High Neb, the highest point of Stannage Edge in the Peak District.

Mixed Medial

by

Charles D Twigg

Charles is haveing a massive sort out, of years of work. The above work is going free to a good home.

 

Today has been a truely busy day, It started with the putting up of a small exhibition of my work in the Ambrose Koffee Bar which can be found on Wych Hill just below the Co-op. It all went up well, everybody was pleased; with one reservation, it needed one more tree image in the quiet end of the cafe. So, of home to select, print, frame, mount and get it ready for hanging. At the same time take liz out for breakfast, get the car cleaned and remember to breath occasionally. Then hang out the washing (my job). I managed to get back to hang the last image about two o'clock, before returning home in time to help Liz interview a new cleaner at three, I made it with about ten minuets to spare. 

I like the idea of the exhibition; Shocker, the owner wanted a quiet reflective area at the deep end of the cafe, there we had tree images; then letting the mood become more relaxed as you moved up the room. So the main area of the cafe has happy colourfull seaside fishing boat pictures; lastly by the window and the entrance, a small area showing the Woking conection, so here are six small local ink prints of around the local canals. I think it works. Not bad coffee either.

Got the washing in, so now to collapse for a while seems a good idea.

 

When we were traveling a few weeks ago a fair amount of time was spent around Studland which lies between Swannage ad Poole. It is basically an isthmus of heath land and an area of outstanding beauty, stillness and calm. The Old Harry Roks lie to the south of this area and we had the opertunity to paint, draw, sketch and anything else of these cliffs and rocks from many view points. I think I painted this view from differing places about seven times. There is something rather special about sitting on a cliff top, with a piece of paper and a pen, with the sun beaming down on you, the wind ruffeling your hair; then just drawing what you see and feel.

Very special moments; trye it.

 

Just for today, lets leave the seaside and get back onto one of my favorite subjects and that is sketching. Now a sketch is not a rubishy, trashy image of n worth, but rather a complete piece of work produced in a rather special sort of way. The whole idea is simplicity and speed, adding in emotion and impression; keep complexity out of it. no use of rubbers or rulers (I would not be likely to use eithet of those, but you get the point) or any other measuring devices.

I use a drawing board simply because when out walking my A3, 3/16th MDF board is so light and comfortable to carry in my bag, against my back, that it is always with me. The other essential ingrediants are 1, a piece of paper, and 2, a pen or pencil, thats all; but to help the process along a flask of coffee and a picnic lunch is perfect. The above was produced whoilst I ate a corned beef and salad sandwhiche, followed by a pear and an orange. The whole process, including the eating, took about 30/35 minuets.

The location was at Polsden lacey, at the top of Woodlands Road; which in reality is a dirt farm track through the woods, but what a super location. We sat on a fallen log, it was lovely and warm, with dappled light flitting through the leaves, I sketched, Liz as reading her book and a few people passed whom we chatted with. All was just about perfect. Whilst the quick style of drawing captured the essence of the lane.

My A3 board is not at all essential, many people take a small A5 book with them and just a humble HB pencil, both fit easily in most pockets.. Never decry the pencil, remember my drawing of Cromer a few weeks ago.

Well must get on. Charles.

 

When people travel to the seaside, they charge head long for the beach, the boats and the ice cream; thats normal enough; I'm a bit like that as well. But this summer on your next jaunt to the coast, slow down a littlle and look around as you rush to the beach.

The above are fishermen's lockups at Beer in Devon. They are litterally ten yards off the shingle beach and they full to the brim with feelings, textures and what the seaside is all about. Looking at how doors are cared for and the fishing detritius lying aroud, tells you so much about the place.

Today is a big day as I have finnshed my latest maritime sculpture. The glass and frame has been attached to the work. So now it has to be left for the glue to dry for twentyfour hours, then comes the sanding and painting, which is followed by the attachment of the frame furnature {hooks, eyes and hanging cord), then comes the provonance certificate which has to be to glued on the rear. Picture will appear shartly.

See you soon. Charles