tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81770082945266033732024-03-16T11:52:56.266-07:00vanilla beer work diaryIn Amsterdam, by luck, I met Lino Hellings. She advised me to keep my work diary on-line, exposing my work methods rather than protecting them, risking the humiliation involved in failure. So:celebrate error. In my heart I knew this to be a good idea. My brain, horrified, fortunately tells me it will be too boring for anyone to read.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger1458125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8177008294526603373.post-54122786838543141352024-03-14T01:25:00.000-07:002024-03-14T01:25:56.919-07:0014 03 2024<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZmehm-j8SSbKJpZlYsxpkrgFhWK2GetFBxBNjn7Pk57hReKuo658uzUf2ZwH80m1bXGrJMtrjNlA4mIjiqtoSj3eOmwJKprY9SgRsb8SAiLMEGrz4IWMsFatOsm-C1JvRLYJOLhOgEoVyaQ1nFWMXNTqg8WSmjW90GMteJPkebtMNEQqg_I5sIB0G9PB3/s3270/20240313_130926.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3270" data-original-width="2630" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZmehm-j8SSbKJpZlYsxpkrgFhWK2GetFBxBNjn7Pk57hReKuo658uzUf2ZwH80m1bXGrJMtrjNlA4mIjiqtoSj3eOmwJKprY9SgRsb8SAiLMEGrz4IWMsFatOsm-C1JvRLYJOLhOgEoVyaQ1nFWMXNTqg8WSmjW90GMteJPkebtMNEQqg_I5sIB0G9PB3/s320/20240313_130926.jpg" width="257" /></a></div><br /> a shoal of palette knives... these plundered from Patricia Malfis studio. You never forget another artist when you use their tools. I still use a couple of splendid large bristle brushes that belonged to Edward Seago, given to me by his partner after his death. <p></p><p>Was about to list others and realise I'm in danger of becoming a death cult.</p><p>Studio work continues, bafflingly daft. </p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8177008294526603373.post-9575232712884435022024-03-11T14:30:00.000-07:002024-03-11T14:30:04.876-07:0011 03 2024<p> Shopping morning... then working in studio, so good though still clearing as I go. Just an extra layer of chaos. I <i>like</i> chaos.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8177008294526603373.post-60547098723124593922024-03-09T09:58:00.000-08:002024-03-09T09:58:03.734-08:0009 03 2024<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrBwA0iUPOjRI1HWqwOPlcO9fAY3stIDELoZ7zULF2nALPhx-siGn9q7f_iZDJq4KRdRC2EHdHLwBMaAPpX0OoO763qWG7SB-5XZK3kWsgLSiS2gq7JTfzD9GNE2oVgPiXUZEwUxDN5tlkefyjxg2L1fMVLmHZSzekJB3NQfFwdFnnjzi1_uh2D388wLGy/s2729/20240309_170405.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2729" data-original-width="2663" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrBwA0iUPOjRI1HWqwOPlcO9fAY3stIDELoZ7zULF2nALPhx-siGn9q7f_iZDJq4KRdRC2EHdHLwBMaAPpX0OoO763qWG7SB-5XZK3kWsgLSiS2gq7JTfzD9GNE2oVgPiXUZEwUxDN5tlkefyjxg2L1fMVLmHZSzekJB3NQfFwdFnnjzi1_uh2D388wLGy/s320/20240309_170405.jpg" width="312" /></a></div>Finally, really, truthfully finished; the flags of warring nations conclude it. What a palaver!<p></p><p>And this too - filled a too-big gap with the words from Isaiah, in French.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2B9arXEpHaXCjD0jBrGCweDAoSgUvCMX0BrD43FyykmTm3lE3akLeexp_sQc3zomeVt2BE0A99qZ4L6xH8YsOoNbgPVkb8E1ed8Y4UtWFSJ9w7f2DbZiDrLMRz5OvS3h8q9tvWqR6cq9cSr_z3ed447jjMqGlBbDFU0uGH3_8ytKq48UmbohzDWGOl2dZ/s2679/20240309_170514.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="2679" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2B9arXEpHaXCjD0jBrGCweDAoSgUvCMX0BrD43FyykmTm3lE3akLeexp_sQc3zomeVt2BE0A99qZ4L6xH8YsOoNbgPVkb8E1ed8Y4UtWFSJ9w7f2DbZiDrLMRz5OvS3h8q9tvWqR6cq9cSr_z3ed447jjMqGlBbDFU0uGH3_8ytKq48UmbohzDWGOl2dZ/s320/20240309_170514.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Tiding as I go. Relieved that Bob will be back tomorrow, he can manage all the stuff I can't, poor chap.<p></p><p>Despite a sense of anaemia - intellectual bloodlessness, what's that called? - lots of ideas.