Brecon Painting

The above painting is a view of Brecon. A painting that sold a few years ago when I use to exhibit in Brecon.

Brecon is a lovely little town in the National Park. It has changed a good deal since we used to live there but I think it still retains its charm.

I posted the other day about my old coat well I have now lost my favourite flat cap which was a dozen or more years old. Appropriately I think it was lost in a pub! Alex has bought me another so I will have to wear it in.

Rail Bridge Carmarthen

A favourite painting of mine that is now sold of a Black Five crossing the Bascule Bridge at Carmarthen.

Jac and I were out earlier enough to catch Venus in the morning sky before dawn. Alex has been away at a wedding and is due back today so Jac and I will be on domestic chores this morning. I had two of the grandchildren yesterday and we were cooking for a few hours. I got them making their own pizzas albeit the yeast seemed a bit reluctant to activate all went well. Then it was fruit pie and carrot cake. A pleasant few hours with me relegated to skivvy and chief washer upper!

Riders on the Storm

Okay I have had what I believe are now called a couple of "clothing fails"!

Last night I went to the rugby. I got out of the car and put my coat on to find my son, son-in-law and grandson all looking at me.

"What?" I said.
"What is that you're wearing?"
"My coat. Why?"
"Whats that all over it?"
"Paint, its my coat I use when painting outside."

 Now I confess it is probably 20 years passed its sell by date and is splattered in oil paint but its warm, comfortable and I can't bring myself to throw it out.
They just looked at me laughing and we hurried to the game in abject conditions. As for the game itself the best thing to do is to just draw a line under it and forget it.

This morning I got up and dressed to take Jac out  into Storm Brian. I had my old coat on hood, cap, scarf, over trousers and wellingtons (which actually leak and do need replacing). I must have looked like an outsize Paddington Bear.

I walked out of the front door and was greeted by a calm, no wind or rain. I then met my elderly neighbour (okay I am no spring chicken myself). He had been to get his newspaper from the garage.

He looked at me and grinned,"Good morning Mark."

He was wearing a cap, cardigan and what looked like slippers although I think they must have been old Hush Puppies (who remembers them?).

I was almost grateful when ten minutes later the heavens opened.

Ah the painting above is I think appropriate for today and is sold.

Link to one of my favourite Bands the Doors that I did see.

Painting of the Preseli's in Winter

I read today that we are going to have a nightmare frozen winter ... but when don't we get these dire warnings? 
Anyway it reminded me of the above painting which is sold. It is a view of the Preseli's with snow showers. In the foreground are a field of sheep. 

I have painted this view using an easel at the beginning of winter. It was a good walk carrying the easel and paints. When I got there I was..** ..cold.. Nevertheless I did the painting despite having to hold the easel with one hand to stop it blowing over and keep wiping a cold red nose. Still it is character forming as they say. 

Landscape painting of Cefn Sidan

The above painting of Cefn Sidan sold last week. Although it was a very small painting it was quite cute and I was partial to it, after all size isn't everything!

We have been away in the Cotswolds for 10 days and had a pleasant time meeting up with old friends and relatives too.

I walked to town this morning to do the shopping, twice. I got half way and realised I had left my wallet at home! I suppose it is some sort of Yin and Yan thing. I forget something but it is balanced by me having to do more excercise to improve my well being!!

Barge on the Brecon and Monmouth Canal

I have given the above painting to Nicky Piper for his exhibition to raise funds for Cardiff City Hospice. It is a very worthy cause and we are always happy to help with their annual exhibition.

David Cowdry Exhibition - Aberglasney

On Saturday I popped into Aberglasney to see our friend David Cowdry with his exhibition. He has as usual a superb range of paintings. It is only on for a week but if you get the chance get along and have a look.