I thought that another of the digitally scanned images would be ok. So here is one which shows how it can reproduce colour. I know it isn't a tree (it is a Virginia creeper) but it is a part of the "Fall" as the Americans call autumn (incidentally maybe that is a good name for the season)  and that plant does show rather dramatically the Autumnal colourion. 

Hope you like it.

Duncan

Painting and every form of artistic expression is a part of the greater personal developmental process. As such it is always nice to do something which you are good at, but that must not be the end of the matter as we all need to develop and progress. Following that rule, my work on trees continues to expand and develop.

The above is an image of a skeletal leaf which I picked up on Triggs Lane a while ago. The temptations were to photograph, paint, ink, or whatsoever it. All the conventional ideas seemed great and very creative, however I felt the need to reproduce it with a technique which captured the essence in a slightly fresh manner.

I started by darkening the studio, a bit like a photographic dark room. Stage two was to remove to top of my scanner. Stage three to go into the scanner settings and increase the DPI (dots per inch) from the usual 300 to 1200. In the setting, activate the dust removal mode.  Then finally to place the skeletal leaf on the scanner and set the scanner in motion. The scan can take quite a while. Now place the image into photoshop and go into navigate mode in order to blow the image up to almost pixel level. At this point any dust or blemishes which remain become apparent and can be removed. Then, lastly adjust the contrast levels slightly to match with reality and print. Now the printing important, I chose a good quality, archival, matt photographic paper. Above is the result.

So think and try something different, or with a new twist in it. Have fun

Regards Duncan

 

Well at last home again and what a wonderful week it was at Epsom. Lots and lots demonstrated, taught and helped people along with. Many wanted to talk and on occasion really open up, several carers stopped and talked, as did many professionals. What a week; on top of everything else, during the mornings, days and evenings I manage to produce the above work.

 But it wasn't all work, we saw Mozarts Don Giovani and Rogers and Hammerstein's the Sound of Music; the latter by  a local operatic group and it was good, very good indeed.  All the children especially, the oldest and Gretel the youngest were every bit a s good as in the film. Maria was super.

So a marvellous week and we returned home exhausted; what is needed now is a few days of semi quietness, some hope!

Oh well back home and the usual round of activities are resumed. At the moment I am seated in the corner-house with MIND and waiting for the punters to arrive; so a few quiet moments to re-think and experience Normandy which was a super break. Before traveling it became obvious to me that I needed a rest, so the decision was taken to paint as usual, but not allow myself to be driven to much.

As such I had a super time, with the camera playing a major part in the week. The forests were subline, with autumn nudging and beginning to edge and creep its, way in, the colours were lovely. Camera wise the light was challenging as the sun was predominantly very hard and full of contrast; not perfect conditions. However judge the results yourself, the above was one of several taken near the chateau.

Next week I am working at Epsom at the LMLMM conference, which is based at St. Barnabus church. The conference covers the whole spectrum of mental health awareness and work, with speakers ranging from top professionals to persons sharing experiences. It normally is a very full on but a good and exciting week.

The stay at home this time is not for long, as on Monday we are off to Cherbourg in France for a few days with friends; no doubt there will be time found to paint a little. I will show you one or two of the image when we return.

However, the image above in titled "The book-worms boat", the dimensions are approximately 15"-18"-6", is made from waste paper and designed for all hanging. It is one of a series of sculptures of small boats which various salty types would own. The piece was started whilst at Epsom LMLMM conference last year, when a witty person requested that I made a boat whilst at the conference; above is the final result, which will be on display at Epsom later this year.

I probably will not find time to blog before I go away, so, see you in a couple of weeks.

It has been a lovely summer, with lots of challenges, trips and journeys involving going all over the place. Well only a few places to go left for this year. However, in about ten days we are off to Normandy, near Cherbourg with about twenty friends for a week; where we will be living in an old chateau, lovely, we stayed there a few years ago and it should all be rather good fun.

Apart from that, last night a rather significant point was reached. Over the last few years I have been studying trees and how they fit within their enviourments. These pieces of work are mainly pen and ink work, but do include water colour, photography, wire sculpture and one or two pencil sketches. Most of these works have involved considerable effort in time and endeavour, that is fine and it has been such a learning curve and also enjoyable, as well as demanding; well last night I finished number four hundred in the series. It doesn't stop there as the subject becomes wider and wider still the more I look. 

Just back home after being away for another trip; this time Liz took me to Bletchley Park for my belated birthday treat and the place certainly lived up to its expectations. I learnt a great deal and it is beautiful stately home, I learnt a little about myself as well and it was about not taking yourself to seriously.

Whilst seated and doing the above drawing in glorious sunshine an admirer of my work approached. That's fine and its a pleasant way of meeting people. Well this chap really liked the above drawing and wanted it; to the extent that he would like to buy it. So I replied as usual that all my work is for sale. He then put his hand in his pocket, took out two pounds and offered it to me for the picture; I just laughed, as I politely explained reality to him. He laughed as well. We parted friends.

Like I say don't take yourself to seriously and enjoy laughing at yourself occasionally.

Oh by the way New Wine went very well.