<br /> </p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8177008294526603373.post-85936398750504669902024-03-08T02:33:00.000-08:002024-03-08T02:33:30.162-08:0008 03 2024<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjojXeODiQcFP52joUo2sfFArQl2NWiAwQpHr4fDbYsjebdyMauG239jC3mQLDMpgR10fQYvUjqQ2UQVhwH49wTwx4CMgqL1FD1TzIjJCgb0k0H9c4gQ4axNjNNfvuvytFtPdoPnDJT-hyGPom4JC23c0etCm4m2IgrdERRicU2TXjZRtF6JHQCxadVNYHI/s2910/20240307_200421.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2910" data-original-width="1994" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjojXeODiQcFP52joUo2sfFArQl2NWiAwQpHr4fDbYsjebdyMauG239jC3mQLDMpgR10fQYvUjqQ2UQVhwH49wTwx4CMgqL1FD1TzIjJCgb0k0H9c4gQ4axNjNNfvuvytFtPdoPnDJT-hyGPom4JC23c0etCm4m2IgrdERRicU2TXjZRtF6JHQCxadVNYHI/s320/20240307_200421.jpg" width="219" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">dinky little pix from yesterday, sitting in the sunshine under the tour magdela in Rennes le Chateau.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitGDW2n10fIbBaBs1v6MdXGBzU1xR5QUMiImmcrWcmCK57zb2_5cnHCWq1BtvyL0f5HcQkAbk58wlJe_o2a_34CleR-6xptLlSg1Iv_pA8w6cVZrhsjhb11X6kou5sr6DAZC6tOMrnkQy-M5kpdm0kXl14P1svGKf4uSnygYvUagikQs9e0UDzgPCeJ6hk/s2577/20240307_200343.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2577" data-original-width="1933" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitGDW2n10fIbBaBs1v6MdXGBzU1xR5QUMiImmcrWcmCK57zb2_5cnHCWq1BtvyL0f5HcQkAbk58wlJe_o2a_34CleR-6xptLlSg1Iv_pA8w6cVZrhsjhb11X6kou5sr6DAZC6tOMrnkQy-M5kpdm0kXl14P1svGKf4uSnygYvUagikQs9e0UDzgPCeJ6hk/s320/20240307_200343.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>After being woken by the dream of the helicopter burning out after Id left it tied to the top of a tower/ cupola, seemed appropriate. <p></p><p>Just been to the denuding of Patricia Malfi's studio. Her husband has decided its time to sell so contents can be distributed among artists. Grave robbing. Took her palette knives, loads of tissue paper (really hard to get in France), some oil pastels. Hey ho, they'll be trying to clear mine out soon enough. <br /> </p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8177008294526603373.post-49433502800775600312024-03-06T22:03:00.000-08:002024-03-06T22:03:37.595-08:0007 03 2024<p> Still no product - maybe I've retired - still not sorted the studio.</p><p>Woken by the dream, the burnt out helicopter on the roof.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8177008294526603373.post-42607157076397594362024-03-03T07:56:00.000-08:002024-03-03T07:56:38.066-08:0003 02 2024<p> Masses of rather nice prints and gouaches emerged, pretty in some cases and in some cases inks on top of etchings, terribly pretty. Not ready to chuck them. will order some portfolios on line, maybe they exist - the ones I've made in the past and that these things were stored in are sort of crunchy, since I would cut up boxes and glue fabric over them. Not a long-lasting thang. And I don't like them.</p><p>It seems of one my asthma drugs, one that works well for me, promotes mood swings, psychotic episodes and suicides. I asked Ian how one might know if one were psychotic and he said, by the trail of bodies...</p><p>Miserable day and I just got soaked. Time for a hot bath and a chance to read Ruth Brandons Surreal Lives. Enjoyed it so far, well put together IMHO</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8MKTJHZcdhE2be9mqtlnmsObbI1tkFYJEYeHqE7wnRWtaBxDhIdOVSJBfrTKuWRtSJVsJFl94Fd0rcAdCKa0NDu7R1zwwjZOeodCIlV4M-r7SlhdM0IHi-uI1EXCvBnm5J9PfbZNyW5gvDa0a5SjUMP5aEJIugozEyxghujOeU7aS_EpuL3uswz3YRR1o/s4000/20240302_174716.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="2971" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8MKTJHZcdhE2be9mqtlnmsObbI1tkFYJEYeHqE7wnRWtaBxDhIdOVSJBfrTKuWRtSJVsJFl94Fd0rcAdCKa0NDu7R1zwwjZOeodCIlV4M-r7SlhdM0IHi-uI1EXCvBnm5J9PfbZNyW5gvDa0a5SjUMP5aEJIugozEyxghujOeU7aS_EpuL3uswz3YRR1o/w298-h400/20240302_174716.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><br /><p>among many large drawings is this one of the view from the third window of the Woolwich studio. Painstaking; evocative. </p><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8177008294526603373.post-71184916060290719022024-03-01T22:55:00.000-08:002024-03-01T22:59:36.348-08:0002 03 2024<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX6rHb-370WNYKIezG5nEnRC4FBWfLgsr9Oyi1yliMBTqZLdb4R_niQNNMR9f2boqhBlXA1IV10FmeFgBLEJHRvqzY4bus8gCOZ_BEYrGn411qYj6Z3oFpa4qQbLnS56X8PePTMOcOiAtgHhjlAjzh0Z3lN81mEqvwSZZI3Ep3Dp4pB0tLPruPhMguclNW/s3285/20240229_173900.