Thinking about current events, some years ago I had the good fortune to spend a short time in Rome, whilst there a visit St. Peter's was a must do. Being on a walking tour we crossed the square and then walked on into the central city.

Obviously I wanted to share this image with you because of the events, with the passing of the Pope. It was the passing of a very good man, he was a superb example, who believed in scriptural Christianity, he was loved and will be much missed. Let us pray with compassion for comfort towards all Catholics and especially for wisdom to be given the cardinals as they begin the selection process of the next Pope.

On a lighter side, the sketch above was produced as I walked across the square. Water colour palette and pad in my left hand, with a brush and pencil in my right, this was as I walked with my group. Impossible to carry a water bottle as I had no more hands, so sadly and I apologise for this, spittle had to do for water. No cadmium based paints were used, I think.  Amazing that the picture turned out as well as it did.

Seriously, it was a little heath Robinsonish and the rest of my walking tour did laugh. But we all agreed that we got the picture and it caught the mood. 

Take wild risks, they often work.

 

This morning both being sleepy, we had a ly-in, not waking up until nine; now for us that is lazy.Then looking at our diarys and finding today having a blank page, we realised that we had a free day. So a quick breakfast was consumed and then out to play.

Tangmere was the decided destination. For those who are not aware, it is the site of a Battle of Brittan fighter airfield, which now has a museum on site. An hour or so later we arrived and at the museum which was splendid, we would recommend it to all. The only down fall was that there wasn't much to paint, now for me that is a disaster, so out came my camera.

The idea was to not take any documentary type photos, but to go along the arty line. That's what I did , looking for colour, reflections, contrasts and any thing else. This was the side of a Hawker Hunter fighter.

Occasionally to do some thing different is refreshing and jolly good fun.

 

For the sake of those who feel that I do not lead an exciting life, the other evening we, that is Liz and myself took part in the Japanese, Kit-Kat challenge. This involved tasting about thirty or so pieces of chocolate, then naming them. I got one right!  Enough of chocolate.

My exhibition at St. Columba's is going very well, it is remaining open to visitors until the end of May.

The painting above was also painted at beer when in a relaxed and couldn't care less sort of mood. A splash of watercolour around the boats then let pen take over.  Its fun and relaxing; I particularly like looking for thing that shouldn't be there, such as a car tyre, an open book; but to be honest there is a tea mug nearly everywhere.

A simple trick to draw compositions together on the beach. Notice the cables from the boats, they all deliberately go to a center of interest point; They draw the eye in and help to make the picture work.

See you soon Duncan

 

Liz and myself have just come home from our spring break in Sidmouth, we were tired and needed a rest, as usual the Kingswood hotel in Sidmouth looked after us so well; thank you.

Also as usual Beer was visited a couple of times for a little R and R painting on the shingle beach and around the fishing boats. Our first visit was on a lovely day, with a  horizon to horizon blue sky, lovely. The only down side was the ever so cold and fierce wind; being hardy and refusing to be put off, a warm coat, jumper and scalfe were donned and a painting I did go facing the full onslaught of the wind.

The water colour started well; however my drawing board was vibrating wildy as the wind tried to steel it from my hands, I persevered.

Soon after my water bottle was blown away.   Soon after that after my water colour pallet was upturned.

Refusing to be beaten, my brushes were put away and out came a pen. So a half water colour--unfinished work was continued in ink. The end result was not brilliant, but great fun. I will not show you that piece.

Two days later, the wind having abated, a return trip was undertaken, water colour work on my mind.

So sat in the same spot as before, I started a rendition of the chapel, a rock arch in the cliffs; perfect weather for water colour. A short while later one of the fishermen came over to chat, I know some of them quite well, with a mug of tea for me (no charge), and a natter, very pleasant. All in all a super morning.

I love painting out side, it is so changeable and such good fun, you never know what is going to transpire.  Try it.