Self 15..Reaching

Before I sat down to write this posting, I'd been thinking about the events of the past weeks, and the way in which the boundaries from which I view the world have widened. I think it's true to say that we all exist to some extent within the familiar, an insular safety zone from which we see. Sometimes standing upon a cliff edge watching the ants of humanity scurry around our feet..sometimes peeping above the battlements for fear the snipers bullet..sometimes as an observer in the crowd. Either way we watch, we see..and occasionally we interact.

I remember when I was a child..a very early memory of perhaps the 7 year old I was ..I sat in the school hall and gazed in wonder as three (to me) giants acted out a tale of magic and humour...Today I can't tell you what it was about. But somewhere deep with in it is still there. My teacher used the word poignant when referring to my writing..still with me today.

The words we speak go out..like seeds they can implant themselves often taking root quickly like Cress..or awaiting the centuries of time to call them out of sleep one day like the pine..We never know the true extent to which our words will be heard..So be careful..and be free with your words..but let them come after listening and seeing. Harold Pegg once told me that you have two eyes, two ears and one mouth...use them in proportion.

Self 14

Past half way now and the overall richness of the composition is starting to show..The depth of colour is not what I'd hoped for but once finished I'll delete all the original photos so no one will be able to compare them!

I've had a busy day. went into Arboretum House this morning, sat and did some sketching with Edith and Albert. Then my glasses fell apart..disaster.once I got home though I was able to mend them. Had to collect Annie from school. Then drop Jan at a hotel where she was acting in a murder mystery party (already having done 3 performances of Who's Shoes? today!)..then drive home to cook tea..then take Will and his friend to Youth Club. Then put Annie to bed..pick Will and his friend up..then get Will to bed...then fetch Jan from her job..managed to sit down to do this at 11pm!!..ah the wonders of family life.

Whose Shoes?..

I promised Jan I'd include a picture of her in costume for her play Whose Shoes?...Written by children's playwright Mike Kenny, it's about the story of Cinderella's shoes and what happened to them after she got married and lived happily ever after.

I saw the play today at St James School prior to me running my art class. I was amazed at the level of energy Jan had to operate at..and for 50 mins!..her exuberance and vivacity dominated the stage keeping around 60 little people totally enthralled. It was a privilege to watch and brings a renewed sense of respect I have for Jan and the level of work and commitment she has put into the show!

Self 13 My destiny is in hand!

What an odd day!...I've been haunted throughout the day with music by 'Muse'. A modern day progressive rock band. Years ago when Tim and I were boys, we'd often go out to play in the street..but what made it extra special was on a Sunday morning. Back in the late 60's and early 70's, shops weren't open on Sundays..it really was a day of rest. Early in the morning the streets would be deserted..you'd see nobody around. Tim and I used to pretend that we were the only people left alive..and we'd wonder around until we spotted someone who must obviously be an 'Alien' or secret spy.

Often the sun would reflect off rain dampened pavements, and being morning, the sun would be low and therefore dazzle the eyes when searching for aliens/spies. Being young lads..we'd watch TV programmes such as The Champions, Randal and Hopkirk Deceased, The Avengers etc.... These shows often had atmospheric music often played on a Zither!..wonderful stuff. So to this day, when I hear a particular type of instrumentation..I'll be back there in my sun bright deserted streets...which brings me back to 'Muse'..'Song for Absolution' evokes the memory..as do the rest of the tracks on the album 'Absolution'. I can only think of 'The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway' by Genesis that has the same effect!

I've waffled on too much..Worked today on my hand..this picture is acquiring a significance of sorts!...perhaps telling more about me than originally thought!...what do you think?

