Painting of boats in Angle

We used to have a mooring in Angle and this was a painting I did back then. It sold a long time ago. The execution was quite loose and suited the subject. The only bits of detail are in the boats.

We were on the moorings in Angle when I got a fish bone stuck in my throat. This was a quite unpleasant experience and I failed to move it with bread or water. In the end Alex took great delight in getting a pair of tapernosed pliers out of the toolbox and stick them down my throat to remove it. I didn't think it was possible to get a set of pliers in my mouth but it is.
Yes it was bloody uncomfortable and I wouldn't recommend it but it felt better when it was gone and of course I drank some alcohol to sterilise the area! Alex thought it was hilarious. After that I made sure we had forceps in our first aid kit.

Cleddau Bridge

The above painting is of the Cleddau Bridgea at Neyland. We used to moor our boat in the marina in Neyland when Alex was working as an engineer in Dale Sailing. (I can also add proudly she won marine engineer student of the year when in college).  The place we moored was in the upper basin, which although being cheaper was restricted because you could only get in or out an hour or so either side of high water.

It did have the advantage of a lovely walk along the old Railway built by Isambard Kingdom Brunel. Neyland became the terminus for the Great Western Railway in 1856. The railway fell into disuse after Beeching I believe. Anyway there is now a lovely long walk through nature reserves although you have to dodge cyclists.

“Jac” our cocker spaniel loves nature although he has a real thing about black birds. So we often took him long walks from the time he was a puppy. 

One day we took him along this trail and met a young couple pushing a pram. The pram contained a baby and unbeknown to us a picnic wrapped up under the pram. We stopped briefly to chat to the couple, and then I suddenly noticed “Jac” disappearing with a package in his mouth. I called him but being a young pup he took no notice and proceeded to unwrap and eat sandwiches at a distance. I finally caught him and handed the whole sorry mess back to the couple who were none to pleased. We then disappeared with as much grace and speed as we could, muttering apologies for our wayward dog.

Autumn Rain

I finished this painting "Autumn Rain" yesterday. I rarely use burnt sienna but I thought, well it is an autumnal colour so... Anyway a glimpse of Worms Head through the incoming rain. Its influenced by Edward Seago to some extent and is quite fluid with the exception of the relief of Worms Head.

Painting of Kidwelly Castle in the snow.

I was interviewed about an old friend of mine the other night. A book is being written about John Brown who I did my degree course with. John wrote a book himself before he died but now there is one being written about him mainly I believe for the American market.

John was a very interesting character who was  famous for his furniture making and in particular chair making. He was a craftsman who had lived life to the full. There is much I can say about him but sufficient to say he was a friend of mine.

The painting above is of Kidwelly Castle and is sold.

David Cowdry has an exhibition in Aberglasney for one week starting Saturday. Must be worth a visit.

Winters morning

There was a definite chill in the air this morning when I took Jac out. I suppose th eclocks will be going back soon and then we know dark days are coming. The watercolour above is one I did for a radio program a while back which I guess is novel. I had to use my best descriptive powers, but it all worked out okay.

I had previously undertaken an exhibition involving the visually impaired. This required doing maquettes for the paintings. These were 3D representations of the paintings that the audience could hold and trace with their fingers whilst I described the scene to them. All this was a lot of work.

 I asked the Arts Council for Wales if they were interested in helping to publicise the event. I didn't want any money. (I have never asked for any grant or monetary assistance). They were totally uninterested and were also unable to tell me what they had done to assist the visually impaired in the arts. I suppose I shouldn't have been surprised given their poor reputation but this was the only dealings I had with them.  I had quite a lot of interest from England and was contacted by several people and groups wishing to know how I had arranged the event which was covered by the BBC.

Thomas Toft

Yesterday I went pottery painting with Alex! Although I did ceramics as part of my degree course and enjoyed it I was never very good at it. I always wanted to do practical things like the biscuit barrel above or a nuthatch...

Anyway Alex has been taking the grandchildren to Gwili Pottery to spend a couple of hours painting pottery. Yesterday she was going by herself to finish off a couple of items. I went along with her and spent a couple of hours decorating a plate to be fired. I can't show it as it is a present but hopefully it will turn out okay. It was influenced by the style of Thomas Toft a 17th century potter who I don't remember but Alex may well do.

I would recommend a visit to the pottery if you have a couple of hours to send with or without children. It was relaxing and I will have made a personalised present for the small sum of £16.

Gwili Pottery. Pontarsais, Carmarthen SA32 7DU.  01267 253449.

Ferryside Beach

I spent the day yesterday preparing and priming boards. Today I am moving my work about in the Origin gallery.
The painting above is of Llansteffan Castle from Ferryside Beach and is sold.