Randomness

One new painting and a work in progress. Not sure about the painting title just yet so lets have a vote or maybe you can come up with something even better. Consider it a competition without a prize. So far I have considered, "A 1001 Nights". or, "Contemplation of Tales Untold". The thing is I think she is in a calm disposition and has lots to tell us, if we ask the right question. The work in progress is a clay rendition of "The Brown Shawl" (the painting that got into the City Open in 2009 having been rejected by the model; I took it back once I discovered she had just put it into her garage as I believe it needs to be loved, not discarded). This clay model, which I hope to produce a few copies of,in bronze, is taking far too long. I keep changing it and then running out of clay. Im awaiting the recomposition of previously used clay (from the portraiture class I ran), which is also proving to be problematical. Anyway, today Agnes and I spent time in Leicester, got new phones, and bumped into Johnny who was on my DMU degree course. Had a good chat in the street, but boy, that handshake of his ! I swear he almost broke all of my fingers. I dont like limp wristed vicar handshakes but I do like to keep my bones intact! Anyway, was good to meet him again. And talking of meeting....................... this saturday am meeting up with Laura and hopefully a few more of the dmu alumni of 2008 for lunch prior to them boogying in the evening. Really looking forward to what is becoming an annual event. And dont forget its the MA show on Friday evening where Jane (dmu alumni), and Leila (of mentoring scheme) are graduating. Have to support them. Well, my new phone is calling me...............have to play with it in order to get used to it..........so I have to go, but before I go, please let me know what you think of the videos previously posted.They are also on Youtube. Muchimas gracias amigos. Remember folks, Love all and hurt none. Create your future with your thoughts, so be careful what you think! Thats all for now folks

CLAY PORTRAITURE COURSE

The old Atkins factory in Hinckley, now the home of Creative Hinckley, and where I ran my clay portraiture class for the last two days.

Funny how life goes in circles. I worked for almost 18 years in the dyehouse of this hosiery and knitwear company; at one time the worlds oldest hosiery manufacturer. The main entrance is now really smart with sliding glass doors and a metal staircase leading up to reception and thence to meeting rooms, artists studios, cafe, gallery and education room. A really smart building being put to good use.

Spent so long making the armatures, but Im rather proud of them. They stood up to the task and are robust enough to be used many more times. (how did that blurry photo get in here?)

I employed freelance model Dianne, who I have known and worked with for many years, to sit for the six adult students and her chatter helped to release any tensions that might have been in the room............mostly from myself, it has to be said!

It was expected that each clay head would look diferent, whilst still retaining some essence of Dianne. Over the years I have found this to be quite normal. Often the clay will look more like the student than the model.

on the second day we moved into mould making and casting. Unfortunately we didnt get too far with this part of the course as the room was very humid and the clay refused to dry out and the mod-roc sympathised with it. In the end the heads, still on the armature, were taken home with instructions and some casting plaster in order for them to dry out and be completed by the student. Fingers crossed on that one.

If I had to make an evaluation it would , in summary, be along the lines of; really good day. all students discovered something and said they enjoyed it and that it was good value for money. They liked me and Di. For myself, I think perhaps I was rather ambitious in trying to make clay heads and cast from them over just two days. Future projects will be just the clay and people can have photographs of the work.

All in all, the two days were really good, made me really tired in a satisfying manner, and has spurred me on to organise other events. To infinity and beyond ! ha ha ha ha.

Thats all for now folks, so its a very tired but very happy me signing off. Remember to think creative and positive. Your subconscious is more powerful than your conscious, it is desirable therefore that you dont just give lipservice to positivity since it is your subself who directs you to the places and the people that will help you to create your better future. Be the best soul you can be. Listen to yourself.

Love all , hurt none; its as simple as that.