A lesson re-learnt today.

All my friends know that I walk with two Leki walking sticks. Pride in their use was swallowed a long time ago, so nowadays they are not a problem; as with them I have my mobility back. Anyhow one of them sustained a stress fracture the other week; so being under warranty I contacted Leki to have a repair or an exchange on the offending stick.

Well the first contact was with Leki by e mail. The reply was rather negative asking for photographic evidence of the fracture; this was supplied. A reply some time later was very unhelpful, obviously designed to put of warranty claimants. They now requested the actual stick to be posted to them; not impossible, but in reality a walking stick is a tricky thing to wrap and post. So I thought, blow this  for a lark and went to Cotswold, Guildford, who supplied the stick and explained the situation in a correct and factual  manner. A chap behind the till called Timothy was super. He tried to repair the stick, no luck. Called in extra staff, they took it apart, then cannibalized another stick and gave me a good as new, old stick back. 

The moral is, Talk calmly and politely, forget the e-mail stuff, rather use the old fashioned face to face approach, being rational and polite; this simply works wonders.

By the way Timothy, as we talked a little about travel art and what I do, here is a quick drawing (ink) of Mount Mossa (Moses) in Wadi Rum, Jordan. This was done during a fantastic day on a four wheeled drive land drover, during a short break from leaping from sand dune to sand dune in the car. Some days you just do not forget. This immediate area is where the film Laurence of Arabia was filmed.

So thank you Timothy and Cotswolds.

Well Christmas is almost with us and the big question as ever is, "Are you ready" and the answer as always is, "I am, but I doubt if Liz would agree". I wonder if Mary was ready! The above is an Israeli reconstruction of a house from Jesus time and is probably much likes Jesus's home; this rebuilt village is on the eastern shores of the Sea of Galilee and we visited it some years ago.

So I wish you all a marvelous Christmas, Have fun, Jesus would like that.

Painting is ongoing, I am working on an old beech tree at the moment, its all about very soft lines. It looks good so far, can I keep it up, or will I be told to put my painting away and help with the Christmas preparations.

See you all soon

Duncan

At last Christmas is almost with us and many things apart from Christmas preparations are slowing down. Apart from MIND all my other commitments have stopped for two weeks; a rest; well that is the theory.

The Hebrew boat is coming on nicely, it is now assembled and is in the paint shop. Half of the decking has been left of deliberately, as the scene is going to be a repair shop and this way the boats inner construction is shown. The painting is a lengthy process  of many uneven and thin coats which are applied in what looks like a slapdash manner. But seeing many layers of paint through each other will give a surprising aged look to the vessel when completed. A few odds and ends (such as chests and tools) are receiving the same process at the same time.

Well its time to relax now, maybe a dvd.

Sometimes in life events happen which are encouraging and to be honest are good for you. One of those events happened on Thursday. It was the opening preview evening for my latest exhibition at Clyde & Co solicitors with Guildford Arts Notwithstanding that selling a piece is always uplifting, what really boosted me were the words of encouragement from the visitors who were viewing. So a good evening; I felt uplifted.

One of the conversation points of the evening was about painting in the open. Personally, I like people contact when painting; I enjoy the process of conversation banter and chit chat. But another aspect is the work produced.

The accuracy and artistic fineness of studio work will never be attained in the open air. But where the fineness is lost, certainly a looseness and freedom to express is gained, which makes the work exceedingly valid. Attached is a a ketch from near Cromer in Norfolk to illustrate this.

In previous postings I have also discussed using a scanner as a dark room camera.  We also discussed this aspect of my work during the evening.  Take look back in the blog to see some of those images.

See you soon.

An unusual picture to blog, maybe but read on. Several of you who have seen my work over the years have seen the finished products of my maritime sculptures which are made from scrap paper/ Well the plan is to make one of these creations over the next few weeks/months and post progress pictures every now and then.

The ship of which the beginnings are above, is a representation of a 1st. cent AD Hebrew fishing boat of the type used on the Sea of Galilee in Jesus time. One of these boats was dug out of the mud on the seas shore some years ago and is now in a museum just south of Magdela at a place called Yigal Allon. I spent some time examining the preserved remains and reading about this amazing find. Hopefully in not to long a time you will see what they probably looked like. The boat will be made from scrap paper, pva glue and acrylic paint, with a few small odds and ends which are lying around thrown in. It dosnt look very impressive at the moment, just wait a day or so!

Don't forget the 5th of December if you are around. An invitation to the exhibition is a few blogs back.

