A mosaic experiment with watercolour (15 x 22 cm).

Did this eons ago. The LH lower corner is in miniscule detail . Here I've reproduced it in negative alongside the original which I find an interesting effect - it glows.

"JONATHAN FARR" Portrait. Oil on board 35cm x 31cm.

Jonathan and I painted each other in a quick painting session in January. It was a tricky arrangement as we were both moving all the time, making it difficult and the result seemed unsatisfactory. Looking at it now it seems a reasonable likeness although he said I made him look older - definitely a valid criticism - Oh dear! (also someting about it looks vaguely Red Indian. )

Salisbury Plain

Late afternoon in oil. A quick study, over fields towards Cheverall.

12cm x 25cm approx.

The trees throw long contrasting shadows over the grass in evening light. An idea for a painting. I'd like to capture the moment of light .

A quick dash of Spring - buds and blossoms from my studio window. Rather a lot of greens, maybe I'll do a bit more to it - and hope I don't spoil the freshness. Maybe I should just start another.

A long holiday from blogging but I want to get it lively again. Went to Bath a few weeks ago and had about 20 minutes free to draw so tried something architectural, the Pulteney Bridge - it is in a small Moleskin drawing book and done with chunky new propelling drawing impliment which doesn't smudge easily and which, I think, will prove really useful in time. Methinks the drawing looks rather unfinished on the right (where there was a scrawny spreading tree).

Feel this blog has gone slightly awry as it is meant to be about 'Painting' but glass and drawings are getting onboard. I'll try and rectify the situation soon.

Detail of the window below ...

BAPTISM WINDOW, St John's Church, Southwick, Trowbridge, Wilts.

Pressing stained glass deadlines have taken me away from my painting for a while but I am looking forward to getting back to it again soon. Here's a detail from the most recent window; the subject is 'St John Baptising Christ'. Basically I used a watery theme with fruit and foliage as a background to the figures, and wanted a feeling of an Oasis, richness and an abundance of life-giving water.

WINDSWEPT BUSH. (Autumn may not wait for us, but I'm waiting for Autumn)
A well weathered bush waiting for autumn on a hilltop at Nolton Haven, Pembrokeshire. On Friday I went to London to see the Velazquez exhibition and some other paintings - and the countryside from the train looked as green as late summer, with just a hint of autumn colours. I expect it will change fast now. (That Velazquez, he sure knew about painting).

POPLAR TREES (at Black Dog Crossroads, nr. Littleton Panell)
Painted this 2 weeks ago on a lovely Sunday morning. The poplar trees nearby were beginning to turn as things get cooler; changing quickly day by day and and crying out to be painted. Cycling to the spot and setting up the easel I realised I'd got my turps pot but had left the Linseed oil behind. Disaster threatened! "...... "But I have to try" I thought ....... it all got a bit odd and tricky with no oil to lubricate things - turps melts the under layers (those who use oils will understand). Finally I did a bit more from memory to rescue it, and I think it works OK.