hold on to its leaves far beyond the taller oaks. It certainly looked beautiful first thing against the icy grass.

I have done another lino cut ready to send to a few people for Christmas. With the intention of gluing these on to some pretty hand-made paper cards, I wanted to send one to my new contact through the moleskine exchange project, Shelley Savor.

She sent me this wonderful print she had made, posted all the way from Canada; in plenty of time. I can't even find the paper let alone post anything back. It was such a treat to receive this unexpected gift it made my day and I would like to reciprocate.

This is as far as I have got...

...which isn't very promising. I hope it is not a pre-cursor to how this, my last Christmas at Wood Cottage, is going to be.

Bracken

2011-12-06T20:59:00.001Z

I have noticed my doodlings are developing a decidedly brown theme recently. Must be the time of year!

Bracken picked from the top track in the woodland; recent frosts have blackened the lower leaves already.

Fungi

2011-12-03T18:37:00.003Z

A couple of blog posts ago, I mentioned the fungi which have been popping up, in the leaf-litter, at the sides of pathways, up rotting trunks and next to the lake.

These little guys were growing on a stump at the west top part of Farleigh Wood. The stump is well-rotted and had a selection of other green growth on it as well. I am not sure if it is a beech stump or not, but that is what the surrounding trees are with a good mix of hazel. Not sure what the name is.

This is a water colour using botanical grade paper with a good sprinkling of salt while the paint is still wet for the rotting wood material.

Magical night (and largely for free)

2011-12-03T10:38:00.003Z

I met Catherine with a view to looking at the Christmas Market together. We both find it a little expensive so rarely buy much but it has become one of the harbingers of the season and for that reason alone we like to see it. Starting the evening off with mulled cider, we stood outside the abbey in a quiet corner; just outside the abbey shop. Catherine sings in the Minerva Choir so hearing singing, went into the Abbey itself. The Bath Choral Society were practising Handel's Messiah. It was so Christmassy we stayed. It was great for a plebeian like me as they were practising the beginning and ends of each piece, knowing when to sit and stand; so we were all treated to a potted version.

# 1 - It was free.

After darkness descended we walked round the sheds.

It is not just the sights with their tinkling glass, hand-thrown pottery, beautifully designed bags and skirts and a myriad of food gifts; it is the smells. Spicy orange and cinnamon , rose petal pomanders, mulled wine with cloves.

# 2 - it was Free.

It was still early but Catherine had been looking forward to her egg and bacon stack so we made our way down to the Cosy Club in Bath's new Southgate Centre. (Well, new'ish).

We had two pots of tea and my salmon on a bed of herby mash and mustard leeks was just right. This bit was not free but it was not bad; £ 8.50 for my meal and £2.50 or £ 3.00 for tea (I forget).

The earlier rains had gone leaving what would be a starry night if we were in the country. The Holburne Museum have an art installation outside which I had read about.

Walking past the traffic meters, I found a pound; and it wasn't stuck to the floor.

#3 - It was FREE

I thought that after seeing photographs, the visual impact would have been lessened, but it was not. Light breezes blew around the garden making the colours, which were ever changing, even more fluid.

There was even a little girl creating her own side-show light-show.

It was possible to walk into the middle of the display by entering the main entrance and going through the cafe, but for me the display was best views from the perimeter.

# 4 - it was FREE

Great Pultney Street - but not one of my pictures

Catherine was starting to become a bit chilly as we walked back up the expansive Great Pultney Street. I saw that one of my old school-friend's father, Peter Burke, was having an opening night for his exhibition at The Victoria Gallery. I had not seen Rowena for 20 years and after waiting to talk to Peter's wife, I had not realised she was already talking to her daughter.

It was a pleasure to see Rowena and her sister, Jody again. They are both such beautiful women and it is true what is said, show me the boy and I'll show you the man; they were obviously older now, but their basic way of being is much the same. Rowena had her children a little later than me, but we are both at the same stages in your lives; awaiting divorces, wondering where our lives will take us.

It seems to be the fate of the 40-year old woman.

I digress. Peter has taken soil from the surrounding countryside and moulded it with resin after sifting and straining it to create some touching elemental pieces. I particularly like the way he has taken the face motif and used clays and soils from differing areas to create a face for each; naming the area from which it was taken.

This one, Westbury, is from where I visited with Ellen the other day to see the White Horse carved into the hillside.

# 5 - it was FREE

We had to hot-foot it down to the bus stop as I wasn't sure when the last bus was. Making our way back through the Christmas market we crossed a carol concert which had struck up under an arch in the square.

Catherine commented on how it couldn't have been more perfect. The Park and Ride bus charged her full whack to get back to my car £ 3.00, but we used the extra pound we had earlier which meant she had just enough.

Time of the owls

2011-11-29T14:45:00.002Z

The nights have been drawing in to such an extent that I find myself getting caught out and shutting the chickens up late, when the night is set. After a spell of clement weather, I found I had dodged a shower last night. The owls on the far woodland had struck up their night song. Their shrieks and soft hoots are a familiar sound and one which I find comforting.

Previous nights have seen me gasping at the stars but last night was cloud and I was woken a few times with high winds buffeting the house. Today storms have hit England, sending the woodland leaves scurrying up our window panes and rattling the bare tree tops against the slate-skies.

This is the scene as I type sat at the kitchen table. The north field is grey and the sky is touching ground; softening the horizon.

I am off to Bath tomorrow as a guest speaker; delivering to some Bath Spa University students. I was planning on looking professional and tidy by wearing a new dress. Bath can channel wind along it's main street and has been known to blow light skirts and dresses skyward. Let's hope things have calmed down a bit by then!

Time of the owls

2011-11-29T14:44:00.000Z

The nights have been drawing in to such an extent that I find myself getting caught out and shutting the chickens up late, when the night is set. After a spell of clement weather, I found I had dodges a shower last night. The owls on the far woodland had struck up their night song. Their shrieks and soft hoots are a familiar sound and one which I find comforting.

Previous nights have seen me gasping at the stars but last night was cloud and I was woken a few times with high winds buffeting the house. Today storms have hit England, sending the woodland leaves scurrying up our window panes and rattling the bare tree tops against the slate-skies.

Elation and deflation

2011-11-27T11:12:00.000Z

There is a match on at the lake today. When sat on the sunny side, the sun bounces low off the water and in this secluded place the heat stays local. When I went up this morning I was ready to peel clothing; it was so warm.

Inside the evergreen part of the woods it is a little more seasonal-looking.

Much of the woodland is strangely verdant; not showing signs of winter at all. I believe today is the first day of advent too.

It was a real tonic walking round the woodland. I am well aware of the importance of full-spectrum light on the skin once winter is here, and I think I had a good dose today.

Now for the deflation.

I have finished the hare picture and Mark hates it.

He says it is chocolate boxy, incorrect and needs more foliage. I did like it until then.

The colours shown here are not as they are - my camera is a cheap one, but I was thinking of Kit Williams when deciding to paint it and although I do not have the detail he pours into his every work, I wanted to capture the ethereal summery feel.

It seems I have failed so might not bother getting this one framed. Money is short so I really need to put it where it does best.

I am speaking to the Bath Spa University students on Wednesday so am preparing that. After attending a workshop for BANA yesterday, and fighting my way through the crowds in Bath as the Christmas Market is on (which I didn't have time to look around) I am aware of how much the pennies are just falling through my fingers. Parking, buses, petrol, exhibition fees all mount up and I am getting little return right now.

Sorry! I am working my way into a downer - you do not have to come with me.

I might even have a biscuit!

It is a sunny bright day so I hope you all have time to get out and enjoy it.

Dreaded Lurgy

2011-11-25T14:16:00.001Z

We have been visited by a nasty virus this week; Ellen has been off school and has been feeling very unwell. Just today she no longer feels in pain but has no energy.

After being stuck at home all week we have done what old folk do and gone for a drive. Bratton Hill Fort or Westbury White Horse is a good place to go as it has a view over 4 counties. As we rounded the hill to the while horse carved into the hill side we listened to Ben Howard's 'Diamonds'. He is singing about white horses as breakers on the sea but it was strangely fitting. My family used to take many walks up here so I have fond memories as a child scrambling with my brother up the mounds which used to make the fort and walking across the MOD property (Public footpath) which is this end of Salisbury Plain.

