29 06 2020

will turn to the wall and hope that something changes - perhaps when the paints settle. I've used a mix of too many types, chiefly the iridescent and the mat - too many tricks - I have the morning clear and will clean up, prime, reflect.
Also plan to make a thank you card to our outgoing mayor - Georges lost, alas - and cheer up about things as the book persists in selling. It'll go two or three days with nothing and then sell two or three... weird, no idea how it works.

27 06 2020

Finishing a painting without another on the go is always a tristesse; there is a tendency to fiddle and cling. That's what I'm doing with the goddesses, though its a piss poor painting - as ever, there is the hope that a radical move might transform it.
Getting more interested in the awful landscape - complete with golden eagle.
I suppose one never stops learning but I'm 70 any minute and can't help thinking I must have learnt something by now.











my sweet niece, not long out of art school, has sent some work cast in latex which amazed me -  naturally I love it but its the latex, which I used a decade ago, that was the real surprise. Thought I was the only artist to use it. Perhaps its normal nowadays? Or a family trait??

24 06 2020

Spent the morning with Phillipe, who took me to a high place to draw. There was a golden eagle below us. Later, a vulture. He reckons that landscape is interesting as  a place between two other places and that's why it's hard and worth trying over.
Got back earlier than planned and set about Espe to draw but its soo hot by noon so gave up.
Afternoon I've been trying to finish the three goddesses. It may be done but it sure lacks lustre.
Id forgotten the enervating effects of summer.

23.(5 )06 2020

Spent the morning in Carcassonne buying - helping to buy - paint for Pete which was great, chattering about techniques and experiences. Loved it. Lunched with him and Clare and that was great - then a friend came round to buy a painting! That was the greatest. To have this encouragement at this time is huge for me. As Umah used to say; its not a work of art till its sold.
3 goddesses getting done, little by little - out tomorrow drawing with Phillipe so hopping the change will refresh my thinking.

23 06 2020

Forgot photos but the three goddesses crack on, slowly. Having a break today to get to Carcassonne with Peter for materials. Only really need primer but might be tempted by deals...

today is the funeral of old chum, collaborator and friend, Barbara Gelb. Haven't been able to get there, no flights, 14 day lockdown even if I did get to London. Think my depression about her death is the failure to pay these last respects.

20 06 2020

...its changed again since this last - always the fear of colouring in, but actually its like making the sonnet rhyme. End still a while off. Its Rhea, Demeter and Persephone BTW

16 06 2020

 done - or at least, can't stand it any more. Too much flailing of arms.

Cleaning and preparing now... though have a zoom lunch today which will eat into time. Looking forward to it, albeit with a soupcon of apprehension - its with colleagues of my father who I'm afraid may have criticisms of my book.

13 06 2020

I have measured out my life in blister packs

 Not been in studio. Now (supposedly) packing pictures to send to client having got her photos off. Though not yet the stick. Been farting about, re-organising study, toying with the idea of stripping the archive room, etc etc. No sense of urgency, for sure. Always happens after the photographer - stocktaking leads to an awareness of the gross futility.
Would like to finish a couple that are on the go though.

09 06 2020

Here's dear Yann doing the work - hes so obliging, I was able to explain and prioritize the clients work so we can close that chapter, and sort this years rather meager output (38 pix) He did the crown too - the I have measured out my life in blister packs - which I'm looking forward to seeing... all with him at the mo for whatever adjustments he feels necessary.
Cold, pissing with rain, tired but cheerful.

06 06 2020

 scrambling to get everything done for Yann le Photo on Monday - just have to assume some aint going to happen, what with the time spent shifting and organizing, as he will do all the work at the garage store this year. Pas grave. As one of the parrots keeps saying :)
Put the pieta/Floyd picture out on Fb where its been v well received.

04 06 2020

Waiting fr chemo waiting to dry for a heavy dark glaze - I'm intending a traditional portrait style. The child abuse of Iphegenis and Persephone I have no ideas about... when the dust is (metaphorically ) a bit settled will just paint them and see where they go.

This needs fiddling with. Was almost too angry to paint it - now , tidy blindfold and holding hand and stomach and will leave. The message - if ambiguous - is clear.

03 06 2020

Haven't snapped the new stuff but its coming on. Good morning yesterday where things got pulled together; then had to get Ian to hospital (routine continuation of his dreadful health management) so lost the rest of the day. Off to studio now to derange everything, hey ho. Action, that's the thing -