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3285" data-original-width="1248" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX6rHb-370WNYKIezG5nEnRC4FBWfLgsr9Oyi1yliMBTqZLdb4R_niQNNMR9f2boqhBlXA1IV10FmeFgBLEJHRvqzY4bus8gCOZ_BEYrGn411qYj6Z3oFpa4qQbLnS56X8PePTMOcOiAtgHhjlAjzh0Z3lN81mEqvwSZZI3Ep3Dp4pB0tLPruPhMguclNW/s320/20240229_173900.jpg" width="122" /></a></div>Louix Maunder RIP...<p></p><p>Here's Louix from her performance days ('96 at Fordham Park) She packed in a lot when she was young - which is as well as she was only 54 when she died, at 20.45 on Wednesday 28th Feb. </p><p>She'd done some crowdfunding and had enough money to do a few months of touring before the predicted end, but the cancers were too advanced. The plan had been to get here again which would have been just great... but alas.</p><p>Our friendship began when we had a shared lover - and turned into a joyful, hysterical, BF -type thing until I moved to France. She came here once and I went to her sea-side retreat once but by then I was somewhat infirm and travel was expensive and hard for us both. We kept in sporadic touch.</p><p>Dear Louix was not ready to die. Her daughter had decided it was time to have a child and she wanted to share that with her. Plus, 54... no age really. Ive spent the last few days mourning. </p><p><br /></p><p>Slowly shifting stuff in the studio. Been binning drawings and prints unless they are portraits.</p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoah6lccU4eFijCGZSQ-fA7I9WxaI8VKnumNJeZZa_Y32qiq8ACWVZC1Vrzvs_wFOmRv9TRE69Fk8NQj91ryHKshWb53sKCiMzoytKcYkMlz1slnwx2fzD2LI8gThk0BYGsr645vgeFB4PVonrngwAEupQTDZFRI0hzsHiH8jgAYpqo4fNb4U2-lLLXlOX/s2466/20240227_134533.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2466" data-original-width="1821" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoah6lccU4eFijCGZSQ-fA7I9WxaI8VKnumNJeZZa_Y32qiq8ACWVZC1Vrzvs_wFOmRv9TRE69Fk8NQj91ryHKshWb53sKCiMzoytKcYkMlz1slnwx2fzD2LI8gThk0BYGsr645vgeFB4PVonrngwAEupQTDZFRI0hzsHiH8jgAYpqo4fNb4U2-lLLXlOX/s320/20240227_134533.jpg" width="236" /></a>rather an odd picture of David Walser... and again<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisHmT6U3TIqkYyHAu4KUkCLuLqcLsi2N5PzM-CGpWb-E4R_ZFwPoVZBuB1-Bqh0AemzOqYrI6fPNUFL3xkl37pgTgoVugASOG8MmDdKwKBoTYWD33w04tROiggUCzkp2WLxpTbxvaiM_2DTWyKASsKhHcASLs3cIWC2h13g8aXYk194NxtfMmxkUvLpNHj/s3300/20240228_110319.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3300" data-original-width="2060" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisHmT6U3TIqkYyHAu4KUkCLuLqcLsi2N5PzM-CGpWb-E4R_ZFwPoVZBuB1-Bqh0AemzOqYrI6fPNUFL3xkl37pgTgoVugASOG8MmDdKwKBoTYWD33w04tROiggUCzkp2WLxpTbxvaiM_2DTWyKASsKhHcASLs3cIWC2h13g8aXYk194NxtfMmxkUvLpNHj/s320/20240228_110319.jpg" width="200" /></a></div></div><br /><p></p><p>Here's Jan <br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt8Z5u9vvLyEyJ4hLQXIAUe-3lIhOKdARMIf4QZWRQFh3kXdQOPkwbUYDAPcci7LaRUJoa6EFHyShyphenhyphenXuulrxucDbdnkeGTrEEHFcvINYtQVbf4YA_uZMROn-8OJVBgPm0spkn2TEiMde9e-SUvvtbiJOT9V9zapD3fpjl7T30g52AFJikXwpZNI8tTOncs/s2767/20240228_111114.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2767" data-original-width="2024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt8Z5u9vvLyEyJ4hLQXIAUe-3lIhOKdARMIf4QZWRQFh3kXdQOPkwbUYDAPcci7LaRUJoa6EFHyShyphenhyphenXuulrxucDbdnkeGTrEEHFcvINYtQVbf4YA_uZMROn-8OJVBgPm0spkn2TEiMde9e-SUvvtbiJOT9V9zapD3fpjl7T30g52AFJikXwpZNI8tTOncs/s320/20240228_111114.jpg" width="234" /></a></div>and Bernard, working in the studio -<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz7gboByNHtPmSPiTT42uoMUIiywzC6f4HG1hED5kMACmlfx09bXW3-C62OQCMH1s9qkdVp0SEfD9koCbiRSHfAsZH1Efu6ZH1rBLEZd5LP5jZYcJ2a6Ckd9Drd46S7m-BT2QQnggSQN0iM08EtFKdoyWOvCNV5IHYKyQZi2rZSGEV1aOtQcOxeGWwAb_w/s3305/20240228_114611.