I lead an art group which meets every Thursday afternoon in Andy's on Goldsworth Park, we as a group were asked to paint some bird nesting boxes for the new church garden; all good fun and a bit of a change. Everything, that is paints and brushes were provided, so we just enjoyed ourselves. Fourteen were painted, much more than were needed, I assume the excess boxes were sold to buy plants, or something else gardenish.

It was so good putting aside for an afternoon my usual serious arty ministrations and just playing for a while. Others of a more serious dispossession also relaxed a little, the rest just loved the non to serious play. Now working with about twelve people in  a cafe with acrylic paints is asking for accidents and occasional paint splodges where they were not intended. So I needed to be very much on my guard with a damp cloth in my hand, doing the odd quick wipe up. Brushes need washing constantly, dirty water removing and replacing with clean, very busy but good clean (after a wipe with my cloth) fun.

So next time you pass St Andrews garden look out for our bird boxes. Adding a final thought, we did wonder if some of the birds would suffer migraine attacks with their new brightly coloured home.

 Conversation was lively, banter flowed back and forth, those of a more serious nature relaxed a little and just painted away, trying not to make to much of a mess. Now working in a cafe with many people painting with acrylics was asking for trouble; paint on table surfaces for example. So I needed to be constantly on my guard, walking around with a damp cloth, cleaning brushes, moving and changing very dirty water, But it worked well, all paint slashes were to the most part avoided or removed promptly, it was a very pleasant afternoon.

So next time myself or others pass the church garden we will be able to see our art work on display. We all hope the the birds don't get a migraine with all their brightly coloured nesting boxes.

Well my exhibition has been running for a little over a week now and thankfully it is going very well. This set me thinking as to why we exhibit?

 There seem to be three, maybe more, reasons to show your work; the first is money, it does cost to exhibit, so naturally that needs to be taken back and to sell a piece does cover the costs. Secondly the purpose of art is to show your thinking, understandings, ideas and skills; sharing these and helping others to see as well. Then the last reason is a much misunderstood word, ego. Look at me aren't I great; that thinking I dislike utterly; however there is an element which must not be overlooked. I know that my work is ok, but I do need encouragement in order to continue. The positive feedback which I am receiving at the moment is much appreciated and is much needed affirmation to continue; so thank you all for your comments.

The painting above is of a collection of various dried leaves, this technique I was demonstrating to a workshop last Saturday, which was as super day; I did enjoyed myself as I am sure the attendees did also. Leading workshops, teaching, encouraging, affirming, it is such an honour and a lovely way of making new friends. Out of interest the session was over suscribed, a few who hadn't booked turned up; we all squeezed in and had a good time. If any of you who attended that workshop are reading this; well I must say, "Well done"

, there was much thinking outside the box and experimentation. I had not thought of using leaves as printing blocks!!!! It was a good day.