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.

A quick sketch of St James's  Taunton done last year

Well I am back home now and back to the usual routine, sat at the Cornerhouse trying to wake up and be social for Mind.

Taunton went well. Its good to see a group of people use a new media, a new paper, and all that in new conditions, i.e. painting outside. So well done Taunton art group, I take my hat off to you.

Now back home and a few days before Liz and myself are off to Peterborough and New Wine, where I hope to meet again lots of old friends and give people a chance to see my work again.

The other day Liz and myself took a good friend of ours to Wisley RHS gardens, the weather was just right and a very pleasant afternoon was had by all. Whilst there the chance came to do a quick sketch of the pagoda.

Which brings me to the point, that tomorrow for a few days, we are off to Taunton in Somerset, to lead an art group. The subject is sketching when on holiday.

When you sketch several things occur. People talk to you, you relax and you look at things properly; as a result your memories are better of the places visited and I personally enjoy them more. Try it. The work doesn't have to be clever or even good in the worlds eyes; and I assure you that you will enjoy yourself.

See you in a few days.

As life slowly returns to normal, lets have one more image from Honfluer, this one is the first which I produced shortly after arriving; it is of the Lieutenant, a castle like structure by the inner basin. The castle has not survived, as sometime during the 18 or 17 hundreds the castle was demolished and the stones used to build the harbour. Hence after a varied military history, including Henry the V, Agincourt, Crecy and much more, the town was demilitarise.

Next week with Liz I amtraveling down to Taunton, Somerset and leading a group there; no rest for the wicked, I love it.