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3305" data-original-width="1978" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz7gboByNHtPmSPiTT42uoMUIiywzC6f4HG1hED5kMACmlfx09bXW3-C62OQCMH1s9qkdVp0SEfD9koCbiRSHfAsZH1Efu6ZH1rBLEZd5LP5jZYcJ2a6Ckd9Drd46S7m-BT2QQnggSQN0iM08EtFKdoyWOvCNV5IHYKyQZi2rZSGEV1aOtQcOxeGWwAb_w/w300-h500/20240228_114611.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>a souvenir of my first major incursion to the monetization of art -<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghS9zfC7SrfyIYRNKRxDEmOEaQKQodhvc5DDEC17j-eKuO_qrEqM716gvwxXYatB4rWxVP0R8-Ff3HjJmzFa_Kr8EQaVOARmlyDRC3LBBbEw-cWtl_jLrHvYsy0a9fIfYmDDjh1PoJcv2RkO0ow4I3kGkya8iZjp7dbjfVZslvBYL6tUvX7_hdZvTzaUKU/s3869/20240228_162234.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3869" data-original-width="2526" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghS9zfC7SrfyIYRNKRxDEmOEaQKQodhvc5DDEC17j-eKuO_qrEqM716gvwxXYatB4rWxVP0R8-Ff3HjJmzFa_Kr8EQaVOARmlyDRC3LBBbEw-cWtl_jLrHvYsy0a9fIfYmDDjh1PoJcv2RkO0ow4I3kGkya8iZjp7dbjfVZslvBYL6tUvX7_hdZvTzaUKU/s320/20240228_162234.jpg" width="209" /></a></div>Shedloads still to shift. Depressing isn't le mot juste. <p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8177008294526603373.post-85524161364287518132024-02-26T02:05:00.000-08:002024-02-26T02:05:22.950-08:0026 02 2024<p> Back in France. Not so much back at work - made various decisions while away and my next endeavours will be about stocktaking and consolidation.</p><p>It's sure you can't get jet lag doing the london/carcassonne trip but I am overwhelmed by the changes, else l would sound off at length about said thinking.</p><p>Another day.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8177008294526603373.post-39149072421160267132024-02-02T02:57:00.000-08:002024-02-02T02:57:07.317-08:0002 02 2024<p> ...emptying the mountain in the second studio, the contents of the attic that has been arrayed everywhere. Sodding nightmare. All this past stuff. Haven't opened any of the portfolios yet. Cant find the flock gun ( = van der graff generator,) but have tremendous amount of flock. Dirty, dusty, upsetting.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8177008294526603373.post-81369382567782287822024-01-29T10:16:00.000-08:002024-01-29T10:16:53.528-08:0029 01 2024<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi998W3LRIw0WSBObl4BKnEXnTeHtNsOlsWOirUH5uSLMDZvzsooJOS3G2vQXoNBnOThgwnno2ovRIXpEMF9vSgY71iFTgonehTe8hG9UBNgJM3HZldMX7BzxvMV8BPt6cuYIMGZHgY3ougArwlaEDvWx8puk15ZGXtdim6PDbLTnB-07v0JXgVz444bOH4/s2662/20240129_151640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2662" data-original-width="2145" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi998W3LRIw0WSBObl4BKnEXnTeHtNsOlsWOirUH5uSLMDZvzsooJOS3G2vQXoNBnOThgwnno2ovRIXpEMF9vSgY71iFTgonehTe8hG9UBNgJM3HZldMX7BzxvMV8BPt6cuYIMGZHgY3ougArwlaEDvWx8puk15ZGXtdim6PDbLTnB-07v0JXgVz444bOH4/s320/20240129_151640.jpg" width="258" /></a></div>- still lingering. Today is the first that I've woken up feeling free of the bad thing that's been living in me, though still hacking a cough. Twenty days ill. Feels like months.<p></p><p><br /></p><p>So, in my absence, an attic has been emptied into a studio. Started trying to sort it today. Not that sensible, given the dust and debris...</p><p>and had <i>another</i> go at Pete's portrait. </p><p><br /></p><p>Seen a courting couple of herons; a dipper; a shag; buds are appearing. Not so much awareness of lurking death now that life returns. </p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8177008294526603373.post-63962879044279390042024-01-18T13:07:00.000-08:002024-01-18T13:07:01.234-08:0018 01 2024<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqomJGvMREiPvVGUs0JDstUScssUUMUzYuK3MjRxhb_DF3nu4p8egcoKrQ7YQ8wS0oFgva3RnesHhPGjVbEnsDofApxeb7lmsQUdPqAe_tOTB16ex2SNjjLfvX-yl-cIG8eufs1hU5r0w_muv-Z01GN9P7CABEj2idYpXU5tIq3ILlZTaawmOycze0S6tA/s3188/20240118_130337.