We all get stuck in a rut and continue in our lives the way we always did in the past. Well its good to break out occasionally and expand our thinking and working. Well over the last three and a half weeks my attention has been on a work of an old beech tree growing on the top of a small cliff; it has been challenging and I am pleased to say that the work although having been exceedingly, trying is succeeding and nearing completion. 

To relax my art a little, it has always been an enjoyable pastime of mine to play with old wire, twisting and bending it into all sorts of things, the above is an example. At the moment in my play time the use of heavier wire is with varying degrees of success. being used to attempt the creation of floral broaches. To be worn as jewellery it needs to not only look pretty, but also be strong and able to take knocks. My present attempts at making a life size daisy out of heavy wire are of varying success; but good fun, relaxing and you never know it might end up with something worthwhile.

So don't take yourself to seriously, relax, enjoy your art, it's good for you.

 

The journey throughout Wales continues, now we have reached Pembrooke or as many refer it to as Little England, whatever, it is full to overflowing with many gorgeous places which we both love. A superb farm b&b, everybody was so friendly. A must to visit was St David's, Britain's smallest city; however beyond that tiny historic city, towards the peninsular's point are superb beaches and harboured inlets, coupled with that are many very tiny narrow country lanes, which as usual Liz loved, even if some of them left my nerves a little frayed.

We relaxed at the above inlet right on the peninsular point as evening slowly drew near. No cafe, no gift shops or anything, just peaceful.

 

Just to change direction for this morning, with a reminder that my ongoing project work is progressing well, above is an example of where my work is moving at present. This work still with ink, which has moved up a size to A2, In very rough understanding that's almost a square meter; for detailed ink work it is massive and each piece of work is a major undertaking; its hard to explain just what an undertaking each work is; however it may be better understood by the fact that I emptied two and a bit pens producing it, over 3 weeks.

Why do I tell you about the above? Well the results are amazing me and it is all so exciting; a bit scary realy. Then yesterday, I was offered a five month one man exhibition of this work to be held in the first half of next year; the venue and firm dates are a little early to release, but it is so encouraging and it will be wonderful being able to share my work with those of you able to attend.

By the way positive comments by those of you who view this blog are also very encouraging and helpful. Thank you.

 

Still moving southwards and again on very narrow twisty roads; this time on a lane half way between Carmarthen and Fishguard, it was gloriously arm, the sun shone with a gentle breeze; it was perfect for water colours. I sat on a rock with another boulder two feet away serving as a table and just relaxed. A family were seated on the grass just a little to the right of the picture, simply and quietly enjoying the loveliness of the location. 

You might notice that only the centre of the image is coloured. The mind automatically colours in the outer areas of the picture and as a result the whole process of creating a watercolour sketch is speeded up considerably; which with the vagility of our weather is often a good idea.

I have often written about the lanes which Liz loves, i.e. the narrow twisting lanes and the surprises which were often found at the end of them. Above is one such lane with an ending, oft repeated, with a quiet, holy, ancient chapel, often, as in this case right on the beach. There was a small car park with a magnificent beach, a friendly local beach cafe and a few families enjoying a family beach holiday; there was space a plenty for all. The teasels (big thistles), were there thousands of them and such rich colours, they were a feast for the eyes. We found unsung places like this all over the place.

 

The trek down through Wales continues, many small hamlets were driven through. The one above was somewhere in mid Wales, a sleepy little place and also it was pouring with rain. We pulled up in the church carpark, Liz got out her book and I did this quick sketch without even removing my safety belt.. Seeing one person, a lady of mid years walking her dog, her head was deep down in her anorak hood trying to stay dry. A lovely quiet and restful halt. We then journeyed on.

 

Travel is not all about differing cultures, food and exotic venues, it is also about enjoyment and seeing the different ways of living and best of all the unusual. This is the first time that I have seen this road sign, it was in a small village in central Wales and for the cynic, no I did not see a cat with a white stick.

Back to England for a moment. On Monday having a rare free day we decided to venture to the South Bank in London, just to chill out, have a stroll, see some favourite sites and have lunch. As usual we were on the lookout for the unusual and interesting. We were not disapointed.A little ahead of us appeared a person who certainly caught your attention. It was female, tall and very slim. She had waist length pure white hair, over a knitted orange bomber jacket. Over her shoulders and flying in the breeze was  a dayglow, high viz, pink scafe. Then to complete the outfit were a pair of viridian green baggy trousers. Now what her statement was I have no idea, but boy did you see her coming.

We then returned home chuckling having had a lovely trip ou.