Playing with darker tones  I am supposed to be getting my studio ready to open at the weekend - hanging work, sorting out browsers . . What am I doing? Playing with scraps of decorated newspaper and painted Bondaweb from previous projects. I keep even the tiniest bits!! It is so satisfying to look at a pile of opportunity (scraps) and start to see colours that will go together. Then to start start composing layers. I find composition fascinating. Whether it is, in this case, 6" x 6", or 6' x 6'. The same rules of composition apply.  And ultimately, it's all a matter of opinion.   Piles of opportunity I don't think I am alone in putting things off, I think most of us do it. And I must admit I am rather enjoying the luxury of it. My week isn't too hectic, so I know i have a bit of time. But not toooo much time. So I must get on and get these small (6" x 6") pieces mounted onto canvases and then sealed. Pl  It is great to get the gilding flake out a...

 Beautifully proportioned lines.  I have had a couple of days to rest between workshops this week. I have just about shaken off the very lovely - not - infection in my lung. It affected my voice box so I had no voice for 7 days. This has never happened to me before - no voice. It was a very peculiar feeling not to be able to communicate with my voice. I am well on the road back to being fighting fit again, but it does remind me I do need to look after myself a bit more carefully. Note to self - eat more greens!!! I am on Jersey to deliver 3 workshops at The Harbour Gallery over the coming weekend. It is great to be back here. It's been 3 years since I was here last. I love coming over here and it good to have some time with Pat Robson, the Force Majuer behind The Harbour Gallery . Pat is great fun and there is always something good happening at the gallery.  Like most of you who read this blog, I love wandering around harbours and piers. There are always wonderfu...