I last posted about a hare picture I have been painting. I am not going to pretend I am brushing away at it from dawn until dusk, but it is taking an age. Still not finished I have the work in progress below.

Can you see the dandelions grow as I go?

I need to add more grass on top and take out the blades under the hare's ears - they just weren't working.

I have been sketching a few other things in between, and walking in the woods.

Tilly is always up for a run through the woods.

I am off to a meeting in the Chapel Gallery tomorrow afternoon. It will be interesting to know how it went and what the foot-fall was.

In the meantime...

Back to Hare Hill!

I hope you all have a good weekend out the in blog -land and keep free of the dreaded lurgy.

Free food

2011-11-21T14:45:00.001Z

After a walk in the unseasonably warm woodland today, I found these lovely specimens.

They were growing under fir trees near some beech and I am feeling a little guilty as I think I stole someone else's lunch; I watched a mouse scurry off as I bent down to pick them.

I have eaten as few for lunch just to make sure I am still alive by 5.00. If I am, I will cook them for dinner and share them with Ellen.

Not all fungi are edible of course, but some are delicately beautiful.

Despite it being mid-November, the warm weather means there is a hint of spring. The trees and plants know it is late autumn as they shed their leaves, but the birds are singing away and pairing up as if it were spring.

I know the sun has lost it's strength so assume it is warm southerly winds blowing heat from the continent. All it will take is a change of direction and we will be plummeted head first into icy winter. I just hope any chicks I have seen will have time enough to grow before it happens.

I have been painting away at the hare picture, taking a break on Sunday. I knew this was going to be a project, but do not feel I have got very far.

I have just managed to add a few dandelion leaves and the idea of some flowers with grasses.

O.K.; I know I have already mentioned this, but it is my blog spot, and I am saying it again!

A painting I finished last year has been accepted into an exhibition in Bath. The 'New View' exhibition is showing from the 22-26 November in the Walcot Chapel Gallery, Walcot Street, Bath.

I am there for an hour at 12 tomorrow, so if you are local and able to come round, why not say hello?

Maybe I will see some people I know?

Friday

2011-11-18T11:09:00.004Z

Fridays are usually soft quiet days for me. I still have to pick Ellen up from school; not because she is a baby but because we live in a place with no public transport and no pavements. It has its pros and cons.

In the hours between dropping her off and lunch, I organise for the weekend; actually managing to rally Tess (our old dog) into taking a walk. I am still not quite healed so stick to the top part of the wood.

I have taken a few photographs of these shaggy ink caps as they line my path along the beech-wood track.

I am working on bringing the hare hill picture together now. I have a feeling this is going to take a while but also know I have many evenings, sat at the kitchen table where it is warm, radio on, painting. Not a bad way to spend November evenings.

It is one of those paintings which become a project and one in which I can sometimes lose faith. When adding detail to certain areas it can detract too much from the rest of the painting and look out of place. I often feel I have lost my way and sometimes it is through being pig-headed that I carry on; that and experience. There is a strange little trip switch deep in my head. When I am really just brushing with little or no effect, the switch kicks in and I just know to give up. It has not happened on this one - yet.

Hare is looking ghoulish with no shine or pupil to the eye and the fur is looking slightly chocolate-box fluffy right now.

I am off to the ballet - The Nutcracker in Bath, tonight. It is one of those things which, for me, I have heard about and seen sections, but never actually seen properly. I am therefore looking forward to it.

Hare

2011-11-16T10:33:00.001Z

It has been heart-warming to read all the comments from you lovely folk out there in blog-land. Thank you so much. It is just what is needed as the days are misty and grey and the world beds down. The heating in the kitchen is finally on and I have been baking bread and making soup as we all seem to do at this time of year as an incantation against the winter chill.

I have put my mud picture to one side (I need to visit the field in question before I can continue with that) and have started and old favourite of mine, the hare. If you don't know what I am talking about it is the previous post.

I have instead started another theme. I don't know what prompted me, but I have been thinking of an old love of mine, the hare. I am not alone in this and wonder what it is about this creature which stirs up such feeling.

This is an old one I painted 20 years ago. I am not sure I like the style but love the subject.

After doing a few sketches and looking at other's illustrations;

I had a think about the positioning of the beastie.

I was going to put the hare in a contemporary autumnal landscape.

The woods have changed colour (quite late in the year - it is mid-November).

The drive at Farleigh Wood

The shrubs at Beech Lodge

But decided to go for the summer-sky look. I am not ashamed to say I am heavily influenced by one of my favourite artists, Kit Williams; his clever and magical take on life is as eccentric and English as can be and I love him.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eFlIqZqUuII

He often paints clear skies and loves celestial bodies. For me it harks back to the days when science was making headway into the unknown as technology fuelled the march through the industrial revolution. It has cogs and levers with a good sprinkle of vivid imagination and eye for detail.

He often thinks outside the box, extrapolating his painting into the frame and beyond.

A lovely artist of a man who bought back a painting from a purchaser who had hung the creation in an inopportune position, making it lifeless and still! I don't think Kit is particularly rich either. I am not sure I would have done the same.

I have waffled on enough. This is as far as I have painted so far.

I have put the kettle on and after a quick wellington-booted walk in the woods will settle down with the radio and some brushes.

Mud

2011-11-15T13:52:00.000Z

That is what this is painted in. It is an experimental piece to see if it is worth expanding on.

I took some soil from the garden before mixing it with the first layer of paint, taking care to ensure there was plenty of texture. When dry, I added extra layers to highlight the fissures and path.

My idea is that if I am to do a landscape, it would be all the better to have some of the actual land in it; as if I have taken a tiny piece of its soul.

Whether I do anything with it is another matter.

Finished

2011-11-13T09:45:00.002Z

I have really enjoyed painting some of this, and at other times found it hard going; getting the twigs rights made my eyes sore, but I am so pleased with the result. It is exactly what I had in mind and find myself looking at it in the evenings as the day darkens.

The sun is spilling into the woodland as it is filtered by the trees like liquid gold. It should help get us through the cold winters months and who knows, maybe there will be occasion to see the same out of my window?

This is the view from my under my window this morning...

...another beautiful autumn day.

When I let the chickens out I have to stand guard while they eat the scraps, otherwise our fat sheep bowls in and scoffs the lot; sending clucking indignant balls of feathers in all directions. She doesn't realise her job is to keep the grass down.

Here she is, facing me off. I have never had such a skittish weird sheep in the paddock as this. The others let me stroke them or take bread from my hand at least. Not this one.

Glastonbury

2011-11-12T17:39:00.005Z

I had to pick Ellen up from Pylle today so made a detour afterwards to Glastonbury; mainly with the intention of seeing the Blue Cedar Art Cafe in the High Street after seeing it here on Blogger and following on Twitter. I am pleased we did as we met Angela who runs the gallery. She is a teacher, artist and entrepreneur and I loved the combination of good food at the cafe being brought through to the gallery where we could sit and eat surrounded by art. We had a chat and like many of the Glastonbury folk, she was really nice; open and friendly - a real tonic.

We had a chat over potato wedges and tea whilst I admired her beautiful work. Here is a picture of her from the web site. It is possible to see when something has been created with love and the light-box creations were full of fun which (excuse the pun) shone through. Each picture took on a different look when the back light is turned off so it is a case of getting two for the price of one! These exceptional works together with her paintings of the Torr and some geese lit the gallery up. (Literally).

One of the light box creations.

The High Street

There are some lovely off shoots to the main High Street, blessedly traffic-free.

Ellen and I both ended up shopping too; there are quite a few weird and wonderful, colourful and the superstitious. Can you see the witch reflected in the window?

As my Grandfather hails from Glastonbury I feel I have a historical attachment to the place. His father was an arch-druid and officiated at Stonehenge; which is about right judging by the number of cauldrons, spell books, alternative shops and the like which line the High Street. I like it the colour and creativity but do not personally adhere to any religion at all.