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2307" data-original-width="3188" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqomJGvMREiPvVGUs0JDstUScssUUMUzYuK3MjRxhb_DF3nu4p8egcoKrQ7YQ8wS0oFgva3RnesHhPGjVbEnsDofApxeb7lmsQUdPqAe_tOTB16ex2SNjjLfvX-yl-cIG8eufs1hU5r0w_muv-Z01GN9P7CABEj2idYpXU5tIq3ILlZTaawmOycze0S6tA/s320/20240118_130337.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> Not so much finished as abandoned.<p></p><p>Where is the wildlife? No bats, no fish, no boar, no bears... </p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8177008294526603373.post-8555109599360250492024-01-15T03:53:00.000-08:002024-01-15T03:53:12.169-08:0015 01 2024<p> Ill... totally laid out. Tried to get moving this morning and succeeded up to a point; back in bed by midi.</p><p>Dreams handy.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8177008294526603373.post-49364269862791315312024-01-11T03:58:00.000-08:002024-01-11T03:58:00.175-08:0011 01 2024<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmWMuB-U-KCJop1DqkGd9bDtsOyEGSUIKL8J0RIk9Pq10QuCic0ttG_rQ3aTGRF9HqxnK3V9Npi1zj1bOQXbu9cSj4YjoAjzsFvJdEGTsVeeS2j6UDmS1O3vIQ_4Bg1ErEHzUpHz3Yq1rJSJWIs1yMlZ041DmfT6JBZEJI8n7nneLHvZ46hic1iiRAuN9r/s3707/20240110_151548.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2710" data-original-width="3707" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmWMuB-U-KCJop1DqkGd9bDtsOyEGSUIKL8J0RIk9Pq10QuCic0ttG_rQ3aTGRF9HqxnK3V9Npi1zj1bOQXbu9cSj4YjoAjzsFvJdEGTsVeeS2j6UDmS1O3vIQ_4Bg1ErEHzUpHz3Yq1rJSJWIs1yMlZ041DmfT6JBZEJI8n7nneLHvZ46hic1iiRAuN9r/s320/20240110_151548.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0swZDL7o04xe_yUqutEFESGxjgyT3xme_wzAUbEaHUymiwalVTR2FHUDiwedmCA0TZMWvdQ7CPF3AkOF7uJQy17UUa0H05OyvM8NU4RpQGNArGcxE3mgREfDgcDKtJF1tZOeOfumueXXEXykt3kslvmZSwUULPt1QfVg1gvEDAn4GzJr-qb-fbkTDsBra/s3067/20240110_155742.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2250" data-original-width="3067" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0swZDL7o04xe_yUqutEFESGxjgyT3xme_wzAUbEaHUymiwalVTR2FHUDiwedmCA0TZMWvdQ7CPF3AkOF7uJQy17UUa0H05OyvM8NU4RpQGNArGcxE3mgREfDgcDKtJF1tZOeOfumueXXEXykt3kslvmZSwUULPt1QfVg1gvEDAn4GzJr-qb-fbkTDsBra/s320/20240110_155742.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Been trying to work up the Cormorants? Shags? of the Garonne, seen on my all too brief holiday in Toulouse. Hunting wildlife a problem - there isn't any.<p></p><p>Even the nice spider in my bedroom has disappeared.</p><p>I'm rubbish anyway, cold and feverish and snotty beyond belief. Tendency to fall asleep if sat down..</p><p>And so sad... Mike Hinc has died.</p><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8177008294526603373.post-61646797100955693212024-01-02T03:01:00.000-08:002024-01-02T03:04:13.917-08:0002 01 2024<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQjaQL9GMr6nGyhJ9D8lZLgxaj0EuzT3LpaR9T4brY7a1fjYePc1PhOKZdktTJ20gtbAvKINBFe4LP7kQrHBCiJAD9iDlZoCaVYGNu3mPQKd0xXzNGfT9StRgUmWJs_WpD2J9AskXd8_BkI0Zt2IdqtFd_vwbzQLhYCudYGpN_txx7V8wDwOzhx5SpOSHx/s2737/20240102_115347.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2034" data-original-width="2737" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQjaQL9GMr6nGyhJ9D8lZLgxaj0EuzT3LpaR9T4brY7a1fjYePc1PhOKZdktTJ20gtbAvKINBFe4LP7kQrHBCiJAD9iDlZoCaVYGNu3mPQKd0xXzNGfT9StRgUmWJs_WpD2J9AskXd8_BkI0Zt2IdqtFd_vwbzQLhYCudYGpN_txx7V8wDwOzhx5SpOSHx/w400-h297/20240102_115347.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /> Another for the Nature Diary - thinking of junking the roosting cockerels and the Kingfisher, despite my best efforts they are crumbling to crap.<p></p><p>Could be that's part of the authenticity of a nature diary?? Oh, can't think. Bad sleep.</p><p>-<i>Gods Walking </i>back home. <i>Le Heathy</i> couldn't cope!! I like it far more now.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8177008294526603373.post-21119480326857716012023-12-30T08:43:00.000-08:002023-12-30T08:43:07.351-08:0030 12 2023<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8hTkzI8Pef2LTvJpE_XQMOg_5zVm9LRqNAbvRBEY8ZWFLHtDOozi60t-I7btH9MZWz1P7zqhKJ4FvarhJ9YtMcvntczkdHstQpseQ7NS3seVuxva6WQsP_YNfi6ZqRIWxYB66gK0w2nQL8Zf3K-hNegeEASMv1JXKlE6hBIT9QuNVQBKm8zFLVc5U4npO/s2534/20231228_184321.