Well it has been a while since my last blog, the reason has been simple. My computer died and took my ancient form of photoshop with it. So I have had to completely relearn the latest form of photoshop from scratch; an absolute nightmare. As you can see I am getting there after much hair pulling and many exasperating moments.

My work now has changed a little, the tree work is continuing, however from a slightly different viewpoint. Which is now partly looking at textures and contrasts, while facing walls of differing vegetation; mind blowing. Approaching each work I feel it is impossible to produce, but it isn't, just rather difficult. Now the work is created on A2 in sized paper, that is 33"x 24": done in ink, this is massive. Each piece is a monumental challenge, taking between 50 and 90 hours to produce. However the results are from my view point rather pleasing.

I am not sure how it looks on the small screen, but full sized I am rather pleased; your comments would be appreciated. An planned exhibition of this work has been accepted and as such now being produced  and worked on for mid next year. So now down to work!!

I will keep you all informed of progress.

My exhibition at St Columba's, entitled "Where is Edith" continues for the next month.

One of my favorite views from that ancient Somerset city of Wells, which we visited just a few weeks ago. To the left of this view is the approach to the Cathedral facing the west end; however this street leading to the main shopping center, I just love. The inside of the Cathedral is also simply magnificent, I must post an image to you all soon.

If you have any spare time over this weekend, it is the Guildford Festival of Art, in which I am exhibiting in. There are quite a few displays around the town, so it could make a rather pleasant day out. I submitted an ink and this can be seen hanging in the "Riverside Room" at Yvonne Arnoud theater. The piece which |I entered was shown in my blog a couple of weeks ago. It is of the woodland edge near Hangar woods, a mile or so from Newlands Corner.

 

There is a new exhibition of mine running at present at St. Columba's and this time a part of it is rather light hearted.

In my travels over the years a lady called Edith keeps appearing in my sketches. She is about forty five or fifty and has a growing family at home, so she is always carrying a heavy load of shopping with her to feed her brood. She keeps appearing in Egypt Turkey Spain Italy and many other areas which I have visited, its all a bit of fun, I slip her in everywhere. So there are many sketches on show, can you spot her. No prizes.

Alongside are several of my recent A2 ink works looking at trees, hope you like it.

Remember to ring before attending due to the sensitive work often carried out at this establishment.

Life has been so full and busy, so here is an update.

Firstly a new exhibition of mine is up at St Columba's; this collection of works has a humorous side as well as showing serious works. It comprises of 30 sketches of mine from around the world in six frames, it is all about "Edith", a lady who has mysteriously appeared in so many of my works  over the years. Alongside this are several of my recent A2 ink tree works. Due to the sensitive nature of much of the work done at St. Columba's, please remember to ring 01483 766498 before attending.

Also the drawing above has been accepted to be in the Guildford Festival this year, that is being delivered to the organisers this morning, where it will be hung I do not know yet, but I will let you know. These large A2 arboreal ink drawings  are so exciting to produce, as well as being challenging. Being larger the ability to show texture and detail is much increased; also the time taken in their production makes the emotional involvement in their production quite a large undertaking.  Both of these exhibitions show these recent A2 ink works.

Lots more is happening, but that is enough for now.

 

Well it has been quite a while since my last post. Life has been challenging, hard but on the whole good and my work has again been changing direction, but more of that for another blog.

Liz and I have just returned from one of our summer jaunts; this time to Devon, Somerset and then Lincoln, a bit of a meander all over the place. It started with a holiday, Devon and more specifically Wembury, a deeply wooded ravine leading to the sea, it was a bit like living in the rain forest, lovely. Then it all moved to the New Wine festival, near Shepton Mallet, before traversing over to Lincoln and our youngest son's marriage to Penney, again all rather lovely, she is a rather pleasant and agreeable young woman.

So today's picture is of the Penneyless porch at Wells, where I assume beggars hassled worshipers on their way into the cathedral. Our trip to Wells also involved money; Liz's favorite shoe shop and it was a successful jaunt. 

My next exhibition goes up in two weeks, more about that in a few days.

 

 

Well it has been a good while since I sketched on the London streets; so with Liz going to a girlie thing the other day, off I trundled. The weather was on the hottish side, so walking and sitting in the shade with lots of water was the order of the day. Winding my way to Trafalgar Square and finding a shaded spot near the South African Embassy I seated myself on the pavement, leaning against a dolphin lamp post; very comfortable and out of the flow of pedestrians, so not in any bodies way. It was good fun, several people leaned over my shoulder to have a look, lots of friendly interchanges; very pleasant. 

The picture is of St Martin's in the Field from the South African Embassy side and it is the first street sketch produced by me for many months.

As an older person, I feel that there should be a compulsory coarse for the elderly; How to get up of the floor in the event of a fall. That I can manage, with absolutely no problem, so sitting on the ground is problem free and surprisingly rather comfortable.

This was followed by a couple of hours in the National Gallery. I loved Constable's painting "The Cornfield". 

I must get into London more often! Good fun.

My exhibition at St Columba's comes down on Friday, so last chance to see it.

Regards Duncan

 

Well it has been a while since my last blog, to be honest we have both gone through a tough time; as a result there has been little spare time or effort left to produce my blog. So lets put that right.

Still during the last few months, it has not been an idle time; those of you who follow my blogs will be aware that my ink work has moved up a mighty step to A2 size. That is big, for ink, very big indeed and the results are amazing me. Detail and impression of detail has leapt up in quantity and I hope you feel that is reflected in the quality as well. The time factor has increased as well, the above took three weeks and several hours each day to produce. 

I personally, am certainly very pleased with the work coming out of my pen at the moment. As this is all so new, your comments and input would be highly valued and listened to. 

My exhibition at St Columba's has only one week left to run, so this is a last chance to see my maritine look at the slow demise of ancient fishing vessels around our coasts. A warm welcome is always given there, but remember to ring before attending, because St Columba's often have sensitive events happening, as such the doors need to be closed.

Kindest regards Duncan