The drive to Glastonbury was foggy once I rounded Frome and Glastonbury itself was getting ready for their carnival tonight so streets were being closed for the floats already. The sun broke through later in the morning.

Back at Farleigh Wood the sun came early and brought a few mists and we were bathed in a mellow autumn day.

Our house as seen from the track leading into the wood. I paint a great deal in the conservatory on the left.

This is a very bad, grainy photograph of the painting I am working on right now. (Can't think where my inspiration came from).

New View

2011-11-09T15:18:00.000Z

The Bath Area Network for Artists (BANA) is having an exhibition;

New View at the Walcot Chapel Gallery 22-26 November 2011

Click here for the link for further details.

I am proud to have one of my paintings included in this, Sunflowers, an oil on board which I have finally had framed in oak and ready to hang. Phew! I move about as fast as a tree sometimes.

November can be a right grizzly month so, should you be local, it might be a good idea to put your head round the corner and imbibe some of the vibrant contemporary art there will be on the walls and there will be sculptures on the floors too!

Silver birch

2011-11-08T10:15:00.001Z

Autumn is settling in across the West Country here in England. The mornings are misty and the nights are damp and cold. (I sometimes wonder if the damp is worse than frost. Somehow it penetrates more).

I found this painting I did a while back. I put it away and it was almost consigned to the bonfire. Once I had finished it the piece didn't work for me. I am glad it stayed hidden as I have just found it and decided I really like it now. Oh, how fickle I am.

Ingredients

2011-11-06T13:25:00.000Z

Ingredients for a sunny Sunday:

Music of the CD player (for me Saint-Saëns, then Groove Armada)
Oil Paints: Lemon and cadmium yellow, red , Prussian blue and brown.
The sun is actually out
Plenty of tea-bags (although I am about to progress to wine in a minute)
The house to myself

I know an artist is supposed to work in a north-facing room but I NEED daylight - and plenty of it!

That's it! I am going a little stir-crazy what with being holed up with a healing knee after an operation on a torn cartilage, but freedom is just around the corner. I am not meant to walk on uneven surfaces so the wood is out and we have no pavements or shops nearby and driving is definitely out.

I would like to say the damage was done when surfing or taking part in an expedition to foreign fields but sadly no; I simply stood up from the sofa and twisted my leg.

Work needed on those lemons

Sometimes it is only when I photograph paintings that I see what is not working. The lemons look far too insipid here and need a good slap of sun. I might leave it until another day though.

It is sunny, the chickens are spreading their wings on the gravel, and there are fishermen on the lake.

This is about as far as I should walk right now although I have strayed further.

I have three pictures on the go right no which is indicative of how disorganised my mind is at the moment.

I might just see if there is a glass of wine begging to be quaffed, take out my fine brush and add a few more sprigs to the foreground trees.

I hope you all have a pleasant Sunday.

Curry Happens

2011-11-04T20:30:00.000Z

So I have been bandying an idea around in my head for a few days. There is a competition I would like to enter and the picture has to be food-related. Last year's winner painted a botanical-style print of some kitchen ready asparagus. I might think about an artichoke, but who wants same old all the time? (The last winner was green and botanical). I admire botanical paintings, but become bored when painting them. Here is the last one I did and it is possible to actually see where I became bored and the picture 'goes out of focus'.at the bottom

How on earth does one make the picture from Flickr bigger? Crikey - here's the link...http://www.flickr.com/photos/bellagingell/4466700075/in/set-72157623589274991

ANYWAY, I started thinking of alternatives, you know how it is, have an idea, sketch it out, work on it a bit;

see it is not working; try some more; frown and discard. It is a well-travelled path for me.

So I start thinking of doing something I enjoy rather than what I think others will like.

Sunny lemons and peppercorns.

Quails' eggs (I love the look of these but kept quails once - I didn't find it worthwhile).

Then I stopped for dinner - a curry which was vegetable yesterday made into an entirely new dish with a few additions today! And SPLOT, a tomato-and oil blob of curry landed straight onto the white bit! Where else would a self-respecting splot of curry go?

OK, I know this is just the water colour sketch and I am thinking of making it oil, but I was secretly hoping it would be so great I could stick with it.

Hang on a minute, this is a food thing and maybe this could be a stealth entry what with actually smelling of food as well as looking like it. What do you think, eh?

(Answers in the comments section please).

Ellen's 18th Birthday

2011-11-03T11:17:00.000Z

Sorry, there are no drawing or paintings in this post and the only creative bit is the baking. It is all about Ellen, who was 18 yesterday.

Congratulations Ellie!

We went to the lovely Loch Fynne restaurant in Bath where they serve the most gorgeous oysters (my first ever) and tasty fresh fish - we can tell the difference. Fish should not smell 'fishy'. :)

As always I made a fat chocolate cake and we quaffed champagne before setting some 'farm-friendly' lanterns into the sky; there is no metal to the structure so no harm is done to cows.

Luckily it was a damp night so no nearby thatched cottages need have worried. (I do wonder whether people should be allowed to send flaming devices into the air regardless of nearby buildings). Also the wind blew them out over open fields where they caught a down draft and landed on soft wet grass.

(Don't tell Ellen though - they were birthday wishes).

Crow time.

2011-10-31T10:17:00.001Z

Yes, I am about to caw like a crow. It is not a pretty sound so please feel free to block your ears with cotton wool or some tinkly music if you prefer.

O.K., I did not sell anything at the Box 18th Exhibition; which makes me feel frustrated and a little sad. BUT I did win a commendation. In fact, it was 'Highly Commended'. Now, there was a big turn out for this village exhibition and I was hoping that, being next to Bath, it would attract some folk with heavier purses. I was wrong, but no matter, there was a great deal of talent there so it was a real pleasure to look around.

Here is the winner. (There were other categories, but this is mine)!

I really liked these walls, each featuring a different animal. Sadly I am too poor to buy one.

They were also raising money for the Box School Garden project and had a little show from some of the village children.
I had a chat with a lovely woman who was, in my opinion, bravely copying a Van Gogh in full view of the art-goers. She said everyone thinks a person sat outside painting is good already and has never had anyone offering unwelcome criticism. She even has children crowding round wanting to add a bit (we all like some easily-won glory I suppose).

http://www.flickr.com/photos/40297516@N06/6291884445/in/photostream/

I would add some of my own pictures but being woefully bad at taking pictures (I can't even call it photography), I will have to leave it.

Oh yes, I am recovering well from my operation and have started an oil painting of a favourite subject of mine, the sun set. Call me romantic; I am a sucker for a low-hung orb, preferably with a few trees (what with living in a wood).

Setting the scene.

Autumn has arrived.

View to the west of the house with the hazel now yellowed and sun setting earlier in the day.

Back from hospital

2011-10-26T16:58:00.000+01:00

After an operation on my knee, this morning I am now safely back at home, hobbling around like a troll. It was my intention to paint while resting but actually I have been asleep.

Still, I managed to rattle this one off when sat in bed last night. It is from my Saturday walk; when I rather dramatically thought it might be my last for quite some time.

The Cow Parsley, Hogsweed or Hemlock (I always forget the differences) was very frothy and battling against the nettles for space.

I also started a pencil drawing of near the lock near the Canal Tavern but not yet coloured it.

Well, the physiotherapist I first saw said she had a feeling I wouldn't need crutches when leaving the hospital and she was right. Despite my size I am obviously a tough old bird. That is what comes from being concentrated. (Some call it short, snort)!

singing bird

2011-10-24T19:09:00.000+01:00

Shame on me. O.K. I have been literally jumping through hoops recently; enough to make me tired and dis-orientated; but it really is no excuse. After receiving a cheque last week for a painting I made this year after a visit to St. Ives, I completely forgot to send the painting to the new owner. Really, that is so unprofessional!