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1981" data-original-width="2534" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8hTkzI8Pef2LTvJpE_XQMOg_5zVm9LRqNAbvRBEY8ZWFLHtDOozi60t-I7btH9MZWz1P7zqhKJ4FvarhJ9YtMcvntczkdHstQpseQ7NS3seVuxva6WQsP_YNfi6ZqRIWxYB66gK0w2nQL8Zf3K-hNegeEASMv1JXKlE6hBIT9QuNVQBKm8zFLVc5U4npO/s320/20231228_184321.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">still fighting the roosting cockerels and trying to shift the angst - but quite like carrot top. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTKSsbpjiRszRIqaADSibFzlCfMzU7SCpgjkY5n1cccoFhsGm_oUgzhQElxqyhWtWFMZaNLEpsaweHZJL04qvsKlYOMAlXI0hU5X0hWUTeRydxjS8JhkRIkFGgCWWruJDrBXhbE0f0RkdDM7laSTUMdnjq56I02GwGP21onO9SgqCKOzVU6nUMmV8gRe_A/s2744/20231228_184141.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2058" data-original-width="2744" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTKSsbpjiRszRIqaADSibFzlCfMzU7SCpgjkY5n1cccoFhsGm_oUgzhQElxqyhWtWFMZaNLEpsaweHZJL04qvsKlYOMAlXI0hU5X0hWUTeRydxjS8JhkRIkFGgCWWruJDrBXhbE0f0RkdDM7laSTUMdnjq56I02GwGP21onO9SgqCKOzVU6nUMmV8gRe_A/s320/20231228_184141.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Went to Carcassonne and spent some money on materials, really will have to use what I've got rather than what I think needs replacing. And pencils!! Going to have to stop using them, at a tenner for 4, two of which I don't want.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Adaption isn't a problem. I'm good at that.</div><br /><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8177008294526603373.post-48914186546048251972023-12-28T08:35:00.000-08:002023-12-28T08:35:53.511-08:0028 12 2023<p> Tick tick ticking along... my 'Nature Diary', such a sweet simple idea, has turned into a barometer of external distress, sigh. The anxieties caused by trying to stay alive - in animals, birds, plants - are what I find interesting. I project the anxiety, I hope. Surely a carrot top is not isolated and alone and frightened.... nor cockerels other than managing their instincts. </p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8177008294526603373.post-84988182782153043002023-12-23T10:03:00.000-08:002023-12-23T10:03:20.002-08:0023 12 2023<p> Got some bad drawing done. Roosting cockerels. Might be salvageable, but only if I focus up and stop fiddling with other pictures, and going out to xmas parties. This may be the pattern for a few days.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8177008294526603373.post-32763625327722888392023-12-21T00:48:00.000-08:002023-12-21T00:48:12.098-08:0021 12 2023<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdaA-Uy4Ie1klSGJ2INrPKL-0Pr01hswrGcvLejjfLMXgjjAxrhqJ8F4mzMnnchkHKgY9d4NligF3qZM0voixS1JrmhByqcQEbiAcyyXL268IsaNtEIPs5cJB6rJtprKQsBqQnjzqIjmaaivV6f4TogDSje5NbP2FOap5hFkgTkDZcke7VuIsowQA8pH59/s2684/20231218_131243.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2309" data-original-width="2684" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdaA-Uy4Ie1klSGJ2INrPKL-0Pr01hswrGcvLejjfLMXgjjAxrhqJ8F4mzMnnchkHKgY9d4NligF3qZM0voixS1JrmhByqcQEbiAcyyXL268IsaNtEIPs5cJB6rJtprKQsBqQnjzqIjmaaivV6f4TogDSje5NbP2FOap5hFkgTkDZcke7VuIsowQA8pH59/w400-h344/20231218_131243.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqc6hCQ0AILXyNiPELk4HN0m9ILbTZkM9QJFwHTu70iO1Vy3A9TSW0hIzNstI8dHwUxw_xI0WFt0IlBaPb0XpFClFOcRr0KOfs4hRGxQ-SHnQsBADdzcy8KDetDdioeEhNOblT3eHvertbRBEn9oEsnWlnb3LAX8Sv-hA5JJUbwTG5aMcMhBOptvCdmeXH/s2786/20231219_181037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2015" data-original-width="2786" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqc6hCQ0AILXyNiPELk4HN0m9ILbTZkM9QJFwHTu70iO1Vy3A9TSW0hIzNstI8dHwUxw_xI0WFt0IlBaPb0XpFClFOcRr0KOfs4hRGxQ-SHnQsBADdzcy8KDetDdioeEhNOblT3eHvertbRBEn9oEsnWlnb3LAX8Sv-hA5JJUbwTG5aMcMhBOptvCdmeXH/w640-h462/20231219_181037.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /> More nature diary. So much better than the obsessive war stuff. Apropos, the Walking Gods pic is now in Le Healthy Life; tomorrow, who knows!!