Surprise, surprise, Christmas is with us again; isn't it just wonderful.

For those of you who saw my last blog, I did put fairy lights on the car, but only on the dashboard: it made Liz laugh and laugh again. For those with a health and safety bent in life, I hasten to add that they were removed before driving of. 

The above water colour of the wise men arriving at Bethlehem was produced a couple of years ago. The methodology is simple. use one principal colour, in this case cerulean blue (an easily available and good night time colour), build up the image and density of colour with several loose washes; being careful to leave the door way and lit areas paint free. Then just add a few spots of windsor yellow to give the warmth of an oil lantern. Add to finnish one or two very small dots of cadmium red, to make the colour circle (red, yellow, blue) presence complete. With the use of a hairdryer to speed up the drying. Next scan it into the computer, then into photoshop to add the writing; simple, took less than an hour. You are allowed to call me a smarty pants!

So as the Wise Men greeted the new born King; so I look forwards to welcoming Him again in a few days time; so may I say that:

I wish you all a very happy and Blessed Christmas.

 

 Well it is Advent and we are, in the majority, looking forwards to Christmas with anticipation; whether that be for the cooking, the presents and hopefully, also for the birth of Jesus.

Last night we saw this car; we decided not to count how many lights were attached and as to whether the paintwork would be damaged on their removal. Whatever, we love it and Liz wants one. I said no.

Art expresses itself into all of what we are and do. How are you expressing yourself this Christmas. A simple way it to create a Christmas card, maybe for someone you love. It doesn't have to be good, just the expression is what counts.

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.