They didn't seem to mind and I did pay a personal visit to see where it was to hang. It did look right on what turned out to be a stark pedestrian consultation room. I painted it with a view to the inner peace I experienced when away by the sea. Painted after picking up pieces from the harbour, I tried to get in the blues of St. Ives. The resulting arc of rusty nails ; life can be full of them but they do lead upward; making the sail on a boat looking forward with a golden eye is hopefully a positive message and very apt for its new home.

This is the Doctor holding up the painting where she wants it hung. I am glad to say she was really pleased with it so it was a pleasure to take along.

I want to post the moleskine off soon, but would like to make it personal and so want to include a few things.

One Ellen will have to sort on Sunday when in Bath, but today when in the mellow city, I bought some little note lets and envelopes with the intention of personalising them with a design. Unfortunately my burnishing skills leave a great deal to be desired.

Yes, not quite so triumphant but what is often said about counting and thoughts? :)

Ducks on the lake

2011-10-23T16:55:00.000+01:00

Ducks on the lake usually indicates there are no fishermen. Despite the sun and relative warm of the soft October wind, we had the place to ourselves today.

In the kitchen

2011-10-22T20:30:00.000+01:00

Sorry to be so verbose; this is the second post in one day. I am on a roll!

Not wanting to ruin Shelley's vibe with her beautiful illustration-style paintings, I have attempted to go for a similar vibe.

Shelley Savor's pictures

Although my kitchen is not so bright, the homework at the kitchen table, the sleeping dog, the apples form the garden and wellies in the corner are all about right.

This is mine - kind of messy and unfinished.

Sunny October weekend

2011-10-22T16:44:00.001+01:00

After all my dirge-type writing about winter and how it gets me down, I woke this morning to bright sun in a crisp blue sky. I have a date for the operation on my knee (next week) so am aware of making the most while I am still vertical.

Packing my camera and moleskine, I took a walk along the canal at Bradford-on-Avon. It is one of my favourite places to meander when alone but I have noticed a steady rise in the number of folk living in the boats now. It was end to end at one point and there was not a single stretch devoid of craft.

I like to see people living out the alternative lifestyle and have secretly hankered after life without the hassle of everyday stuff. However, after talking to a woman who's son lives on a boat, it is the opposite. There is lugging in of clean water, and lugging out of the dirty, obtaining and hauling of fuel and the tow-path was frozen solid; like the water, last winter. I said 'yes, but there's no extra bills like Council tax.' It appears I am wrong there too. Looking across the bank by Becky Addy Wood I see someone has even foregone the boat! I didn't spot him straight away due to the camouflage.

When reaching Avoncliff I doubled back along the bottom of the valley by the river.

It was only when walking this more peaceful stretch of water way that I realised what a noisy place the canal has become. There are plenty of walkers and joggers; cyclists who ping their bells and children who shout and play. But there is also the odd generator chugging away providing power for a boat and some people work from their barges.

The water meadow was far more peaceful by comparison and I think I preferred it. (I am probably just getting old).

Talking of getting old, I was like a child when receiving the post the other day. The first posting of our Moleskine exchange project was waiting for me. It was so nice to receive something in the post which was nice that I couldn't open it immediately. (See? Like an absolute child).

Shelley Savor is a Canadian artist who's style is different to mine. It was such a nice vibe I didn't want to ruin the flow so have tried to compliment it with something similar. There are four folk in our group so when she gets it back after the next two exchanged I hope she doesn't baulk at my additions.

As you can see, it is a work in progress!

I am now typing this blog as I wait for my bread dough to rise and the green lentils to soak ready for the ham and lentil soup I am making. Maybe it is the self-sufficient look of the boats which has brought out the Barbara Good in me. I can't wait to see how it turns out. Anyone taking bets it is inedible?

http://www.accidentalsmallholder.net/food/recipes/wholemeal-rolls/

This is a note made later.

Yum: It was lovely.

Waiting for the winter

2011-10-18T13:21:00.000+01:00

It is not a nice thought; winter. To me it means sludgy grey roads throwing up dirt, long dark evenings, mornings when I really don't want to get out from under the duvet and putting on weight to compensate for the lack of warmth. Sorry to depress you!

With this in mind, I have been thinking of a project that will take me away from all this dirge; something I can get stuck into, like a portal to another world when I want to escape. Thinking of a garden, I would like to create something stylised with a human content, and the garden of Eden sprung to mind.

Should Eve be reclining or walking along though? That is the question.

She is reclining like a Matahari here but this image (of the woman) is one I saw in a magazine so will need to fiddle with it anyway.

No matter. This will keep me musing for a while. I would like to make the paisley garden more abstract in places and go to town on the colour too. If I can put this onto a large canvas I am hoping the result will be a strong one.

Keith from the Freshford Art Group very kindly said he has a canvas he will never use, so he is going to give it me next week. Now, how often does that happen? :)

Sunday early evening

2011-10-16T16:53:00.000+01:00

At last. I don't know if it is worth it, but I have finished. Time for a small celebration I think!

U-Turn

2011-10-15T20:38:00.001+01:00

Sometimes things just don't work. No matter how often it happens, I (like many) am all still prone to keep pushing and trying; working at it until the rough edges are smoothed off and it fit. This is the case for me with life as well as my drawings. I don't like to give up and sometimes it can be my downfall.

The Gold picture I did the other week ended up looking nothing like the original sketch, and yet I kept adding and subtracting; attempting at a solution until finally realising I would never be happy with it and starting again.

After walking Tess in the morning sun and finding 15 fishermen busy on the lake I settled back down to painting.

I am still working on it now, and have been for the last few days and it now looks something like I had in mind at the start.

The eaten look of the leaves are as a result of finding some dock leaves in the wood a few months back. Still green (then), their filigree shadows were casting lace onto the back drop of trees and I picked them intending to work it into something later.

The original seed heads looked like this, a bit woody and fluffy. They sit in a planter on the patio to the north of the house but I can't remember the name of the flower from which they sprang.

The camera has distorted the shapes here but you get the idea!

I am really waiting for some white oil paint to dry before starting on the board I ruined last time, so am just marking time.

After a meeting at the Bath Artist's Studios last night where I met other members and am now on the committee I feel I am picking up speed once more.

http://www.fringeartsbathnetwork.co.uk/

Pylle Gallery have offered me permanent space but the terms don't quite work for me right now and I had a feeling of bedding down for winter, so it is good to get out and meet some new folk.

Alison (birthday on Friday) liked her picture I painted earlier in the year after our St. Ives visit.

Roundstone Framing in Trowbridge did me proud, turning a basic small canvas into a thing of beauty. Well, I hope you feel the same but it is all subjective.

Gold

2011-10-08T15:01:00.003+01:00

After coming back to this throughout the last few days I am glad to say I have almost finished.

Being busy elsewhere has meant my creative side has taken more of a back seat but I have been given fresh energy after having sold a bit more work.

Is it the taste of autumn in the air that has brought out the gold paint? Could be.

This is inspired from some seed pods ending their flowering life in the garden. Brown and woody looking, I was struck by their architectural and geometric yet random shapes. Of course, I love a circle too!

After rough ideas I sketched out a rough idea in my trusty Moleskine.

Then it is simply a case of bringing the whole thing to life, bit by bit.

I'm not quite finished, but that version should be going into the Box Exhibition (Box near Bath) soon.

I have just realised the strange place names we have here in the West Country. Box? Bath? Sounds like I am moving house.

Pigeon

2011-10-05T21:40:00.000+01:00

I was sitting at the desk last night when I spotted this tweet. Impulsiveness took over and I have sketched a couple of pigeons.

@hatopressHato Press

@farleighwood as free as a pigeon in the city!

2 hours ago via webFavorite Retweet Reply

Of course, they might be nothing like what is in mind - but you never know! Sometimes I know folks like the funky stencil-style stuff. But I am what I am (or is that Popeye)?
Here we go. Pretty watery wash pigeon - kind of clean looking and proud. Probably cleans up the streets rather than mess them up.

And then I ruined it with a really skanky one. It is a cold pigeon so it was to be called chilled pigeon, but there is noting cool about it at all...

Really, would you throw it a crust? Maybe some would.