Duncan

We just returned last night from Sidmouth in Devon, we had a friend with us Jean and we met a chap called Tony whilst down there. It is important if you lead a busy life to have a place you can go to and just relax. Sidmouth is like that for us; we have been there many time and know the place inside out. We do the same things every time and do them without thinking and chill for a while. One of our favourites is going to Beer (a small fishing village), and having a supper in the pub and a walk on the shingle beach. Just a nice thing to do.

The weather wasn't very good this time, so sketching outside was not really a possibility, although I did do one or two; rained off for number one and blown off for number two. So a photo this time,the hotel we stayed in was in the centre of the white block of buildings. I took work with me and spent many relaxing hours talking to other guests and drawing in the sitting room. Very pleasant indeed.

Just a reminder the open night of my latest exhibition on the 5th. of December. An invitation is a couple of blogs back

Well it is Sunday morning and to be honest I am a little sleepy. The good reason is that I slept very well indeed. So today is little more restful than usual. Church then friends for lunch followed by the Bolshoi ballet performing Le Corsair. So a rather splendid day.

Art wise, well the exhibition at Clyde and Co. is up and running, I do hope that some of you will be able to be there on the 5th of December, invite and instructions on last weeks blog.

As for my painting and drawing, well I am not slacking, see above which is on the banks of the Wey Navigation about 3/4 of a mile south of Guildford on the west bank. Ink work is exciting; I am trying harder and harder to get away from proper crisp and clean lines and rely more on broken lineage, almost using scratches, the above drawing is showing this process. However the experimentation and work goes on.

Will write soon. 

Good morning to all my followers and thank you all for the ongoing support, it is important to me.

Those of you who are able, are invited to a private  viewing of my work at the above on the 5th of December, at Clyde and Co. in Stoke Road Guildford. I will be there as will the other eight who are exhibiting. This is exciting because I did not apply to exhibit here; I was invited. If some of you are 

able to be there, I would love to see you.

1. .

Above is a copy of one of the exhibition pieces.

I thought that another of the digitally scanned images would be ok. So here is one which shows how it can reproduce colour. I know it isn't a tree (it is a Virginia creeper) but it is a part of the "Fall" as the Americans call autumn (incidentally maybe that is a good name for the season)  and that plant does show rather dramatically the Autumnal colourion. 

Hope you like it.

Duncan

Painting and every form of artistic expression is a part of the greater personal developmental process. As such it is always nice to do something which you are good at, but that must not be the end of the matter as we all need to develop and progress. Following that rule, my work on trees continues to expand and develop.

The above is an image of a skeletal leaf which I picked up on Triggs Lane a while ago. The temptations were to photograph, paint, ink, or whatsoever it. All the conventional ideas seemed great and very creative, however I felt the need to reproduce it with a technique which captured the essence in a slightly fresh manner.

I started by darkening the studio, a bit like a photographic dark room. Stage two was to remove to top of my scanner. Stage three to go into the scanner settings and increase the DPI (dots per inch) from the usual 300 to 1200. In the setting, activate the dust removal mode.  Then finally to place the skeletal leaf on the scanner and set the scanner in motion. The scan can take quite a while. Now place the image into photoshop and go into navigate mode in order to blow the image up to almost pixel level. At this point any dust or blemishes which remain become apparent and can be removed. Then, lastly adjust the contrast levels slightly to match with reality and print. Now the printing important, I chose a good quality, archival, matt photographic paper. Above is the result.

So think and try something different, or with a new twist in it. Have fun

Regards Duncan

 

Well at last home again and what a wonderful week it was at Epsom. Lots and lots demonstrated, taught and helped people along with. Many wanted to talk and on occasion really open up, several carers stopped and talked, as did many professionals. What a week; on top of everything else, during the mornings, days and evenings I manage to produce the above work.

 But it wasn't all work, we saw Mozarts Don Giovani and Rogers and Hammerstein's the Sound of Music; the latter by  a local operatic group and it was good, very good indeed.  All the children especially, the oldest and Gretel the youngest were every bit a s good as in the film. Maria was super.

So a marvellous week and we returned home exhausted; what is needed now is a few days of semi quietness, some hope!

Oh well back home and the usual round of activities are resumed. At the moment I am seated in the corner-house with MIND and waiting for the punters to arrive; so a few quiet moments to re-think and experience Normandy which was a super break. Before traveling it became obvious to me that I needed a rest, so the decision was taken to paint as usual, but not allow myself to be driven to much.

As such I had a super time, with the camera playing a major part in the week. The forests were subline, with autumn nudging and beginning to edge and creep its, way in, the colours were lovely. Camera wise the light was challenging as the sun was predominantly very hard and full of contrast; not perfect conditions. However judge the results yourself, the above was one of several taken near the chateau.

