Just to change direction for this morning, with a reminder that my ongoing project work is progressing well, above is an example of where my work is moving at present. This work still with ink, which has moved up a size to A2, In very rough understanding that's almost a square meter; for detailed ink work it is massive and each piece of work is a major undertaking; its hard to explain just what an undertaking each work is; however it may be better understood by the fact that I emptied two and a bit pens producing it, over 3 weeks.

Why do I tell you about the above? Well the results are amazing me and it is all so exciting; a bit scary realy. Then yesterday, I was offered a five month one man exhibition of this work to be held in the first half of next year; the venue and firm dates are a little early to release, but it is so encouraging and it will be wonderful being able to share my work with those of you able to attend.

By the way positive comments by those of you who view this blog are also very encouraging and helpful. Thank you.

 

Still moving southwards and again on very narrow twisty roads; this time on a lane half way between Carmarthen and Fishguard, it was gloriously arm, the sun shone with a gentle breeze; it was perfect for water colours. I sat on a rock with another boulder two feet away serving as a table and just relaxed. A family were seated on the grass just a little to the right of the picture, simply and quietly enjoying the loveliness of the location. 

You might notice that only the centre of the image is coloured. The mind automatically colours in the outer areas of the picture and as a result the whole process of creating a watercolour sketch is speeded up considerably; which with the vagility of our weather is often a good idea.

I have often written about the lanes which Liz loves, i.e. the narrow twisting lanes and the surprises which were often found at the end of them. Above is one such lane with an ending, oft repeated, with a quiet, holy, ancient chapel, often, as in this case right on the beach. There was a small car park with a magnificent beach, a friendly local beach cafe and a few families enjoying a family beach holiday; there was space a plenty for all. The teasels (big thistles), were there thousands of them and such rich colours, they were a feast for the eyes. We found unsung places like this all over the place.

 

The trek down through Wales continues, many small hamlets were driven through. The one above was somewhere in mid Wales, a sleepy little place and also it was pouring with rain. We pulled up in the church carpark, Liz got out her book and I did this quick sketch without even removing my safety belt.. Seeing one person, a lady of mid years walking her dog, her head was deep down in her anorak hood trying to stay dry. A lovely quiet and restful halt. We then journeyed on.

 

Travel is not all about differing cultures, food and exotic venues, it is also about enjoyment and seeing the different ways of living and best of all the unusual. This is the first time that I have seen this road sign, it was in a small village in central Wales and for the cynic, no I did not see a cat with a white stick.

Back to England for a moment. On Monday having a rare free day we decided to venture to the South Bank in London, just to chill out, have a stroll, see some favourite sites and have lunch. As usual we were on the lookout for the unusual and interesting. We were not disapointed.A little ahead of us appeared a person who certainly caught your attention. It was female, tall and very slim. She had waist length pure white hair, over a knitted orange bomber jacket. Over her shoulders and flying in the breeze was  a dayglow, high viz, pink scafe. Then to complete the outfit were a pair of viridian green baggy trousers. Now what her statement was I have no idea, but boy did you see her coming.

We then returned home chuckling having had a lovely trip ou.

Today in the Wales trek we have two images, the upper one is of one of those lovely picturesque cottages which are dotted all over the place, this particular one was sketched whilst still behind the steering wheel in a quick, few moments break in the driving. 

The lower image is of a lovely remote chapel on the north coast of the Llyn Peninsular. Wales is full of many such quiet distant places, where you can just stop and think. Although the busy Blackpoolitis sort of tourism was available, that is, if required; peace was just around any corner; those were the places we were seeking. Not far away was a small car park, friendly cafe and gorgeous beach. People were around, yes,  that was fine, but not in their thousands and they were enjoying themselves. A lovely family holiday sort of spot.

We have a rule when exploring any new district, follow the smallest roads you can find, then follow them until they cease to be a road. Often this involves reversing a short distance, or a tricky three point turn might be required, this three point turn sometimes develops into a rather hairy ten point turn, but thats all the fun of exploring and finding special places.

 

The Welsh journey continues; whilst staying near Conwy we called into LLandudno briefly and had time for a coffee/sketch at a pavement cafe in George Street.  Llandudno is a lovely rather spacious seaside resort, with wide boulevard type streets and many grand buildings, nice coffee as well. the above is not a great piece of art work, however it does capture the Victorian/Edwardian atmosphere of the place. Sketching is such great fun and Liz is still happily engrossed in her book. Can you spot Edith; I will explain that in my next blog? at

Went for a walk at Polsden Lacey the other day and saw a slow worm. I'v not seen one of them for a couple of years. This one was about 15 inch's long and in the middle of a path, right out in the open, a very vulnerable place to be caught in, so it was playing dead and a first site looked a little like a wooden stick. When it realised that it had been spotted, a burst of speed took it into the undergrowth. 

Note Autumn is just around the corner; all those wonderful colours where every leaf is like a flower.