Self 12

Have put in the hours today!At last I have begun to tackle the hand...(Don't try reading my palm..I'm left handed!) and start on the really boring bit which is my jumper. Have now completed over 30 hours in total. I reckon it'll take about another 25 or more to finish. Don't get me wrong..I'm in no hurry..I'm enjoying my time with my face..in fact it's a rather strange experience..when you look at someones face so much you become familiar with all that makes up the whole..wonky noses, spots, hairs, mannerisms etc..Now I've stared at myself for so long I almost view the picture of me as someone else. I don't know what I've learnt about 'me'..except..(try this)..stand about six feet away from the screen..screw your eyes up ..then hopefully if you've screwed them up tight enough you'll not be able to see anything!.............a most pleasing outlook!

Jan's play: 'Who's Shoes' had it's first performances today..all went well. Now that they're under the belt there are only 27 more performances to go!!! It's at the school I teach at tomorrow, so I will be able to see it. I'll let you know how it went!!!

Self 11...The smell of Christmas cake!

Currently the house is full of the smell of my Christmas cake. It's been baking now for around 4 hours and has a little way to go yet. I try to make one about this time each year. Mainly due I think to memories I have enjoyed throughout my life aroused by various smells, culinary, Domestic etc....I once described to Jan how so many instances in my life have been imprinted on my mind due to smell. Christmas food..mince pies, sherry,...coal fires. Birthdays with Brandy coffee. Disinfectant..(Zoflora) reminds me of the kittens we looked after..gooseberry pie at my Granny's..and so many memories from childhood triggered by smells...I hope that the imprint my cake smells leave on my children's senses are with them forever!

As I sit in my room working on my picture..I can detect a faint perfume coming from a candle that Jan gave me as a Valentines gift. Lavender. I will mark this period in my life by Lavender I think. The last few nights have seen me sleeping much better. Perhaps mainly because of the various products Jan bought from 'Lush' for my Birthday. Though I have often associated Lavender with 'old ladies'..I now know it as a deeply sensual and calming influence the pervades all one's senses.

Tonight we sit on the edge of a very busy period. Jan starts her theatre tour tomorrow..Two weeks of early mornings and long days. I'm so excited for her because it's what she loves doing. I know I'll sink into the background and be there as support, but seeing her fulfilled and full of life is something wonderful. It's an adventure and is the next step in the magical reinvention of our lives.

Self 10

I'm learning so much as I go along, but have utilised things I've learnt recently with my Arboretum pictures. I'm finding that I'm more precise with my dots and am able to achieve a greater clarity. Having worked on such a small scale for the last few weeks, it's great to be able to apply the same attention to detail on the larger work.

I was telling Jan last night that my thoughts have been traveling in the direction of trying a few canvases in large scale (oil painting). This is a project I will attempt when I take up my residency at the Arboretum!

Self 9

A poor reproduction here thanks to the light. But I hope you can see what I've managed to do with the background..I'm satisfied with the colour gradation. I've still got a good bit to do on my face..the mouth and chin shading needs attention..it makes me look overweight as it is..especially in view of the fact I managed to shed two stones earlier in the year!!

Self 8

Is it a blessing or a curse? You have the mechanics and ability to to turn dreams and concepts in to reality..the pigment on the paper, words on the page..giving shape to stone or form to clay. That deep within is the absolute necessity to drag the infant idea out kicking and screaming to lie upon a green towel in the sterile environment free of pollution and taint...the embodiment of your creativity.

How terrible then not to have the way of alchemy..the magic that transports an idea into the sunlight..how terrible to not know the creation of beauty or truth. It is at this point I realise that the way of the 'Artist' is a blessing..a way to give form to the hopes and dreams of a generation. Lofty ideals I'll grant you especially when all I draw are pretty trees. But as PS has declared..to lie back upon your hammock and state to the universe.."I'm not scarred of anything" is a statement of intent...never mind the fear that you actually feel.

Was it not Garfield who once said.."OK Monday...Give it your best shot..I'm ready for you!"?

Self 7 Thursday lunchtime.