Next week I am working at Epsom at the LMLMM conference, which is based at St. Barnabus church. The conference covers the whole spectrum of mental health awareness and work, with speakers ranging from top professionals to persons sharing experiences. It normally is a very full on but a good and exciting week.

The stay at home this time is not for long, as on Monday we are off to Cherbourg in France for a few days with friends; no doubt there will be time found to paint a little. I will show you one or two of the image when we return.

However, the image above in titled "The book-worms boat", the dimensions are approximately 15"-18"-6", is made from waste paper and designed for all hanging. It is one of a series of sculptures of small boats which various salty types would own. The piece was started whilst at Epsom LMLMM conference last year, when a witty person requested that I made a boat whilst at the conference; above is the final result, which will be on display at Epsom later this year.

I probably will not find time to blog before I go away, so, see you in a couple of weeks.

It has been a lovely summer, with lots of challenges, trips and journeys involving going all over the place. Well only a few places to go left for this year. However, in about ten days we are off to Normandy, near Cherbourg with about twenty friends for a week; where we will be living in an old chateau, lovely, we stayed there a few years ago and it should all be rather good fun.

Apart from that, last night a rather significant point was reached. Over the last few years I have been studying trees and how they fit within their enviourments. These pieces of work are mainly pen and ink work, but do include water colour, photography, wire sculpture and one or two pencil sketches. Most of these works have involved considerable effort in time and endeavour, that is fine and it has been such a learning curve and also enjoyable, as well as demanding; well last night I finished number four hundred in the series. It doesn't stop there as the subject becomes wider and wider still the more I look. 

Just back home after being away for another trip; this time Liz took me to Bletchley Park for my belated birthday treat and the place certainly lived up to its expectations. I learnt a great deal and it is beautiful stately home, I learnt a little about myself as well and it was about not taking yourself to seriously.

Whilst seated and doing the above drawing in glorious sunshine an admirer of my work approached. That's fine and its a pleasant way of meeting people. Well this chap really liked the above drawing and wanted it; to the extent that he would like to buy it. So I replied as usual that all my work is for sale. He then put his hand in his pocket, took out two pounds and offered it to me for the picture; I just laughed, as I politely explained reality to him. He laughed as well. We parted friends.

Like I say don't take yourself to seriously and enjoy laughing at yourself occasionally.

Oh by the way New Wine went very well.

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.

Well Liz and myself are off traveling again. This time is up north to Sheffield and to see all our friends, sons and grandsons up there.

 Now as it is a little cold, I thought maybe a sketch of a warmer clime would be appropriate, so here is Moses Mountain (the Arabs call it Mont Mose, and they pronounce the o differently as well) this is in Wadi Rum, Jordan; its where the film Lawrence of Arabia was filmed. Liz and myself spent a good few hours hanging onto the back for grim life of a four by four as the driver drove like a mad man all over the desert. He stopped occasionally for me to do a quick sketch or take photos and get our breath back, great fun. This was a very quick sketch, finished off in the hotel latter that night; but it works. 

There are many types of desert in differing places, this one is a sand and mountainous one, I have been in the Sinai, Sahara and other desserts some of them can be very cold, but this one was just so very beautiful and hot, very hot! You hear stories of the colours of the sand; but here, there are walls of rock here which are sand blasted into amazing shapes and each exposed strata is another colour. they look like massively over colour saturated pictures. Wadi Rum was one of those places which I will never forget.

Well that was better than talking about the cold in and around Sheffield; but I do love the people of and the place called Sheffield.

Went into London sketching yesterday and had a super time; its been a while as it just hasn't been possible, for all sorts of reasons to get there working. Well, I managed to get there last week and getting going again, but it was hard work, however this week I was back in my flow. It was the kind of day which says, this is what it is about. 

Art is all about communication, and that means meeting people, listening to their views, expressing yours and enjoying others company. Met four groups of note yesterday, firstly two lovely ladies who were off to a female writers conference, meal, drink sort of thing, that was pleasant; then seven students from northern France while I was painting the above, they were good fun. Next on the way home, a homeless guy in Trafalgar Square, he was quiet, not much confidence, but an ok guy. Then last but not least, whilst near Charring Cross, a local friend from Woking, we strolled back together, chatting about all sorts of things, before stopping for a coffee on the South Bank, where I did another sketch.

So two images, four pleasant groups of people; that is what I call a good day and what street painting is all about.

Had a nice day today: whilst we were visiting a friend in a nursing home. We needed to wait for short while, so as is my usual behaviour, out came my drawing and I settled down quite happily  to spend the waiting time productively. 

Along came a member of staff and we started chatting; people usually have no qualms about talking to artists. It was a pleasant ten minuets or so. The end result was that she loved my work---thank you.

we talked about ink and how wide are its applications. She liked still life as a youngster and was a little intrigued as to drawing glass with a pen. So here is one for you Amber. 