No time

2011-10-04T20:53:00.001+01:00

I have been so busy the last week or so doing things I do not enjoy doing that I have had no time (or energy) left at all to sketch, paint or draw. It has not been nice.

After driving to Bath first, then Oxford and London on consecutive days for various work-related things, I have been left feeling deflated. That is my excuse for this paltry offering.

I really should apologise for posting this picture above as it is a sketch with pencil drawing underneath, but the underneath bit doesn't really show! The trouble is I don't want thick pencil lines left on the resulting water colour / ink design.

Here is the preliminary sketch:

This is the draft design in the water colour moleskin I use for such things.

In an attempt to maintain impact I will limit colours to the 4 main ones. I am undecided whether to keep the scratchy pen / pencil lines in or to make it all more polished. All too often I find things work well in the small design stage only to find the scaled up version loses something; probably to do with the thickness of line.

The design is loosely based on the docks and some seed pods from yellow flowers in the garden now long gone. I actually think I prefer the seed heads to the flowers, but maybe that is the Munster's coming out in me!

(Love the arches in the design of Paddington Station in London...)

West Country Galleries Blogspot: Artist Bella Gingell Has The West Country At Heart...

2011-09-30T10:39:00.001+01:00

I have been busy just recently getting 'out there' and finding folk. I met a lovely chap called David Metcalf last night who is the Director of BANA and it seems is of infinite energy, judging by the many hats he wears. (I am being metaphorical with the hat-thing).

It was so warm yesterday that even after the sun had set Bath was warm as toast. The pavements and buildings were literally radiating heat as I walked back down Stall Street and the roof went down on my car for the journey home.

There is nothing quite so magical as driving through the country lanes on a starry night as the car headlights illuminate the overhanging trees.

Pylle Galleries contacted me today too. I have sold a painting. Yay!

West Country Galleries Blogspot: Artist Bella Gingell Has The West Country At Heart...: I have been told being born and bred in the West Country (near Bath) shows through in my work. Like script, our personality can show in our...

Bristol, my favourite spot

2011-09-25T21:07:00.000+01:00

Yes, as promised Alison and I went to Bristol this morning, braving the terrible traffic chaos coming up to the park and ride, Brislington, then finding rain had set in for the morning. Alison had not been to the car park at Mud Dock before and it was a pleasure to show her the Mud Dock restaurant - sharing a favourite with someone always is.

Needless to say we talked and talked and the talked some more.

Making our way over to the M Shed, it was great to see inside. I had not been in before; odd considering it is only over the bridge from where I always go.

The Bristfest was on too. I gather we were there at a very quiet moment - it was almost deserted!

Before you ask, no, I did not take part on the street dance work shop.

Who's this? I thought it was Newton Faulkner

My shot

The man

See?

I checked the listings and he was not on them, but I should have asked.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o40ivRiHeDE&feature=fvwrel

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=REbogp1TE80

The sun poked out as we went to the now finished 'See no Evil' exhibition in Nelson Street before making our way back to Mud Dock for a drink and home.

Alison took loads of far better shots than I. Click here to see her photostream.

Bitten by the bug

2011-09-24T20:15:00.001+01:00

No - I am not talking about some weird woodland infestation here, but talking about something far longer lasting.
After the new Moleskine exchange project, I found the tiny water colour Moleskine Jack bought me for my birthday. Opening the wrapping is like popping the top off freshly ground coffee - there is a weird expectation. (OK, I realise I might be losing some of you here).

So get to it. I started doodling in bed last night. I like pebbles, their texture and oddly organic form considering they are mineral. Then I added some sand and for some reason a lost watch seemed to work. And so it was declared; The book will be called TIME.

Grandiose, yes, but that's how it happened. Here is the start of the first page; just have to add detail, sand and shadow detail, then think of what to do next.

I have also been busy trying to re-do a previous picture of an earlier take. Someone has said how much they like it but I know the original had wonky tape on the edges leaving white edges in the wrong place on the finished piece.

I just photographed it now, as it is getting dark; one with flash, the other without. I think I prefer the without which means I am going to crack open the paints again next week and add more shading. Can't so it tomorrow - off to Bristol with Alison!

Moleskine Project - start

2011-09-22T18:55:00.000+01:00

This is it - the final version. The start of 'Secret Garden' my Japanese Moleskine which I am to post off to Masha (a derivative of Maria) in Russia.

We are part of a square, Russia, Japan, Canada and England.

It is the first time I will look forward to the post since I don't know when.

We have been inundated with apples recently. I am to make many an apple-based recipe but like most things, there is only so much a family can take!

Still, that and a roll of puff pastry - I'm away!

I have had the results back about my knee. I have a vertical tear in my cartilage. Apparently it is tear which can move which would account for my varying degrees of hobbling. At the moment it is fine; in August I had an elephantine knee.

Still, I am now in the machinations of the NHS. That means paperwork, appointments, waiting and just when I think they have forgotten me, I will be in! At least having a baby means there is an imposed time restriction.

The weather has been a little changeable recently but Wednesday saw the sun so all the doors in the house were open. Why do the chickens make it their sole aim to come into the house? They like the warm conservatory, not eating any dead flies, just clucking around and finding a seat.

No, I don't leave them there - they are shooed out.

Japanese Moleskine exchange project

2011-09-20T13:30:00.001+01:00

I have been in contact with a lovely Russian woman called Masha via Flickr for quite some time. She is a very talented artist and creates the most amazing botanical studies and little sketches, many from her travels. http://www.flickr.com/photos/kirikdesign/

She recently contacted me with an idea for a Moleskine exchange project whereby we all start of a Japanese Moleskine, think of a theme and then start the book for the first 3 or 4 pages. The idea is to post the book on to the next artist who adds their piece along the lines of that theme and so on. I know we have a triangle so far; Masha in Russia, a Japanese woman, and myself (England).

At first I thought, wow, yes. I love trying out anything new and different; especially if there is an element of challenge; but then doubt crept in. What if I am not good enough? What if I ruin everyone else's grand design with my feeble attempts? What if they regret me being on their team? Oh, the uncertainty of it all.

Still I have started now so here what I have, a book themed Secret Garden. I imagine this will encompass real gardens (you know; with mottled stone work and shadows, little beetles and ladybirds) but also the imaginary - a magical surrealist view. More in line with Alice in Wonderland....

This is the opening picture I have so far. I just need to think about the key hole. Prosaic green garden or an eye?

As you can see we will have quite a way to go. One more thing - just imagine the beautiful stamps we will all exchange too!

The Final Destination which never came (but I don't mind)

2011-09-17T14:09:00.004+01:00

original sketches for Sunshine

It was Catherine's birthday celebrations last night; a 'pizza a film night' consisting delivered pizzas, wine and as many Final Destination Films we could fit in. Not having seen any Final Destination films all I knew was that they are a bit of silliness poking fun at horror films. I dressed up, my final destination being death by paper cuts (I had paperwork pinned to my skirt and top and a pair of scissors). Catherine had a hard hat, goggles and handed out knee pads to me. Gina covered her head in case of flying objects and Sarah had a hat and goggles and flashing hi-vis belt. We filled in our risk assessment forms, only to find Catherine's internet had failed and nothing had downloaded.

Did that worry us? Not at all. We are female, ergo can talk the night away at the kitchen table no problem!

I am not going to tell you what they are talking about!

Catherine liked her present although having seen Sunshine in the flesh, I realise I have made several errors in colour.

I was going to have this framed but my usual framers in Trowbridge are off on holiday. I went into Rooths on the hill in Bradford-on-Avon and found a lovely thick piece of wood, all golden which really showed off the green parrot. The price? I thought £ 25. No. Put a 0 after that and it would have been closer. Well, I had chosen gold leaf. Still, it was way out of my meagre price range so I have left the picture as it is.

No, we did not let Sunshine imbibe anything he shouldn't!

Me making friends with Sunshine

Somerset Art Week has started as of today. After having a rattle around the net, I saw an emporium at Pylle which was offering hanging space, so I have taken some pictures down today. It really is just so I can say I have taken part in Somerset Arts Week as I have been meaning to enter myself for ages and never do.

