Incoming Storms

Loving all this snow we've been having. When I'm not having to go out driving in it. And as long I've got all my thermals and waterproof footwear and socks two inches thick....
Missing the sight of green grass though. Not seen it for close to five weeks now, but on the plus side I've been very inspired by the elemental colours and shapes and pared down forms and contours the snow moulds out of the landscape. Been trying out oil paints for a change, and trying to figure out how to get my ideas and style down on canvas. Was struggling with a few paintings, so decided to go out with the dogs, came back to the studio looked out the window and saw this scene. (Sort of... kinda have to allow for artistic license and all that....) Got it down on canvas in the space of about 15 minutes which was great. Not a great photo taken of it, but just a record as its now off for a new life as someones Christmas present. They chose it themselves, so its not a big surprise if they happen to catch sight of it on here!

Still here, bartering away..

Hi, I'm still here. Just been busy with life and all that is involved with it. Still drawing, but where on earth has the time gone to this year? There seems to be no time to scan drawings, write emails, phone friends, go for long walks, paint pictures, enjoy sunsets. But ask me what I've been doing with my life and I haven't the faintest idea of what to say that takes up the time. Been trying to earn some cash, got about 4 jobs, but realised I need to stop and take a breath every now and then. 

I have been seeing a guy who's been clicking my back into place and doing acupuncture down the spine, but as I've not been able to afford the fees, he very kindly accepted a picture in payment for three treatments - hence this picture above, bad photo as scanner not available at the time. But what a star he is, looked through my sketchbook, picked a style he liked, and asked for something similar of a Scottish scene. If only you could pay all your bills in pictures. Council tax, electricity, phone bill, food... What a much nicer place the world would be in if all the world was covered in art of all shapes and sizes. Bartering is the way to go in the world I think. Find something that each of you think is of value, and swap. Some vegetables for a bit of work in the garden. Or some volunteering with old folks or in a hospital instead of tax bills. 

Better get my head out of cloud cuckoo land....

Dead but not ignored

I pass this tree whenever I drive into Edinburgh. Its dead and has been for many years, as I've been wanting to draw it whenever I pass it. Finally I did stop, as I'm sure one day the 'Health and Safety' laws will deem it unsafe and liable to fall on unsuspecting motorists, or a farmer will think it's in the way and chop it down, so I thought I'd get it down on paper and commemorate its gorgeous strong shape and interlacing nude branches. A tree in all its naked simple glory. Didn't get it all down, but I hope got the essence of it, and hopefully soon, I'll finish it off in a painting.

End of the season

Thought I'd post these wee watercolours I sold a wee whiley back of some beachhuts, based on ones that are on Coldingham beach near us.

Have always longed for one of these huts, but they get passed down through the families not surprisingly, so hardly ever get on the market, So I'll just have to content myself with my own tiny shed in the hills and pretend I'm looking at the rollers coming in on the beach.

Memories of Summer

On this miserable wet day, or as they say up here 'dreich', I thought I would post a wee drawing I did of some freshly picked peas just before I ate them raw. The taste of summer, a welcome memory in this first proper feeling of autumn. Brrr.

Creative Blocks

Lesley Purcell was talking about creative blocks, and it reminded me how I try and get over them. I had gone through a period of not doing much and decided to take myself off to the woods with the dogs and my sketchbook. This is the initial drawing I did (then it started raining hence the big raindrop splodges), then when I got home I added the colour.

Not a great painting, but I wanted to try and remember the bright green leaves in the sunshine beyond the tall dark trees. I also then found some Scots Pines, one of my favourite trees, in a clearing.

I couldn't see the tops of them, but just loved the bright red orange trunks against the dark trees behind. I'll eventually get them painted properly, but at least these wee drawings got me out of a rut (with any luck). I hope Lesley finds her way out soon as her work is way too good to not be out there!

A study in Ellipses

One of the best things I was ever taught was by my mum on how to draw ellipses. I found it incredibly hard to do and learn, but she made me stick at it and I love drawing them now. Still struggle every now and then, but find it quite therapeutic in a weird sort of way, just drawing ovals and trying to get the angle and light and odd shapes occurring in glasses and reflections.
I'd just like to point out that all those glasses in the drawing weren't all drunk by me... it was after a party and done very late one night after everyone had gone home and I didn't have the energy to clear up quite yet...