A quick sketch of St James's  Taunton done last year

Well I am back home now and back to the usual routine, sat at the Cornerhouse trying to wake up and be social for Mind.

Taunton went well. Its good to see a group of people use a new media, a new paper, and all that in new conditions, i.e. painting outside. So well done Taunton art group, I take my hat off to you.

Now back home and a few days before Liz and myself are off to Peterborough and New Wine, where I hope to meet again lots of old friends and give people a chance to see my work again.

The other day Liz and myself took a good friend of ours to Wisley RHS gardens, the weather was just right and a very pleasant afternoon was had by all. Whilst there the chance came to do a quick sketch of the pagoda.

Which brings me to the point, that tomorrow for a few days, we are off to Taunton in Somerset, to lead an art group. The subject is sketching when on holiday.

When you sketch several things occur. People talk to you, you relax and you look at things properly; as a result your memories are better of the places visited and I personally enjoy them more. Try it. The work doesn't have to be clever or even good in the worlds eyes; and I assure you that you will enjoy yourself.

See you in a few days.

As life slowly returns to normal, lets have one more image from Honfluer, this one is the first which I produced shortly after arriving; it is of the Lieutenant, a castle like structure by the inner basin. The castle has not survived, as sometime during the 18 or 17 hundreds the castle was demolished and the stones used to build the harbour. Hence after a varied military history, including Henry the V, Agincourt, Crecy and much more, the town was demilitarise.

Next week with Liz I amtraveling down to Taunton, Somerset and leading a group there; no rest for the wicked, I love it.

We arrived back in the Uk on Friday morning very early in the morning, a wonderful time was had by both Liz and myself. Hornfluer was one of those very special places.
The weather was glorious, the harbour town amazing, and everybody so friendly.

For a change it seemed right to concentrate on water-colours and black and white photography. Up several mornings at around six or seven, the light was very special and warm enough in shirt sleeves.

Lots of work ahead, firstly to sort out the Hornfleur images and then to finish the exhibition work for new wine, then in a few days I am leading a workshop in Taunton, so home and running.

Good morning, Liz and myself are just about ready to set off on our travels  again; that is again to Normandy, but this time Honfluer, an area which we have not seen before. Hence the image above of nearby Caen, which we visited some years ago; but that day it was wet and miserable, the drawing was done from inside a café, lets hope for a weather improvement this time.

Lots to do and see, personally I love the history, such as Agincourt, Crecy, Henry the V, plus many others. The town is medieval with lots of very old buildings. Also the coast to the north east was a favourite area for Monet and many other artists to paint. Liz has lots of books to read and the weather is promising; so a good few days is on the cards. Lets see what transpires!

The other day New wine invited me to exhibit with them again this year; this time in Peterborough, I have been there, but to be honest the Rutland area is not an area which I am familiar with.

So lots happing, see you in a little over a week.

Duncan

I was at the monthly meeting of the Woking History association the other night and we were looking at Painshill Park and the use of papermashy in the outside decoration of building. Several were astounded at the fact that paper would stand up to the rain and wind.
Well above are to photos, the upper one of 1st. century and the Sea of Galilee and a typical boat of the period and area. The lower photo is of replica of the Nydam ship, a Nordic vessel of about 6/7 century AD. But of interest is that both representations are made almost totally from paper. The lower representation a Nordic vessel the hull is totally paper and totally waterproof.
So the Painshill papermashy work is really feasible.
Duncan

Two things to say tonight, firstly the above drawing. I do wish that you could see it for real, as it is a bit of an experiment. Normally with ink work, contrast and the control of that contrast is what a lot of it is all about. But with this drawing I tried to draw in a softer vein and reduce the contrast levels; making a gentle and soft image. I think that it works; what do you think?

Then secondly, when drawing in public places, my working, acts like a magnet and draws people to me. That doesn't bother me at all, in-fact, often quite pleasant conversations are result. But this last week two very needy and genuine people have come to me to talk with me as a direct result of my drawing.

Art is a super method of communication at many levels. 

See you soon.