I’ve been working away happily, reading a lot on art principles and trying new things.
Mixed media using a limited palette, on l2’ square board, it’s small, but complex. It’s one of my favourites :)
(See more in the gallery.)
Estuary
The Isle of Harris in the Outer Hebrides offers shifting views as the tides move in and out and the sand, the peat in the water and the reflections of the blue sky combine. This is an ICM photograph on stretched printed canvas, 34 x 106 cm with white sides. It takes me right back to the shore at Luskentrye, sitting with flask and sandwiches, watching the surreal scene unfold.
In the neighbourhood
Had a happy day in the studio with the rain pouring outside. Result, a few 12 x 12” boards almost finished. Maybe this one just needs a title now. I’ll sleep on it.
Luskentyre
Luskentyre Bay, Harris: ICM photograph on canvas
I can recognise Lusketyre Bay, on Harris in the Outer Hebrides, just from the colours. The clarity of the water, the fast moving weather that gives an intensity to the sky and its reflections, the pinky purple of the peat coming down from the hills into the sand and sea… the colours look unreal, but they’re not.
This ICM photograph whistles me back in my mind to one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen.
ICM in photography means internationally moving the camera to blur and thus emphasise the feeling - essence, perhaps - of the subject by reducing detail.
This image is printed onto stretched canvas, 107 x 71 cm.
In the woods
Just back from my first trip away since the drawbridge came up in March. From Manchester to Kent pre-Covid wasn’t a big deal but it sure felt it this time! Urban to rural also made a big impression on me after months of captivity. Walking in the woods, through fields, along the estuary - it was so good for the soul.
I came back to the city with my head full of trees and sunlight, and put paint onto this big 100 x 150cm canvas in a day, using an old credit card and some bubble wrap. It felt so good. I think I will pay attention to that feeling and get a bit more serious about getting to grips with painting again.
Limes
A morning in the food market in Venice was a treat. So much to see, all so beautifully and artlessly arranged … and with quite a lot of unfamiliar items (particularly on the fish stalls, of which more another time!). These limes though, I knew about :)
They make a really striking wall piece! This is a 25” square stretched canvas print with black sides.
Painting in stereo
In Kent with a friend and with paints. We each started from opposite end of the canvas - and chose such different colours! I’d forgotten the wonderful feeling - it’s so long since I picked up a brush. Think that might be a ‘note to self’ moment!
We ordered a fancy frame, and my friend sent me a picture of our joint masterpiece in glorious gilt! :-)
Gardens open day
Not the best weather for Disdsbury Gardens Open Day, but we had umbrellas!
Peterloo Memorial
The Peterloo Memorial was formally unveiled in Manchester at an event today marking the 200th anniversary of the Peterloo Massacre.
On site with stonemasons, Mather & Ellis Ltd, with just a week to go, I saw eleven types of British stone, granite and slate, in which were names of people and places. lts very dignified, settling into the contemporary landscape really well.
Whatever the acknowledgement (or not) of issues re access, there’s not a single person I’ve spoken with not blown away by the quality of the materials and craftsmanship.
Given the flowers being laid, people are acknowledging the enduring significance of that day.
Sad day
This was a tough day, a mix of tears and laughter, as we mourned and celebrated the loss of our dear friend. It was so good to be together to share both sadness and gladness.
David would have appreciated that numberplate…and the green light too, I think.
Two European silver medals
In Gävle, Sweden, this week, for the u23 European Athletics Championships.
Nephew Cameron’s battle in the 400m final resulted in a silver medal - what a race. It was fantastic to watch.
In the GB relay squad next day he again took to the track, in the 4 x 400m final, and doubled his haul. Brilliant!
Carmargue sunrise
Waking up in the Carmargue, en route from Bergerac to Geneva, I was astonished to go out onto the lakeshore and see these flamingos lit by the rising sun. They were so unexpected. They looked like ballerinas in the mud.
