Boats at Whitby

It seems an age since I last did a blog post. Actually it's just a few weeks, but I have really missed blogging. After my exhibition (of which more later) I was struck with the most awful cold and this really nasty cough which I just couldn't shake. Haven't really felt like doing much but I'm just about back to normal now. Haven't done much artwork recently, just messing around with a few ideas so I thought I would post one I did earlier this year, reminds me of summer holidays.

Boats at Whitby

Watercolour on watercolour paper

Hope you all have a happy and peaceful New Year.

Out of it for this week

Must apologise for not being active on the blog or dropping cards this week. I'm at work during the day (Christmas job) and on top of that my exhibition has just started so am a bit tired and not quite with it at the moment. First evening of the exhibition went OK. Sold 15 cards and two paintings, 'After Rain' and 'The Devil and the Bishop'. Need to run off some more cards now, then must GET TO BED!!! Will report on how the exhibition went next week. Bye till then.

First sale on Etsy

At last! My first sale from my Etsy shop.

Arran, looking towards Kintyre
Acrylic on canvas, 24cm x 30cm

I painted this view earlier this year from photos I took on a holiday a couple of years ago to the Isle of Arran, off the south-west coast of Scotland. The view is looking towards Kintyre on the Scottish mainland. Kintyre is a 40 mile peninsula stretching out across the North Channel, towards Northern Ireland. The painting has been bought as a Christmas present.

Also, I have spent the morning hanging my exhibition, which starts this Monday. It's great to see all the paintings hanging together.

Last of the Comforting Dark

Sometimes, when I'm listening to music, ideas for paintings, particularly abstracts, form themselves in my head.

Last of the Comforting Dark

Watercolour on watercolour paper, 8 1/4" x 11 3/4"

This piece was inspired by the song 'The Last Time I Saw Richard' from Joni Mitchell's 1971 album, Blue. This wonderful singer/songwriter (and painter!) has been such an important influence in my artistic life, from when I was in college in the '70's right up to the present day.

The Devil and the Bishop, Lincoln Cathedral

A detail of the carving on the south side of Lincoln Cathedral. The Devil and the Bishop

Watercolour on watercolour paper, 8 1/4" x 11 3/4"

The medieval craftsmen who created these carvings had a very wry sense of humour. I found these carvings running along the base of the wall. Interspersed with carvings of flowers and abstract designs were these delightful faces: a grinning devil next a rather worried looking bishop.

This is the final painting for my exhibition which begins next monday!!!