I managed to get lost on the way and stopped off at an Inn for directions. I saw another man obviously in the same predicament as myself, holding an atlas aloft. Stood at the bar, I felt two hands clasp my shoulders in a tender manner, and realising it was the man, thought he was simply being affectionate as he had found a fellow sufferer. No. The poor man thought I was his sister-in-law and was mortified when I turned round. I carried on talking and only realised his embarrassment when he clapped his hand over his mouth and started to laugh. He had shocked himself and said he was glad his wife outside had not seen him do it. I said not to worry. He offered to buy me a drink by way of apology but I said it was OK; there isn't enough love in the world!

I think that is what we call a Specsavers moment.

A selection of works already at the Pylle Emporium

After the storm

2011-09-13T22:25:00.002+01:00

OK, I am being metaphorical here, (re; title), referring to the day after the exhibition. Monday was busy anyway as I had to make my way to the RUH in Bath for an MRI scan. I have been hobbling around for almost a year with a dodgy knee which sometimes plays nice and sometimes not - just like the little girl with a little curl nursery rhyme.

The winds which whipped America finally found their way to Blighty and coincided with my hospital visit. The trees by the entrance tossed in an alarming manner; bending earthward low enough to cuff my ears. As one fellow blogger says; Take care walking under those trees for they wave their arms about like the 'Womping' tree that J K Rowling wrote about.

I felt very honoured to have this scan; an expensive piece of kit and one I could not afford to pay for myself. Thank you to all the folk at the Royal United Hospital for their kind assistance.

Back to matters in hand. After the success of the exhibition I am on a roll now and looking to go forward with being creative. I have a few ideas incubating and have committed them to a sketchbook as it is a good way to iron out wrinkles and decide on colour schemes.

Whether they make it to their final destination of not is another matter.

Sunday, last day of exhibition, walk round Bradford-on-Avon

2011-09-11T21:04:00.002+01:00

Bradford-on-Avon took part in the heritage weekend, where sites of historic importance are opened for the general public, often with guides in the know. Mum and Dad came down to see the final day of the exhibition in the West Barn so Mum was pleased when she was able to go into the lock-up on the town bridge. Surprisingly despite being born in Bradford-on-Avon, she had never been inside it.

There were tales of a man being kept in there with 14 soldiers (how could they all fit?) and then some outside. The more I hear about our past the more I realise how gruesome it is and how lucky we are to live now.

After a delicious meal of hake on samphire for us women and a variety of plates for Dad in the Fat Fowl where there was a duet of saxophone and accordion which worked well, we had a nose round the new Kingston Mills development, a long overdue re-vamp of the old Avon Industrial Polymers site (where I worked in the offices when first leaving school). We were quite impressed. The traffic noise simply did not filter through to the buildings behind the frontage and we could see a peaceful lamp lit river walk unfolding near sympathetic yet modern buildings.

The musicians were taking a break when I was leaving so here are their instruments.

There was lots going on in Bradford (on-Avon; in case anyone reading this thinks it is Yorkshire - we are talking Wiltshire). These two artists stood on the steps of St. Margaret's Hall freaked me out a little; I did not realise they could see and part of the act was that they did not speak. Inside was a flower festival.

They had tiny holes drilled in the pots. (The baby is not real)!

The exhibition was well-attended partly due to the beautiful weather; cloudless skies and bright sun with just enough breeze to cool a walker. There were a couple of people who wanted to meet me when I arrived and it was a pleasure to hear the comments and kind reviews of our work.

So here I am, stood next to the main picture I sold at the exhibition.

Yes, I am a proud bunny. I will have to whip out the brushes again soon and see what else I can some up with!

Joy oh joy

2011-09-10T23:23:00.001+01:00

Having the afternoon shift this Saturday, 3 - 6, I could not believe how things worked out. First I had Catherine and Gina visit, and then Sarah and Bruce. Weirdly for this afternoon shift they all arrived quite near to each other which was odd considering I had not told them when I was on.

Catherine remarked on how different the paintings look 'in the flesh'. This could be a damning inditement of my woeful photography skills, but much of the finer detail simply does not come across in Flickr or this blog spot.. I have to admit there is something slightly satisfying in hearing this. Obviously I am an internet fan, but the old-style girl in me still likes to hear real is best.

The joyful bit? Yes! I have sold another two pieces, after the Thursday sales. Thanks to the NHS Mineral Hospital in Bath and the Fine Cleaning Company, Bath for their purchases.

I hope you enjoy your purchases as much as I did creating them.

Walking back to the car after the exhibition, I was wondering whether to hang on for this...

... a bat walk. How wonderful. And free at that. I almost stayed but knew folk back home would wonder where I was. What a great idea though. I walked back through Barton Farm across the pack horse bridge to see numerous dogs getting wet in the shallow water...

.. and the odd person too...

Seriously, what is he doing? His girlfriend said he would need new loafers and that he was crazy. I think there is a bit of dog in all men!

2011-09-09T21:48:00.005+01:00

'Man O War' from MORPHOLOGIC on Vimeo

I just stumbled on this video. It is a Portugese Man O War - so beautiful and quite mesmerising; I couldn't help but share it with you. I think it is the fact there is weird and seemingly random movement which makes this so ethereal. How I would like to capture something like this on canvas, but wonder if it is possible? I will need to get my thinking cap on.

The Autumn 2011 exhibition at Barton Farm is well under way despite attending numbers on our preview evening being severely hampered due to an incident in Trowbridge (I hear a bus was kept with passengers for a long, long time and police were out with white marks) another accident on the A36 stopping folk coming in from Bath and another one nearby; it is amazing anyone made it!

Little red stickers have started to sprout throughout the hall, a small illustration-style sketch of a harbour I did has gone, but there has been a problem. One of the larger oils which was painted over a year ago on board has started to warp. It is unfortunate the framers have left for their holiday and possibly sent it to me before the glue had time to dry as it started to pop away from the frame after about an hour. We have stuck some small pins into the frame to hold it in for the time being and I can get it sorted in a few week's time so all is not lost. I just hope it doesn't put off a possible sale.

The sold picture.

Cloak and Dagger

2011-09-08T12:12:00.000+01:00

A very old and dear friend is having a birthday soon. She is a biscuit nibbling, parrot-loving Margaret Rutherford fan. Not know who Margaret Rutherford is? Neither did I. Here is a link.http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=53540
Now do you recognise her? Being a stalwart of the British film industry in the days of black and white, I recall seeing her in a few films, but as an older actress. I realise she was a real beauty when young. I see she is quoted as having a face life a blood-hound; rather unfair in my book but there we go...

Ah, how cruel life is.

Catherine is a very busy woman (lectuer, web designer, course designer, new business woman, dog and parrot owner) who I know reads this blog but sometimes only looks at the pictures. It is for this reason I am keeping things quiet about my next painting. It is for her. I just hope, hope, hope she likes it and is not just polite. Butterflies flit in my stomach when I know a picture is for someone special as it is a gift and not necessarily chosen.

However, it is very therapeutic to have something else to worry over as we have the opening of our exhibition today! We have the Wiltshire Times coming along for a few snaps and I am helping to serve drinks and nibbles. Needless to say, I will be wearing this years old faithful dress; one bought with some guilt for a posh'ish do and has been worn to anything remotely function-like since. I call it a 'good buy' but others would call it unnecessary repetition. I am no fashionista. With all the worry I am sporting a cold sore, frizzy hair and spots so I hope to make a good impression!

The pre-view evening is by invitation, and the exhibition proper starts tomorrow (Friday) the 9th September through to Sunday 11th September, 11am-6pm. I am on rota every day except Sunday when my parents are coming down to see it - so will be popping my head round the doors then as well.

Cloak and dagger (title)?
Here is a preview....

Can you guess what it is yet?

The George, Bathampton

2011-09-02T12:32:00.002+01:00

After mentioning the demise of summer, this is what happened yesterday. Wall to wall sun! I am not complaining.