I'd like to give you an update of my progress today. Going is slow due to the intricacy of the pattern in the background. It's almost fultile in a way, because I get to draw it out in detail, then shade in the darker areas, then the lighter areas. And then go over the whole lot to soften the edges and make it all look fairly indistinct!

I've swung between two extremes today on this picture. Earlier I was very frustrated with certain aspects which I felt I had not rendered as I wanted to and considered that it might be better to quit now before I've invested too much time in it....now I've worked on the contrasting area around my shoulder and the candle, I am feeling a lot happier.

Self 6

I've started to work on the background..It's a little misleading at the moment as to what the final appearance will be..I have to denote the pattern in what are a pair of closed curtains, behind which is daylight.(Make what you will of the symbolism!) I've once again not been able to spend the amount of time I'd hoped to on work today. I've been in to Arboretum House this morning and have been almost constantly driving about giving lifts, picking up and cooking meals. I did manage to post off the artwork for the Edinburgh Marathon and pay my National Insurance bill..(all trappings of the self employed!)

This morning I was working with two people at the residential home..we were using oil pastels..I was introduced by the Manager to a Social Services Inspector. I was introduced as 'The Artist'..not much to cheer about you might think..but even after the eleven months since I've turned professional, I've not been refered to as "The Artist"..outwardly I smiled but inwardly I was cartwheeling and whooping for joy!!!!!!!This is how I want to be known.

I've been 'haunted ' today by the film 'A Very Long Engagement' which I saw last night. Directed by Jean Pierre Jeunet (Amelie) it told the story of Mathilde (Audrey Tatou) searching for her lover who was supposedly executed for desertion from duty in the French Army during WW1. Using similar story telling mechanics to Amelie, it was a beautiful and heart rending story. Wonderfully shot in muted tones and quirky camera angels. If you (Like me) have been deeply effected by 'Amelie'...you'll love this one!

Self 5. It's my Birthday!

I've started to build up the shadows and reflection on my head..It'll be really effective once you see the contrasting colours in the background taking shape!

I'm taking it easy today because it's my Birthday!..I spent some time in the bath this morning reading a new book Jan bought me: 'The Zahir' by Paulo Coehlo. (You may remember me making reference to having read 'The Alchemist'?) I'm off to ST James later to run my next group. Then as a family we're going to eat 'Moroccan Lamb' Tagine tonight (My favourite dish!) I've then got a couple of new DVDs to watch both with Audrey Tatou in!(Remember Amelie?). Jan also gave me a load of relaxing bath stuff (From 'Lush')..my sleep is still poor and the hope is that these will help me to unwind.

If I get time..I'll let you know how it's all going!

Self 4

Back to work on my self indulgence. I actually enjoyed the challenge of doing the Christmas card yesterday. I wanted to know if I could do it and cope with the constraints of 'commercialism'..that is when I produce my own art work..I decide what is right. When I work for a client, they decide when it's right..in this case I had to completely redraw the composition to match what was wanted. A good experience I think.

Christmas Card no 2

Well..here is the second and hopefully last version of the card. Now with added extra improved Edinburgh Castle! I've spent nearly 12 hours on this today..that's over double what I normally do on my own work!! It is however a little less intense!..and helps to pay the bills!

Hairy Haggis

I've not been able to work on my self portrait today yet. I've accepted a job to draw a Christmas card which will be used by the Edinburgh Marathon organisers to send to all their members..(around 10,000!!!) so have created this picture with the Marathon Mascot 'Hairy Haggis' in the sleigh pulled by runners.

*Have since heard that I have to make runners 50% smaller..Haggis 50% bigger and put a new skyline in!..apart from that they liked it!

Self 4

I'm gradually building up the skin tones here to hopefully create the effect of candlelight on my skin. At this stage of a new piece, the dots have to be as precise as possible.

Self 2

A critical stage in the development of a portrait...the eyes. (or eye in this case)..if I get this bit wrong then it's time to start again. fortunately in this case, things seem to be progressing OK. At this stage it's very intense, doing hours of work with very little to show for it. It's a case of carefully putting dots into spaces being careful not to overlap them! this plus the fact that I need sleep more than ever.

