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.