Ellen, due back at school Friday came along with Jack and I to The George at Bathampton. We arrived lunchtime so thought it best to eat before our walk. However, we were told there was an hour wait for food, so we ordered fish and chips for the girls, and a gourmet burger for the boy, for an hour and 20 minutes. (Yes, we like to be precise). We then measured our walk along the canal, hoping to reach the Holborne Museum at the top of Great Pultney Street before turning back.

We made it in good time. There was a slight breeze which offset the burning sun just right - things could not have been more perfect.

Arriving back at the George, we sat at the same table, letting them know we were back only to be told our order had come out early and it was now gone. Bother. It was OK though. They made another order - and this time without the long wait. Having said that, it was now 2.30 and we were hungry after our walk into Bath. It made the food even tastier when it arrived though. What with the girls ordering the lunch time special, at only £ 4.95, we were amazed at the HUGE portions.

The sky had just started to cloud over on our return home, and we sat in the conservatory, fed, watered and warmed, and promptly fell asleep like cats in the sun.

Thrupp - the Oxford Canal revisited

2011-08-31T10:42:00.000+01:00

Today is the last official day of summer. It's O.K., dry your eyes, September can be a truly lovely month with skies so blue they sing and autumnal colours which embellish the world in their own brand of gilding; just as we turn away from the sun. Yes, I have gone all poetic and annoying.

Yesterday evening, I was sat in the conservatory bemoaning the fact it was dark already (we have lights and candles in there so I am talking sun light) and leafing through some photographs. I came across this one. It was meant to be added to my 'Canal Walking' moleskine awhile back. I decided to put on some music, Groove Armada, sit back on the sofa and get on with it.

These two guys were sat on the tow-path at the start of summer in April when we had unusually hot weather;(one quite literally and he made it obvious he didn't much want to move despite there being passing traffic). They were musicians chatting about their sets and discussing how they were to play certain pieces. The man on the left had an accordion which he took out not long after I had taken the picture. He was quite friendly as I asked him if they played for fun or money. Tow-path man said money, accordion man said fun - we don't get much money! Isn't that always the way? (Is this the start of a song?)

So, I've been out already and bought a new brush and some paint. That's me sorted for another evening.

While in Trowbridge I was quite taken with a window display in Roundstone Street. It is by a textile artist called Sarah Finch. Her work with the lambswool and microfibre looked so good and the see-through dress with the eyes print have a real wow factor. (Wouldn't like to see the wash instructions though). I know, it is art, not day wear; but seriously, if you purchased one of these, wouldn't it be a dying shame not to wear it out?

So say goodbye to what turned out to be the coolest summer since 1993; chill out and

for all those sentimental summer-freaks out there.....

WAKE UP BOO!

Summer's gone, days spent with the grass and sun
I don't mind, to pretend I do seems really dumb
I rise as the morning comes
Crawling through the blinds
I shouldn't be up at this time,Wake up, it's so beautiful
for what could be the very last time...

In other words, make the most!

Brizzle – an arty bank holiday

2011-08-29T18:30:00.000+01:00

If you are not a local and are wondering where on earth Brizzle is, then look no further than the home of Banksy, birth place of Cary Grant, the place where Wallace and Gromit was conceived and filmed, launch place for a thousand ships and of course it is the UK’s first cycling city.

Where? Bristol!

Ellen and I drove to our favourite car park on the Harbourside and walked through Queen’s Sqaure by St. Nicholas’ Market (shut on the bank holiday Monday)

There are many gorillas around the city as part of a public art project celebrating Bristol Zoo’s 175 anniversary. I guess this is a new take on the Bath pigs.

After some retail therapy, we walked back by Quay road and the See No Evil Exhibition; a brilliant street art venture of art with a spray can. Big, beautiful, colourful, unexpected and, oh so talented. We weren’t the only ones impressed with the spectacle.

We went back to the Harbourside for the ambiance and a bit to eat. Having just returned from Amsterdam, Ellen noticed how many similarities there are to the two; lots of bikes; water; cobbles. There was a laid-back holiday feel to the place. Perfect.

Somewhere I had always meant to eat (but never had) is the Mud Dock café, set above the cycle sales and cycle repair shop right by the water. The cycling influence is apparent in the restaurant too with cycles hung from the ceiling.

Good food? Wow, yes. We chose the Mixed mezze for 2 to share with a side order of chunky chips and two mugs of tea. It turned out Ellen and I was both thinking the same thing when the plates arrived. “Mmm, that’s not going to be enough”. We were wrong. It was plenty and then some. We are a frugal pair and hate to see waste so we managed to clear the plate but not after some time. Both having the feel-good vibe of eating enough to be full but with good quality food, we left our bags in the car and waddled back to the City Edition Studio, a contemporary art exhibition building funded by Bristol City Council.

OK. I felt like a complete plebeian. I got absolutely nothing about this exhibition. I am arrogant enough to think of myself as arty; I love art. Did not get this.

West Bay, Dorset

2011-08-21T19:40:00.007+01:00

This is the bay in which Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall sometimes stands and records fishing sessions for his River Cottage series.

The iconic cliff face stands out and dominates the beach which has pea-gravel going to rough sand by the water. Despite starting out cloudy, the day proved to be sunny and bright; just what we need for the end of August.

Alison has a new bag for her camera-gear and very pretty it is too.

We first found the cloudy West Bay area away from the beach over-concreted and ugly. However, when the sun came out and we walked back to the centre by the harbour and to the beach all had changed.

We peeled off our clothes and sat in strappy dresses, watching children catch small fish and crabs off the harbour wall

The cerulean blue sky grew until all that was left of the clouds were some marbled streaks of white and low cumulus pop corn bursts of white on the horizon.

We lay back on the beach and listened to the sounds of the sea. Alison took gazillions of photographs (here she is reviewing some) and then we walked back and ate fish and chips (what else) by the bikers at the harbour end.

Here is a picture she took of me. If you want to see more, here is her photostream

I can't believe I have grown out of wanting to eat these things. What a saddo I am.

This is not West Bay, but a little pen and water colour sketch I did the other day with the seaside in mind.

Well, at least I have put in one hand-drawn picture!

Autumn Exhibition

2011-08-17T20:20:00.003+01:00

I am so excited. The little village art group I belong to is holding an Autumn Exhibition in my home town of Bradford-on-Avon, the West Barn. I am happy because I was born in the town and it is an art thing; which I love. The event is to take place on the weekend of the 9th September, so we have a short while to get ready.

The West Barn was renovated from a crumbling heap of stone into a hall-like barn available for hire as a function room for weddings, talks and exhibitions.

I am looking forward to the event with trepidation as there is always that awful 'what if no-one likes my art?' thought and I am scared I will be near someone when they are talking about my work in a bad way. Not selling a picture must be like having a party when no-one turns up. Agony!

Anyway. I am having the top sunflower picture framed as it is just on board, but the lower sunlight picture I am leaving as it is a canvas and I guess folk will choose their own frame -if they buy!

I am also putting in my Arc oil on board (being framed as we speak), Squaring the Circle (although I am not sure the crowd which come to these things will like it), and some of my water colours such as the dandelion clocks.

Wish me luck!

Return to myself

2011-08-11T08:54:00.000+01:00

Finding a piece of discarded and dirty wood, first washing it off under the tap, I liked the shape for some reason. I think it reminded me of looking at the sea with the back layers having those horizontal grooves.

This is what it became. I hope I am not being a soppy romantic to think the wood has returned to being something useful, as a boat returns to harbour, as I return to a sense of peace when near water.

20X20 cms including frame

Time for Tea

2011-08-04T11:18:00.000+01:00

I am so glad to have finished this; it has been rattling round in my head for days. I wanted to create a simple scene without over simplification and one which is a normal part of every day life.

This 14X10" canvas has been painted with oils, some mixed with sand to give a rougher more interesting texture to the backdrop. It was weird to paint with but I think I will use it again as I like the look. I guess that means another trip to the beach!

Taking a leaf from the book of Anne Redpath, I kept the colours low to accentuate the forms.

The pebbles are those brought back by my daughter and her boyfriend from a recent trip to Cornwall. The draughts pieces (chequers to my American readers) are a game I like to play but often lose, and the text is about home. The CD cover is the music I was listening to at the time; the sublime sound of Madeleine Peroux.