If only I could be free to be the kind of person I want to be!..this piece seems to convey much of what I am about these days. Margret has summed it up fairly well in her comment for the first entry in this work. I am guarded and defensive. I will only reveal the real me to those closest to me....currently there is no one close to me!

Self 1

Have begun work dotting on this. Have received blank stares and odd comments about why I should settle on this for a subject. I'm sorry if it doesn't reflect the wonders of the universe and I'm sorry if you were expecting something more beautiful. But this is what I am today..exhausted, defensive,afraid and wounded. If that comes across in the picture, then I've done my job!

Self (pencil sketch)

Ok..I've used a tracing to make sure my features are correct. It all looks very bare at the moment. I have the benefit of knowing what all the colouring will, but you will have the pleasure of seeing it all revealed over the next few weeks. For a picture of this size and darkness, I estimate it will take around 60-70 hours of work.

In the picture I am holding my left hand to the camera..this is because I am left handed and according to the physiologists, the right side of my brain is dominant (shown here by only revealing my right eye)..... Like they say: "Left handed people are always in their right mind"

"Twilight..I only meant to stay a while.."

Sun is out..there's a strong wind and it's mild for the time of year. Last night Jan gave me some herbal tablets she bought from the chemist: 'Kalms sleep'..made from Valerian root..I've been going to bed around midnight, then lying awake until around 3-4am...last night I was still awake at 3:30am..the only effect the tablets had was to make me feel even more sleepy without the added benefit of actually falling asleep.

I feel like a walking zombie at the moment. With that in mind, I've decided to press on with my next project. Out of the couple of ideas I've got ready, I've decided to go down the route of a Self Portrait. I came up with a great idea using candles (Which I love) and which symbolise the twilight world I walk in just now (metaphorically speaking)..I set up and took a whole lot of photos, then sat down to go through them and edit down a few for possible consideration. Eventually settled on one in particular that pleased me.

I'm off upstairs now to start work on the pencil drawing. Why don't you check back later and follow my progress?

The Derby Arboretum Collection 2

These are the four final pieces together in the third and final set.

Finished Street

This concludes the series of Arboretum pictures for the timebeing. I intend to return to the subject later when I take up my residency there. I hope you've enjoyed seeing these images evolve and reach fruition.

Yours is no disgrace

I thought I'd share this picture with you mainly because you haven't seen it yet, and because it's (surprisingly to some people) the most important picture to me personally. A long time ago, around 1982, i had an idea for a picture which had as it's central subject, a space ship built in the likeness of Ladybird. It was the first piece I decided to use the dotting technique on to create a glow around stars that were in the sky. That picture set the trend for the rest of my life as I developed my 'Hyperpointillist' style...

The work you see here was created around the time that I had been made redundant from my Social Worker job(2004), and was working partime in a residential Children's home. I had been contemplating the possibility of trying to make my living from my art work and had joined up with a friend of mine to sell prints of my work on Ebay. Then on one particular day I was assaulted by one lad who lived where I worked, I suddenly found all I wanted to do was be as far away from the place I'd found myself in.

It was at this point I made a decision to hand my notice in and take a leap of faith as it were. This did not go down very well at all with Jan as you can imagine..But I felt I had no choice..I had and still do have a totally burning desire to create..I HAVE to put down on paper the images that for want of a better phrase, torment me.

Whilst sitting in my lounge prior to going on shift later in the day, I was listening to a piece of music by 'Yes' called 'Yours is no disgrace'..It was an instant revelation..I was doing the right thing. It was time to trust and move on. And in this same pioneering spirit I felt like I could hold my head up, this was something new, but something that went back to that very first picture all those years ago when I began this voyage as it were.

