The above image is of a fast disapearing footpath on Bisely Common which I saw the other week when out  walking with a friend called John,

Today I want to talk a little about art in general. Last night with my wife and a friend we went to see Puccinie's Opera, Madam Butterfly, which was being shown as a cinema live relay direct from Covent Garden. It is the forth time of my seeing this opera and each time it gets better. It was superb from many angles. Historically it was excellent, well researched. The stage set was so simple, yet wonderfully superb. The orchrestra and conductor were out of this world. Then we came to the singing and acting which left us speachless with admiration for such expressive skills. What a night.

I am an artist, also a musician, not quiet as good as the above and then, on occasion a poet; what I am trying to say is that art is good for you, it enriches life , expands your mind and is such good fun. I'm not talking about good or bad art today, that debate is for another time. Next week we are seeing another cinema relay, this time it will be a ballet. In the lightbox at the moment are some works by Canaletto the Venetian artist, go see them, they are superb.

Give art a little space in your lives. Art can be produced by yourself or enjoyed by seeing other peoples work. Either way it is healthy, go to a gallery, paint or listen to some music today; you might enjoy it.

To lighten up a little, today I am showing you the humorous side of my art. The above sculpture is made totally from waste paper, pva glue and acrylic paint. It shows a small holiday dingy for an avid bookworm. The process of building the above was very lengthy, it took nearly four months to make, but was such good fun. Out of interest, on its first public showing, it sold on the first day of the exhibition.

On this Saturday just gone I spent a lovey time with the Knaphill scouts who were camping and having a super time. Whilst with then I lead an art workshop; that was good fun as well. Much laughter and some pretty good art work was produced as well.

Why the above? With the death of our Queen, the last week has been terrible and yet in other ways wonderful; we must remember that Elizabeth would be the first to say, don't forget, we must keep our memories, yet move on, enjoy yourself's and lead a full life.

 

Father, 

Today as a nation we give thanks for the life of our beloved monarch Elizabeth the 11 as she now rests with You in Divine Heavenly Splendour.

We pray for ourselves as a people, to find fresh direction under Charles 111, in these difficult times.

Lastly we pray for the Royal family, give them comfort, strength and ability to follow the magnificent life of faith, which Elizabeth demonstrated so splendidly.

 

 Elizabeth rests and Lies in State, whilst her children stand around the coffin. in silence.

The public pass by sharing their grief.

A families private grief shared with the nation.

Never before have this nation and the Royal Family been so open about and shared their joint feelings

 

Yesterday Liz and myself went to Windsor to pay our respects and bid farewell to our Queen.

The feelings in Windsor were not deeply unhappy but rather being a little on the quiet and respectful side of the peoples mourning. It was good to go there and spend a few moments reading (on the flowers) how others felt of these sad events. We heard many differing languages, met all ages, saw no inappropriate behaviour. People were quietly sober and respectful.

It was raining and the two pencil sketches done very quickly whilst dodging the rain drops, show the crowds coming up from the station to the town and the second image shows where the flowers were being left at the gate to the great park.

A special day out, which is one that Liz and myself will remember.

As the second Elizabethan age finishes, let us for a moment or two stop and give thanks for such a remarkable women who has lead this Nation and the Commonwealth majestically for so many years.

I have two lovely memories of her. 

Firstly, when a certain Prime Minister consistently failed to answer my letters; I wrote to the Queen about his attitude towards democracy. I received a lovely letter from one of her equerries; and by return of post a letter arrived from Downing Street!

My second memory took place in Sheffield about twenty years ago when she was on an official visit. I was stood near the central library and as she walked past me, only about four feet away, she gave me a lovely smile.

So now as with such fond sadness we say farewell to this Commonwealths and Nations mother, let us pray for and support her son, Charles the Second.

Charles Duncan Twigg

Summer is moving on and now as we walk in the countryside or look around our gardens, we can see the autumnal browns and oranges appearing in the trees and shrubs. It is beautiful and this summer has been a marvelous summer (even if we could have done with a little more rain). Liz and myself have been outside enjoying the splendour of nature whenever possible.

We make simple picnics several times a week; a sandwich fits in nicely alongside my camera and pencil case, inside my shoulder bag. I also take an extremely lightweight A4 drawing board with me, which also fits neatly into my bag; in actual fact it lies rather comfortably against my back. Liz always carries the drinks, because liquid and cameras do not mix very well. The total weight is insignificant. 

Which brings me to the point of this blog, a quick sketch whilst you eat a picnic is good fun and helps us to see and become more aware of our surroundings. The above sketch was drawn whilst eating a picnic about two days ago. A very pleasant hour or so occurred; several walkers passed by, stopped to chat, cyclists even stopped. Art is such a universal communication tool, use it; as a result you will find that it is enjoyable meeting closely with nature, our surroundings and other people; most of whom are rather pleasant.