The Holburne and Creative Bath

2011-07-29T12:17:00.001+01:00

I like the Holburne Museum - right down to the new extension on the back (which I admit to being dubious about when seeing the plans). I was wrong. It is lovely.

Creative Bath took Catherine and I there last night. There was a walk around and a talk about the place and the new exhibits. It reminded me very much of parts of the Ashmolean in Oxford so it came as no surprise to hear they were in consultation during planning.

My favourite exhibition? It has to be the Peter Blake - A Museum for Myself. I am probably just a product of the age, but for me it trumped some of the more stuffy pieces and I was inspired to see his driftwood and odd collections of things from visits around the UK.

Oh, yes,also the hanging vases. Inspired (Catherine didn't like these).

Then, in true granny style, we went to the new Cosy Club

and had tea and cake before catching the train back to Avoncliffe, complete with talk from the conductor on his experience at the Bath Spa. (Yes, we went clubbing)!

Publish Post

Reaching Avoncliff in time for dusk we wandered over the aqueduct on the way home.

If you want to see the big boys' stuff, here is Catherine and I, page 20 of the August issue of Bath Life.

http://content.yudu.com/Library/A1ti0g/BathLifeNo189/resources/index.htm?referrerUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.yudu.com%2Fitem%2Fdetails%2F386334%2FBath-Life-No189

The St. Ives Experience

2011-07-18T11:23:00.001+01:00

A terrible photograph! Sorry folks

I added string to the almost finished painting as it seemed fitting considering the subject matter. It is one sure way of measuring wiggly or circular objects and before the 3.142 thing, I guess it was often used! I also like the random shapes in the string compared to the harsh square edges of the main focus.

Yup, still working it out of my system; that blue / modern / new-view stuff.

Strangely, there seems to have been quite a bit of St. Ives –related items on the television recently. Whether there always has been and I haven’t noticed, or if it pure co-incidence, who can say? I saw a news report about a baby (30ft.) whale caught in netting. It was from St. Ives harbour that a boat was launched and the reporter stood at the end of the harbour wall. Ready to get all nostalgic about the blue skies and seas, I was surprised to see muted English greys. It is hoped the whale can be re-located soon as although not in obvious distress, it will soon grow and the netting which is wrapped right the entire circumference of the body will become tight. I also look forward to the news channel following this item up as annoyingly, they all too often start a story in all its sensationalism, and never finish it as a more pressing item comes along. Let us hope the whale is rescued from the netting soon.

Remembering the wonderful weather and striking pictures of the place, does this mean we were blessed for our visit? Maybe we not only visited a place, but a time which makes it all the more nostalgic as it might never exist for us again.

No matter. Still with the rust-thing going on, here is the latest; Squaring the Circle (oil on canvas); the smallish rusty square being the main inspiration and another ‘recovery’ during a walk put with the smoothed stone of similar colour. A bolted square ‘sun’ echoing the metal square rises over the pebble now a mountain and the robust rusty industrial fire-branded colours in the square change as the mountain behind is slightly visible, rendering the thick metal delicate and translucent. Well, that’s how I thought of it anyway. Whether anyone looking at it gets the same thing is another matter!

the work so far

St. Ives

2011-07-07T13:34:00.000+01:00

Oil on board 22 X 55 cms

After a visit to St. Ives, being bathed in the luminous blue of the ozone-laden air, finding some items in the harbour, and a visit to Tate, St. Ives, I was inspired to paint this.

Margaret Mellis created beautiful sculptures with driftwood and objects found on the beach. When regarding the worn pebble and rusty strip recovered from the sands, it seemed fitting to make them integral to a boat of some kind. I chose to paint an arc as I found some peace in St. Ives, and this vessel is laden with my hopes for the future.

Original sketch and objects

Little sketches

2011-07-05T15:01:00.000+01:00

Sorry, I forgot to upload the little sketches I did whilst on holiday. Some are good, some bad, but I have been inspired to start painting in oil once more and hope to emulate one of my favourite St. Ives artists, Marie Keeling. I just love her work and if I were rich would have bought one. Shame.

Painting on the beach I wish I had drawn this in pencil first. Just try to imaging the building being half as small.

I couldn't stop thinking of computer mice when painting this

The boat from Marazion to St, Michael's Mount

Yellow and Blue

2011-07-04T13:30:00.001+01:00

To sum up the colour of St. Ives it would have to be yellow and blue. The yellow lichens and wild flowers which decorate the granite walls and thatch roofs - the stunning blue of the sky and sea; sometimes achingly so, brought in on the clear air of the Atlantic.

Good weather followed Alison and I to St. Ives and stayed with us. A laid back wonderful holiday full of good food (very good food – I hadn’t previously thought of St. Ives in terms of gastronomy), art, good company, and interesting places. (Notice I have used the Oxford comma in homage to the campaign currently under way – of which I really care neither way really. When first hearing about it, I thought it to be about saving a butterfly).

If anyone is visiting Cornwall, I would highly recommend the number 300 bus, open topped, and with a day ticket (which we did not get), I think the cost is around £7, one can roam over the county stopping off for lunch of sightseeing. We took it to Marazion, home of the famous St. Michael’s Mount, and back from St. Just to St. Ives; probably one of the prettiest and best bus journeys I have ever been on in my life. It turns out we narrowly missed an episode at the Mount. The day after our visit there was a landslide at sea causing a small tidal wave. Two feet of water made its way for the beach and the cobbled beach walk-way, submerged at high tide anyway, saw a surge of water. Alison didn’t like crossing when a normal tide came in, never mind a mini-tsunami! How fortunate we were not around then.

Alison looking visibly relieved

Set high from the sea, there was a lot of walking up hills (sometimes they appeared near-vertical but that is me being a wimp) and flip-flopping down wooded paths.

The Eden project proved to be a delight. Despite me turning a deep shade of purple after spending too long in the tropical sphere, making Alison think I was about to suffer a cardiovascular heart attack, it was an informative, beautiful day; a large area, but without the large corporate feel many such a place can have.

The Tate at St. Ives was a must and also proved to be a great place to visit. My hopes were not high. I love art but, as with music-lovers, find a range I enjoy with many a grey area outside of that. Much of the Tate I have seen before I find amusing but not necessarily what I find personally appealing. It just goes to show sometimes a visit is required before making assumptions. The best bit? The balloons!

To sum it up, what better can be said of a holiday other than I didn’t want to come home?

Long time, no see

2011-06-23T12:09:00.000+01:00

I am not sure if I have been missed but I have not been completely on line recently.

My son has lost the dongle which gave us Internet access in the house so I am posting via my father-in-law's computer. The good thing is his reception is far superior and I know going back to the old download rate will be crucifying after this; should the dongle ever be found that is.

I have been toying with a few ideas for the Feel Good Project.

Here are some sketchy bits in the moleskine water colour and sketch book I have been pencilling in. As I am off to Cornwall next week (I can hardly contain my excitement - the first holiday in 4 years), I will be off line once again,but in a good way.

Oh, I have just noticed the top picture. It is not a real beetle!

I got fed up with monochrome and whipped out a brush when idling in the conservatory.

Meia Culpa on the Behance Network

2011-06-13T11:55:00.001+01:00

Meia Culpa on the Behance Network

I love this - just discovered (by me) on this site. I am only able to see these things as I am not currently on the woefully slow connection at home. Maybe it is just as well or I would be on the computer all day!

Indian Summer

2011-06-13T10:59:00.001+01:00

Indian Summer 40 X 40 cm

I must have created some curse when painting this. The moment it was finished, the rain cascaded down in sheets for the entire day.

The question is have I gone too far? A woman seeing my art for the first time asked me if I dropped acid. The answer is no but if this is the result who needs to? Just lie on the floor and surround yourself with my pictures. Tripped.

I have just a little tweak here and there on this one before it is finished. A 40 X 40 cm water colour, it is the one I have decided to donate to the hospital for their refurbishment. I decided the orange and blue did not have quite enough impact.