I therefore placed myself in the picture..a spaceman..an explorer..and the very same Ladybird spaceships were included to show that a connection with my beginnings continued into my present and looked forward to the future. Life is fleetingly short I am coming to realise, and if I don't do this..how can I ever live with myself?..

Can you live with yourself?..do you have a dream?...lift your head fellow explorer...'Yours is no disgrace'!

Street 4

Alas, my efforts to finish this one today have been futile..I am so tired. I'm only sleeping around 3-4 hours per night..this has gone on for a couple of weeks now. It's amazing what the human body can put up with!(or without in this case!)

Still..a moment of clarity today as I began to formulate a composition for my next piece. I currently have more ideas than time, but two distinct subjects are jostling for prominence. Do I take the safe route and draw what will be popular or do I step out on a limb this time? I have said I am sick of being a pretty picture machine. I want to challenge you, shock you, make you question your existence...and consequently leave my picture with a renewed sense of being.....or maybe I'll just draw a tree.

Tree Art

I spent the morning at Arboretum House . I decided to use the activity I did with the children last week. However instaed of pencil crayons, we used acrylic paints.
Putting dots of paint onto the picture meant colours could easily be mixed as we went along

The idea is to cover the whole area in paint..sadly this included the carpet and various sleeves and knees!!

Here is the finished piece drying and prior to removing the masking tape.

This is the finished work..in all it took us just over two hours to complete..with a brake for milky coffee of course!

Evidence of autumn..The muse under the trees.

Had just got back in time to leave for school..I'd decided to think up a lesson plan on the way in..it was raining and I'd planned to take my class into the park to draw. But had to shelve that idea..what could I do..I'd left my equipment in the boot of the car and Jan had taken the car to her rehearsals. I trudged through my beloved terraced streets of Normanton, Be-veiled apparitions walked past me..a teenage girl sat on a wall smoking, taxis shot by with home bound shoppers..a delivery lorry squeezing around a tight corner..what was I doing?..who was I trying to fool?..In a short while, I'd be standing infront of the children and I was to deliver something to change their lives (at least that is what I try to do each time I do my lesson)..and what..I'd got nothing ..I entered the Arboretum for a short walk into the school and saw this:

I could only stand in reverence..a gentle sound of the breeze, the smell of decaying leaves ..the yellow and the gold all snugly sitting under a grey sky. The plaintive melodies of an old Genesis tune crept into my senses ('Evidence of autumn') A beautiful song that stired my heart, time seemed to stand still for a while and I was lost to my reverie.. Then like the moment when you wake just one minute before the alarm clock jangles your sleep clouded mind..I knew it was time to leave ..

As I left, I looked over my shoulder expecting my dreamlike self to be running off under the trees, hand in hand with my Muse...I turned instead and was sure that I now had all I needed to weave a little magic.

Street 3

Hello!..A rainy day here in Derby. It's also unusual to note that the leaves are still on most of the trees! Thanks to Jon Bon jovi's hair spray! I've been up to Littleover School today to appear again at the Arts Fair, then in to ST James for my class there. Not much time for my own work today but I hope to grab an hour or so later.

Today I got my regular Email from the people who supply my site meter (Seen at the bottom of this page). Included in the statistical breakdown is a list of locations from which people are viewing my site from. I was pleasantly amazed to see people from all over the world popping in to see my pictures grow. Amongst these are a couple of regular visitors (you know who you are!) but I'd just like to say thank you to you all for visiting, please continue to do so, and tell your friends!

This posting is dedicated to two regular but anonymous visitors from Coalville in Leicester and Wokingham. Thank you!!

Street 2

Street 1

Street (Sketch)

This once again looks towards the Rosehill Street end of the Arboretum. I like the fact that the park is surrounded by housing and truly is a green oasis!

Finished Autumnal

At last the penultimate Arboretum picture. OK..so they're nice to look at, but I am finding that I'm going stale doing the same thing over and over (I've done 11 now). So ..time for a change!