The trees project is exciting at the moment as there is a slight change in direction. The size of paper to work on has increased up to A3; still not a massive image, but when it is detailed ink work, the size is rather challenging and involves a great deal of work. However the results are rather encouraging, as the larger image give the end product a great deal of umph; they look good!

Considering technique and accuracy representation I am looking towards the ground more and looking at the various plants etc. and representing them in more definitive rather than abstract ways; for example the above drawing of which there is a list of each plant included. Areas of various grasses are challenging, but good fun. 

Must start thinking about my New Wine submission and work to be done for Epsom in the autumn.

So that's what I am up to at the moment.

Charles

Well the exhibition in Guildford is finished and it went very well indeed. Sadly due to blog blips (which I have sorted out myself, well done) I was not able to tell you all at the time of all that happened. Well it seems as if an (unnamed as of yet) body noticed my work and liked it; more of that later.

But as you will have noticed spring is slowly creeping into view, blossom and greenery is sprouting up everywhere; That reminds me of summer travels. I, like most of you will like that. So above is a watercolour sketch of Port Quinn in Cornwall. There are lots of super places to visit, paint and sketch, so go for it.

Well at last the work is over and the exhibition at Guildford is up and it opened this morning; I owe a very big thank you to John for all the help he gave me in hanging it. So now Liz and myself are away on a short leaders conference from church; absolutely fabulous speakers; even if the days are rather long and tiring it is certainly worth the effort; I am learning a great deal.

Although I intend to have an artistic rest, that does not mean no painting, I have managed to squeeze in about two and a half hours today, that's what's so good about ink as a medium; it all fits into my briefcase, it is completely portable.

The above ink is done from one of my photos, which I took when in Sweden over New Year. Its a lovely country, even if a tad cooler, but with lots of space and the people even if quiet, they are very friendly. These pine forests are only a short distance from where he lives.

Well after lots of hard work, all the images are ready for my next exhibition in Guildford, which opens on the 11th. March and runs until the 30th. It is being held in the Guildford institute, in Ward Street, which is just of Market Street. Just out of interest the Institute sells super veg food.

Over the last year I feel that my work has matured, but you all must be the judge of that. Above is one of the displayed images, it shows new growth, in a clearing by a large solitary beech tree; the work is a little bigger than A3.

On Friday Liz and a friend went girlie shopping and I was invited along. I agreed to accompany them to Guildford and have a coffee with them; after which I disappeared with my drawing board and pens. The above drawing was the result; not a great drawing, but pleasant enough. The point is all about sketching and why we do it.

I had a lovely hour, only about half of it sketching, the rest of the time was used in talking; I had  an easy, relaxed, enjoyable time.

 Sketching does two things, firstly it sharpens up your observance skills, confidence and draughtsmanship. Then secondly it teaches you how to get on with people. When painting or drawing on the street it always attracts strangers, it is like a magnet, for all types. So if you don't like people, don't sketch on the street.

But I would say enjoy the attention, meet people in a non threatening way. Try it, you will have a good time.

Two images tonight, the first an ink from the tree project of a corner from RHS Wisley Gardens. I like it, with its complexity of undergrowth, bushes etc; all very serious and then the second, to which I  add, "Don't take yourself to seriously".

A member of one of my groups turned up today with a very small 1 inch by 2 inch, child's Christmas cracker, toy type, water colour box, which had an awful toothbrush like brush enclosed, and then said with a chuckle, "What can you do with that". The brush allowed no control, it dripped and flooded when and wherever it wanted to. The challenge was laid, and that small woodland scene was produced in about 5 minuets. We all had a good laugh and then got down to proper painting;  a good way to start a meeting.

Well life does have surprises and last week at one of my groups the challenge was laid as to my doing one of the tree images in watercolour; so here you have it. Just to show of I did two: but am posting only one; I did them as a pair, same size, colour-range, etc; I feel that they are awful, they are very sketchy and loose.  They are all technique and done to a format, you know the sort of thing that can be bashed out by the dozen and artists who work in  that sort of way do not get my admiration. Work can be mass produced and sometimes a rigid format sells, but that is not my way. Am I being a bit hard on myself? Liz likes them. What do you think?

For those of you who might be interested, Christmas was superb and the New Year in Sweden with my son and his family was also special. But of real interest to you all is my work, well that continued with a flourish; the image above is of a crack willow and it was completed during odd moments when time and family allowed whilst on the other side of the North Sea; the work is larger, slightly below A3 and I think that is the way forwards for the moment.

At present a moorland gorse bush is being produced and this is producing very different drawing problems, as the ground textures between a moor side and a river bank vary enormously.