Grey landscapes.

It's November and very grey everywhere. With not a lot of colour around I'll have to work with what I have. I'm focussing my attention on three canvases for The Little Picture Show at the Albany Gallery in February. An odd glimpse or two of sun shining through the clouds could trigger memories of the summer and release bright images to add some cheer to my paintings. Failing that I'll rely on memories of long balmy days in France where the intensity of colours never failed to excite and inspire me.

                                                Return To The Village. Oil on canvas.

Take a Break

                                         
                                          Take a Break. Oil on canvas.

Albany Gallery Summer Show. 4th July -17th August 2019.

Bougainvillea and Mimosa.

Two plants which conjure up the South of France for me. Mimosa I had as a surprise present a year ago; I couldn't quite believe it at the time. It's now strong and sturdy, surviving snow and even producing flowers during the freezing temperatures last year. The Bougainvillea plants I found in the local super-market a couple of days ago. I could never have imagined in my wildest dreams that I could possess these plants in Wales. So many times I gazed with envy at people in the market in Montcuq walking away with Mimosa plants and longed to take one home with me. Bougainvillea instantly brings to mind images of the French Riviera, of garden walls along the coast glowing with the vibrancy of bougainvillea flowers.  Possessing these plants seemed even more remote yet here they are sitting on my dining room table. Who knows if they will survive but I'm hopeful!