I might come back to this format later..maybe even change the focus slightly..perhaps views of Derby..other parks...people..etc..Let me know what you think..often I have embarked on a subject after someone has made a suggestion.

Autumnal 4..A day with Annie

An odd sort of day. Jan left just after 6:00am to take part as an extra in a film: 'When did you last see your father?'..I took Annie to her dance lesson at the Derby Dance Centre. A surreal place to be..All middle class Mums and Dads sitting with their Blackberry's and Lattes..I decided to immerse myself in my book: 'Tis' by Frank McCourt.. After spending 45 mins in New York getting drunk and getting drafted for the Korean war, I picked Annie up and headed into town. It's Jan's birthday tomorrow and I still hadn't bought her anything. Annie was patient and tolerant of me. I spoke with her later about how the world must appear to her being dragged along on the end of a huge hand staring at all the giants crowding around her...At one point we stopped in the middle of a stream of bustling bodies to look up..The Eagle Centre is having lots of building to create the Westfield development. Above us was a circular window looking up to the scaffoling and cranes..We both exclaimed a "Wow!"...It was majestic and very not Derby..

Having spent our money we jumped in a taxi home. I've spent the whole day with her..(Sam and Will are out..Sam is now with Jan in Nottingham watching a couple of Harold Pinter plays. )..It was a special time. A Father and Daughter should spend time together. She sees the world in such a wonderful way and asks questions of the things I should know..We end up looking for the answers together.

After reading 'Tracy Beaker' she is now asleep. The house awaits the return of the boys and Jan. I feel like I've had a significant event but will not know the outcome for some time.

Autumnal 4

Worked all day on this piece..I'm begining to feel the strain so have opened a bottle of red!...

Autumnal 1 & 2

Genesis re-union...PPA time.

O.K..I made my decision. I have agreed to two afternoons support for years one and two art classes. I will work for the Summer Term time from Easter till July. I felt really honoured to be asked. Don't know how successful I'll be..But if there's one thing I can be passionate about, it's art! Children love art if it's fun and I intend for it to be so!!

The only other big news this week is: Genesis are to do a series of live shows next summer. I saw a Web Cast last night detailing the re-union plans. They will play Twickenham and Old Trafford around July I think. I have to go!!

Autumnal sketch

Couldn't resist getting this picture onto paper. It'll be a complex mix of yellows, golds and greens.

Finished Railings.

Welcome back!..Have managed to finish this..Notice the ray of light from the sun left of the tree trunk. I was able to achieve this effect using a rubber! I've now got to prepare for my lesson at School. I need to think over a couple of things. Julie the Head Teacher has asked me if I would consider working at the School two afternoons a week to run art lessons (in addition to the afterschool sessons I run now). I still don't know what to do and she needs an answer today!! Perhaps a walk in the Arboretum before hand will help to clear my thoughts. Check back later to find out what I have decided.

Railings and dreams.

Here is the missing picture from yesterday!..The fallen leaves in the foreground are complicated and I don't mind admitting they're difficult to render..but I enjoy the challenge.

I was telling my son Sam yesterday that when I was at his school..I was asked by the teacher in the first year what I wanted to be when I grew up. I said there were only two things I wanted to do: 1. Be an Artist 2. Be a fighter pilot in the RAF................One out of two ain't bad!(I guess that means I've now grown up!)How many people can say they're able to do the thing they really wanted to do?...I only went full time this last January...I'm nearly 45...you can make your dreams come true also..just dare to believe!

Railings..pictureless post

Having trouble downloading a recent picture to this post..Somehow it keeps popping up an earlier pic. Very annoying. Have worked hard on the Railings picture today..Hope to finish it tomorrow. There is however my second class of the week..I'll be repeating the exercise we did the other day for this second group. The only downside to it all is the fact I have to sharpen 100 pencil crayons !!!!!!I'm told there is an electric sharpener in the staff room, but it tends to 'Cut out' after a while....I wonder if it will cut out before I do?!

