As many will know, a group of fascinating artists descended on the Blackdown Hills in Somerset early in the twentieth century to produce some bucolic colourful landscapes in a style that really represents the landscape. Names like Walter Sikert, Robert Bevan and Spencer Gore amongst others have come to be the pioneers of this work and are worth a look at the places they found such as Woodhayes, Rosemary Lane and Applehayes. Some say little has changed in that landscape over the intervening hundred or so years; but a not so careful look at the structures of modern farming, the widened ...
We rushed away from the dull post Christmas weather at short notice and Morocco came up trumps. As quick breaks go we accumulated good time at the sketch pad. Whether seated at street corners or high in the Atlas the warm daytime in clean air provided a soft sunlight with which to work. The fishing boats in Essaouria are famous: but to see the basic construction methods with those hammering, sawing, sanding, cutting, and calking in each trade working in rhythm was fascinating. And in the medina walking and cycling in the tight streets is nicely quiet as we wander from market ...
We all sat in the balmy afternoon air under the oaks not fifty paces from Fazende where we often spend a summer holiday. And with a little direction and collaboration took in the shapes and hues of the collection of buildings. Transposing colour and shades made for a delicious array of images all saying the same thing. Well done to the etudiantes Molly, Katie, Imo, Paddy and Serena and look forward to their exhibitions of work in years to come.
Everyday for ten days the rhythm was much the same. Enjoyable and arduous in equal measure and without doubt cathartic after a nasty bout of covid in the confines of the West Country. As I make my way from Le Puy en Velay in the Auvergne and at five-thirty in the morning the rousings of fellow walkers would start: so that by first light we could step into the freshness of the day well before the unforgiving sun took hold. Breakfast maybe a scratchy apology for nourishment as we clambered to get out to take full advantage of the early part of ...
It is said that the atmosphere of a cricket game is unsurpassed by that of Lords on a sunny day. And with the first team playing New Zealand the tension was there in a wonderful match which, according to the cognizant, “could have gone either way”. Anyway England won. As a first time visitor of the real thing: and one who normally listens to the wireless whist weeding the garden I found the close arena of different buildings of all ages and architectural merit and all with this similar function, of viewing for hours on end nearly static beings and ...
As part of an initiative launched through the superstars fundraising auction service by my friend Emma Hunt I have made a contribution to the magnificent array of local art from Somerset and Devon. If you fee inclined to have a peep we are raising monies for Cancer Research and the silent auction may be found here and without noise or fuss you may help the research that is so obviously working. [caption id="attachment_1160" align="alignleft" width="300"] Vineyard at Hooperhayne Colyton[/caption] [caption id="attachment_2427" align="alignright" width="300"] Cricket at Luppitt[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1414" align="alignleft" width="300"] Ecrehou islands betwixt France and Jersey[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1856" align="alignleft" width="300"] Tractor at rest[/caption] t
A few days in the olive trees brought by the Venetian a few hundred years ago the need to put down marks was in the air. And that we did. from place to place where we perched the night thanks to friends with high places. Our gratitude for the company and cosy bed to they who know who they are with wonderful spots with views sunsets and tranquility. Thank you.
Every day that the sun rises so magnificently over the sea is a sight to behold from the end of the Cobb wall and no boat needed. On the other hand boats were the only thing needed by the locals unabashed by the madding crowds to be a part of the sail-by to celebrate the 100 years of the sailing club. An ancient time-held tradition from the Greeks we had everyone from the harbourmaster and the RNLI to the six man gigs with every type of sail lining up and quietly past the decorated committee boat PJ for the dipping of the ...
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If we couldn't get abroad we had to return to the old hunting grounds on the Cornish coast. The trick was to avoid the traffic and to get into a spot away from those who would normally be in the med. That was only possible by leaving a eleven at night and booking the lodgings two years ago and we squeezed north and south in all weathers. We got jabbed by the wind, jabbed by the rain and nothing else to worry about but food and our maps. Doubly good for the soul. Helford on the Lizard side - as glorious ...
Using a variety of media and styles the work responds to mood and geography but is more than often an observation of simple scenes in everyday life and on the travels across Europe.
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