FROZEN BRUSHES

After a quiet christmas and now starting to die of boredom I decided to go to the studio and work on the three paintings I started a little while ago. The first image (STOCKINGS -- working title ) I just started to block in the seating, did a little work on the shawl and a lot of work on the face.

On this image, LOTUS --- working title, I once again worked on the face as well as just a little on the flesh of the torso and her right leg.

Here, on image AGAINST THE WALL --- working title, I performed major surgery. The raised, bent, leg has been made in better proportion, lowered (as you can see from the lingering ghost image) and Im far happier with it.

This is just a photo of the collection in my studio space at KNIGHTON LANE, Leicester. It was so cold today that my bristles had frozen and I had to melt them before I could use them ! Thank goodness for the extension lead that allowed me to use one of the electric heaters and thank goodness for the kettle for my numerous cups of coffee to keep me going. Once again, I was the only person in the studios. Im not complaining as I rather like it. Dont feel I have to make conversation, just do what I want. Paint, draw, sculpt, read, drink, listen to radio, look out of the window, whatever.........anything. Its my little piece of heaven.

I think I am almost well again now. I dont think I will ever be the way I was, and why would I want to be? The changes that are happening around the world, both physical and spiritual, are to be embraced but, as I found, it can be very stressful and even painful. I have come through that door and am now looking forward to 2009.

Had a lovely surprise phone call from CHARLES WALKER-HAZZARD a sculptor I worked with and for a few years ago and he said some really nice things so thanks for that Charles. If you got to his website you will see some stunning work. I also had a card from MARRIANE HUMPHREYS who I met many years ago at LUSAD and who sends me a card every christmas. We havent spoken in several years, but still she remembers me. Thats what Yuletide is all about, isnt it? I think so.

If you have sent me a text, email or even a snailmail card for Yuletide I thank you very much and apologise if I have forgotten you somehow..........its been quite a stressful last couple of months, so I know you will forgive me. And a special thankyou to the lady who often times uses my taxi and who told me she is praying for me.

Thankyou all for being in my life.

Happy New Year to everyone !!

and remember, Love all, hurt none, its the only religion you need.

THREE AT ONE

Have been working in my freezing studio space at Knighton Lane. I sometimes think that Im the only person in there as Im always alone! but its nice to be alone. I can just get on and play, alone with my thoughts, not have to talk to anyone, and always come home feeling better.

Im currently now working on these three at the same time, the latest one I worked very wet in wet and had to force myself to stop before it turned to mud, but in all Im quite pleased with the progress. There are problems which need addressing but thats the joy of it. No deadlines. Nobody judging or advising, just me doing what I love because I love it.

Things are changing. I have lost so much weight and I believe its for a reason........energy...... I think I will need lots of spare energy next year as my life starts to take the turn I want it to. There are things happening, in a very small way, but I dont want to put the hex on it by telling you all before its actually confirmed. Probably wont hear until New Year so Im trying not to think too much about it....................but its sooooo hard isnt it.

In the meantime.................keeeeep painting !!!! ( sorry Bruce !)

remember everyone, Love all and hurt none, its the only religion you need.

LIFE IS A PANTOMIME

A while ago I got involved, in a small way, with a pantomime society. I was in the chorus. Then, for various reasons I had to drop out. This made me feel guilty. This week the show starts, so I offered to work as stage crew. Today I arrived at 9.30 to offload scenery from lorry to theatre, set it up, etc. Boy ! so slow ! and now most of the scenery that cost loads of money to hire is not being used as the stage is just too small! Went home at 4p.m. Returned for technical rehearsals at 6p.m. Came home just now at 11.p.m. having not completed tech rehearsals. Dress rehearsal tomorrow. I wonder sometimes why I get myself involved in things like this. Yes, I need to be around other creatives. Yes I need to keep my mind stimulated. No I dont need the stress, especially as it is happening this week, on wifes 50th birthday, with hospital appointment tomorrow late afternoon too. This is not making me any money. It is not endearing me to my wife and I find the faffing around of people just too much to bear. This may be the straw that breaks the camels back.