Railings 3

Despite my busy day, I've managed around 3 hours on this.

Today I sat at Littleover School surounded by eager disbelieving teenagers who all wanted to know how long the pictures took, how do I do them? etc.....In the corner three girls were playing violins/violas...Vivaldi,Albinoni I think it was..and it was somehow very magical. It was at that very school one MR.Brown once encouraged me to pursue a career in art...he even gave me my first technical pen which I think was a Rapidograph...I looked into the eyes of the gathered students, and there it was...all that potential...screaming out..the future of mankind so to speak. Perhaps if I can influence just one person to look at their world with the kind of eyes that ask why?..the kind of mind that wants to interpret it all and draw, paint, sculpt..write...I will have acheived Alchemy! and the world will be a better place.

ST James tree art.

We had a great time making these tree pictures. The children of year one worked hard. They were made on painted hardboard. The tape was common decorators masking tape. Once we'd marked out the tree and it's branches using the tape, we just scribbled over it all with coloured pencil crayons. At the end of the session, we peeled the tape off to expose the tree beneath!.......simple!

Railings 2

Hi..Busy day ahead of me. I'm off to do an appearance at 'Art Week' in Littleover School over lunch time. I will display my work in the Main Entrance Hall and let pupils see me working on my current picture. I'm then off to ST.James to do a class with year one children. I've planned a great activity which I'll illustrate for you later when I've got some photos.

Railings 1 Sketch.

For this picture, I'm working from a photo I took which is of an area almost in the frame of the previous piece. imagin if you can walking across the grass and towards the railings under the trees..that's where you'll find this comes from!

Wouldn't it be great to produce a series of pictures for all Derby's wonderful parks?

Finished Rosehill Street.

Here is the finished piece. I'm actually very pleased with this!..it's got a richness and depth. I must try some larger format drawings with this intensity sometime......next please!

Rosehill Street (Monday morning)

It's good to get back to work..I actually feel like it again. ~I'm currently trying to raise a bit of interest in my work by contacting initially Claire at the Derby Tourist Information. She has been very encouraging with her comments and I hope that through her contacts, I'll increase my audience and potential.

This picture is currently the longest in production of the series..it's a challenge to get the richness of the leaves in he foreground..but I will manage it..on with the dance!

Down but not out

Once more I have failed to put pen to paper. Illness is not my 'thing'..I hate not being able to do that which is the driving force in all that I am...with out it I am nothing. The weekend has not been a total disaster..have written to and had replies from a from a very dear old friend Alison..it has been lovely to hear from someone who was such a part of mine and Jan's life back in the 80's and early 90's...it's so easy to loose touch with those who were once close.

To old friends !

Of frailty

Many appologies for those of you who are awaiting the next stage of 'Rosehill Street'..I've been sick since yesterday afternoon and have spent most of the time in bed..I had to get up to take Will and Annie to a firework party. Jan is in Peterbourgh doing a murder mystery till late. Still....we're home now and I can rest again. I hope to get back to work tommorow.

Rosehill Street 3

Work is progressing well..a beautuful crisp sunny morning. I sit upstairs in my bedroom to work, It's south facing so gets the full sun in the late morning and afternoon. Perfect for the close intense work that I do.

Rosehill Street 2

Spent around 5 hours working on this piece today..I took it with me to ST. James School for my art class. One little girl asked me what part of the park it was showing. When I said Rosehill Street, she said she recognised the railings under the trees.

I find I am drawn to the Arboretum..reluctant to miss a leaf that falls..it changes by the moment and is beautiful in all times. I long to be the 'champion' of the trees..the gaurdian of beauty..I am reminded of a wonderful poem written by an old friend of mine called Carol. She wrote of "The trees that live with us"..creating an intimate but cathedral like ambience to their longevity. I too feel that reverence to their towering majesty of green and gold.