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.

Well at last the above exhibition is up and running and within the first hour the painting displayed on the poster was sold; a very encouraging start.

Can I remind everyone of the sensitive work which takes place at St. Columba's, as such for obvious reasons the door cannot be open at these times. So a quick telephone call on 01483 766498 before visiting would be a very good idea and also saves disappointment.

So, in the future I will not be forgetting trees, far from that, but in the short term I will be looking at old decaying fishing boats and other water craft. Sounds good fun.

 

The other day, Liz was busy with all sorts of meetings happening, so she suggested to me that is was an ideal opportunity for me to swary of to London and sketch a little; not a bad idea I thought! So happily off I went. Upon arrival the streets were windy, cold and this swary all seemed like a rather chilly mistake. However I persevered and wandered with no real aim, working my way behind Trafalgar Square into all those narrow twisting streets which in the not to distant past were the rather seedy Soho; thankfully now significantly cleaned up and a delight of twisting and narrow streets and alleys, but it was still very cold.

However I passed this alley, with nowhere to sit, workmen hosing down the street, more workmen doing some sort of repairs; a lot of banging, hammering and shouting to each other going on; so I leant against a wooden wall and started sketching. Then somebody moved something and apologised for blocking my view, I said nothing, just laughed, the obstruction was removed quickly. They carried on working, then started chatting with me as well; they were a good bunch and I did enjoy my time with them. The sketch wasn't to bad either.

A nice way to spent some spare time and to relax. Only one sketch was produced as it realy was a tad cold, but that was a special time in that alley. Try to be brave and paint/sketch in very public places, people will talk to you, you will have a good time. Go on, try it.

 

Still a little dark, early morning light coming in through the window, just had breakfast and my quiet time, then no e-mails to answer; a good start to the day, that is just how I like it!

Above is a timed piece which I produced a few weeks ago at Beer (the place in Devon and not the drink), a lovely shingle beach and shore launched fishing boats still operate from there. We were staying in Sidmouth for a few days and Liz wanted some retail therapy, so I was dismissed, being told  to go away for a few hours. Great, chance to paint at Beer, one of my favorite sketching locations.

Method a very quick light sketch with pencil. A few very loose washes with water colour. Then tighten up with a pen and 45 minuets later, there it is. Its good fun, don't worry about mistakes. Sounds rather blazzy, but its about enjoying your art. The aim was not to produce a great piece of art, rather to relax and enjoy myself and I did.

Got a full day ahead of me, it should be good. See you all soon

Love Duncan

 

 Well Liz and myself hope that you all had a super Christmas; we certainly did. 

But today a little advertising.

My exhibition "Can you hear the trees talking", goes up shortly at St. Columba's conference center Woking. Its all about how different plant forms form that ama in size; for ink work this is very large, the work was exceedingly challenging. If you are interested I feel that you will enjoy the show.

Above is one of the pieces which will be exhibited. I will post an invitation to you all in a couple of weeks.

Surprise, surprise, Christmas is with us again; isn't it just wonderful.

For those of you who saw my last blog, I did put fairy lights on the car, but only on the dashboard: it made Liz laugh and laugh again. For those with a health and safety bent in life, I hasten to add that they were removed before driving of. 

The above water colour of the wise men arriving at Bethlehem was produced a couple of years ago. The methodology is simple. use one principal colour, in this case cerulean blue (an easily available and good night time colour), build up the image and density of colour with several loose washes; being careful to leave the door way and lit areas paint free. Then just add a few spots of windsor yellow to give the warmth of an oil lantern. Add to finnish one or two very small dots of cadmium red, to make the colour circle (red, yellow, blue) presence complete. With the use of a hairdryer to speed up the drying. Next scan it into the computer, then into photoshop to add the writing; simple, took less than an hour. You are allowed to call me a smarty pants!

So as the Wise Men greeted the new born King; so I look forwards to welcoming Him again in a few days time; so may I say that:

I wish you all a very happy and Blessed Christmas.