<p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8177008294526603373.post-23224068836730104042023-12-17T04:47:00.000-08:002023-12-17T04:48:51.040-08:0017 12 2023<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitBURMNT9SaWT2knMBQmz4JkQvkDFyk0Bpw0NM-nKgHh8rsv-LdOfpPeAkgU-FeuMCuVi2i41nzJ9n4T8Jpf-uRpiwAIKufu3-daXUTUzVukatED2Tv-1BObPkRVzs3dxPF65GulUEFLN-TDGOBNMNqicSyNx55yZ783TjjIXCayAsf3Msor4KiD-8bIvp/s2067/20231214_152703.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1609" data-original-width="2067" height="498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitBURMNT9SaWT2knMBQmz4JkQvkDFyk0Bpw0NM-nKgHh8rsv-LdOfpPeAkgU-FeuMCuVi2i41nzJ9n4T8Jpf-uRpiwAIKufu3-daXUTUzVukatED2Tv-1BObPkRVzs3dxPF65GulUEFLN-TDGOBNMNqicSyNx55yZ783TjjIXCayAsf3Msor4KiD-8bIvp/w640-h498/20231214_152703.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /> Ain't this cute? Every now and then my brush runs away from me and does something I actually<i> like</i>.<p></p><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8177008294526603373.post-63568682533665214562023-12-14T04:24:00.000-08:002023-12-14T04:24:46.693-08:0014 12 2023<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvQK_v5aBUH9Gjst7of6mVZ-Gd2k_gfNnZNssnItVjRkKVPPmXuEIkvBRySzQ8CZ1gYoZIEak83itLWGscoue4TjpGld1vGZYsUxpzmvReywotpnSoJ8lRyvKT4jDt1bpLU1hwYf4PH4jQ6i1kaDNoG4JMHf2ZCRstWyzeL58MbKty7aBOpledrvOYD6lA/s4000/20231214_121351.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvQK_v5aBUH9Gjst7of6mVZ-Gd2k_gfNnZNssnItVjRkKVPPmXuEIkvBRySzQ8CZ1gYoZIEak83itLWGscoue4TjpGld1vGZYsUxpzmvReywotpnSoJ8lRyvKT4jDt1bpLU1hwYf4PH4jQ6i1kaDNoG4JMHf2ZCRstWyzeL58MbKty7aBOpledrvOYD6lA/w300-h400/20231214_121351.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUYTMbye3kSeRRjZ5iwiIlT4uL0i2QMPvh_WwrrM9C9NBjMsaysw_CFrqWb3EcasNZHrBpPM55IZFsvus_Yp8uFIJeZjb7GLmRL_Yl6fr_QlpXZXzZTYZnjMqtf5zYGm3JZcIfcWXUIf6sN0V9jGx8bC55KD1F0VHnbkqsxwD9_dSEdPTA7VStQe3vTs-s/s2940/20231214_121240.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2914" data-original-width="2940" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUYTMbye3kSeRRjZ5iwiIlT4uL0i2QMPvh_WwrrM9C9NBjMsaysw_CFrqWb3EcasNZHrBpPM55IZFsvus_Yp8uFIJeZjb7GLmRL_Yl6fr_QlpXZXzZTYZnjMqtf5zYGm3JZcIfcWXUIf6sN0V9jGx8bC55KD1F0VHnbkqsxwD9_dSEdPTA7VStQe3vTs-s/s320/20231214_121240.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> Fiddling... <p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8177008294526603373.post-57020158819965229572023-12-12T13:16:00.000-08:002023-12-12T13:16:45.096-08:0012 12 2023<p> Got into the studio this morning and again for a while in the afternoon, giving myself time to screw up another painting. Though secretly, I quite like it. It's better than it was. Photos as and when.</p><p>Started drawing fish too. Rather chancy business. delicate outline then lots of wax, invisible of course. Then pencil. Was hoping for a particular look - bit like the invisible ink drawings of childhood - but what I got was messed up unpredictable parts with 4B. Secretly rather like that too, though not at all what I meant.</p><p>Next stage needs a weak and tender pink. Marshmallow. Pastel, but I so hate pastel. (Chalk in the fingerprints, ugh)</p><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8177008294526603373.post-41418407500188662282023-12-10T07:43:00.000-08:002023-12-10T07:43:44.446-08:0010 12 2023<p> Got some time in this morning. Disaster!! At least I've been able to legitimately ask Pete to continue sitting for me.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8177008294526603373.post-28693178833392258982023-12-07T00:55:00.000-08:002023-12-07T00:55:11.248-08:0007 12 2023<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg72Pii3xCVcP_ZUEnJA_QtrKUqahv5n_NdsUyi4PVGUNPDAd6oGbrIhkaoLQmKPcGG3Bwu5CnM1hZ0swcs6pxxMSPfDM0Oc5opDVtKhS-UAzBX6SEvCP-EQ48IJvikqVBwZKAzYSQk0y_zMAKADvErQbjVtRNVIxshLgmq5JHpsHXRhKX84rIJn-fzx3EJ/s3758/20231206_112557.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3758" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg72Pii3xCVcP_ZUEnJA_QtrKUqahv5n_NdsUyi4PVGUNPDAd6oGbrIhkaoLQmKPcGG3Bwu5CnM1hZ0swcs6pxxMSPfDM0Oc5opDVtKhS-UAzBX6SEvCP-EQ48IJvikqVBwZKAzYSQk0y_zMAKADvErQbjVtRNVIxshLgmq5JHpsHXRhKX84rIJn-fzx3EJ/w510-h640/20231206_112557.jpg" width="510" /></a></div>Tweaking on... enjoying myself which is tough luck on Pete, who may have to sit yet again. Maybe not, might be able to finish without him now. Aware that I'm not letting go and fiddling for its own sake. Though hat, mouth, chin, eye need attention.<p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /> </p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8177008294526603373.post-20822231507081922632023-11-30T01:42:00.000-08:002023-11-30T01:42:40.025-08:0030 11 2023<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB2_wMfBwYmcENaCq0svIvbS8Sms6wPp84bHOiZ_O1IF_D0mDupWWux7qj00biSTXiXfLXF5zA-t1IXfxA9D0-Z2zUMIWRoJkrzQzdTFidIIUazgxTMp9cPZ1zkfN6yjAEbk0Ea8p2e1rJ5y0S3BJj22papVYunt88gTspQQYWlPUb8DM4m_ODsHjI0_j_/s2727/20231129_112029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2727" data-original-width="2101" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB2_wMfBwYmcENaCq0svIvbS8Sms6wPp84bHOiZ_O1IF_D0mDupWWux7qj00biSTXiXfLXF5zA-t1IXfxA9D0-Z2zUMIWRoJkrzQzdTFidIIUazgxTMp9cPZ1zkfN6yjAEbk0Ea8p2e1rJ5y0S3BJj22papVYunt88gTspQQYWlPUb8DM4m_ODsHjI0_j_/s320/20231129_112029.jpg" width="247" /></a></div><p><br /></p>Thoroughly enjoying painting Pete - another sitting should see it done but may try and extend it for the pleasure of it.<p></p><p>Otherwise, engaged in domestic stuff. German researchers arrive tonight to delve into my Papas stuff so have felt it necessary to clean and tidy up.</p><p>Got some drawing to do, too, though right now I should be hunting papers and photos and the rest. </p><p>Though after a sleep deprived night (=too much moonlight) I fancy going to sleep...</p><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8177008294526603373.post-75500808908084534122023-11-22T23:18:00.000-08:002023-11-22T23:18:34.916-08:0023 11 2023<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCjWCsYayIPEf5eSxpshgq3wpaWOe4vGPyNy6ZXP0d4OHG4XTGbOxKmHMPtwnRjtHxxMJWwidu9jkjoxpOs6JdH-ZxRheJ26GCef4uDLKy2Opw3KbCjwJrp2isT4PItf9xpeS18v77m1OM3nzbdN8BMi5cw7i2OFXjQsNLrV9B3EJ1u3sjcHxh1YvOunjO/s2388/20231122_103936.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2388" data-original-width="1927" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCjWCsYayIPEf5eSxpshgq3wpaWOe4vGPyNy6ZXP0d4OHG4XTGbOxKmHMPtwnRjtHxxMJWwidu9jkjoxpOs6JdH-ZxRheJ26GCef4uDLKy2Opw3KbCjwJrp2isT4PItf9xpeS18v77m1OM3nzbdN8BMi5cw7i2OFXjQsNLrV9B3EJ1u3sjcHxh1YvOunjO/s320/20231122_103936.jpg" width="258" /></a></div><br /> Another sitting with Pete yesterday - will be able to finish next week, I think.<p></p><p>I'm using the scans of his veins in the background, a far-from-faithful reproduction but does the job.</p><p>The Nature Diary drawings progress - ha. the kingfisher! - already I'm taking them far more seriously than was my intention when it began. The best outcome is that I have to walk about and look at nature, or there is nothing to do. Though ambling about is also challenging.</p><p>Last night at twilight, coming back from the river at the bottom of Rue des Jardins, stopped in the Place de Republic to chat to Christin, a local poet. Suddenly something dropped over our heads, almost touching us, and fell to the ground by our feet. A big V shape, mottled, and something screaming. </p><p>Shocking. In retrospect it must have been a raptor taking a bird from the plane tree and getting it wrong - not killing it outright, hence the screams - the raptor obviously couldn't let it go but also couldn't fly with it struggling. It tried, short flights across the car park without gaining any height, presumably hoping to tire the little bird which wasn't giving up without a fight We chased it and it got up the side of the footbridge to the side of the riverbank where we couldn't follow.. So no idea who won. </p><p>Was served Quail at dinner later. </p><p>Too many metaphors.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0