A long night.

I'm busy working at home and thinking about the night ahead. The General Election results will filter through in the early hours of the morning and I can't see me going to bed until there seems to be a clear result emerging. The thought of the country led by Theresa May is not a happy prospect but all the predictions seem to point that way. What a gloomy future if that's the case. I will watch the TV tonight and hope for a miracle!

A different coast, a different sea.

Last week I was on a road trip with my two sons through Dorset, Devon and Cornwall; never far from the sea, often on high ground (in campsites) and exposed to the elements. Sometimes stormy and very wet, there were also calm days sitting in the sunshine while they fished and I thought about images now trapped in my head which, in time, would be recorded on canvas. May is such a beautiful month. We drove through lanes of hawthorn resplendent in pink and white blossom. We walked through a country lane bordered by foxgloves, cow parsley and the delicate ragged robin. It was magical; I was back home in Monmouthshire, a child who walked lanes liked this on a daily basis and was always acutely aware of the beauty around me.

Cardiff knows how to throw a good party.

The Champions League Final comes to Cardiff next weekend and it will be immense. I have to somehow get to the studio to retrieve this and other paintings to work on at home. Otherwise it's a question of battling crowds, having to show ID and an almost impossible chance of parking or getting in on the train. All the roads will be closed in the centre and a temporary bridge will cross the street just below the studio. There's a lot going on.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-south-east-wales-39530585

Spring is on hold.

19th March.

So said the BBC weatherman this morning. I'm cheered by the thought that it can't hold out much longer and soon the rain will disappear and the sun eventually show it's face. The six nations championship ended on the weekend and I watched all three games. It couldn't compare with the excitement of the previous weekend when we were at the stadium to see Wales beat Ireland.

Chuck Berry died yesterday at 90. Listening to his music throughout the day on the radio I was a teenager again.

After a day at home on Tuesday waiting for the delivery of a new computer I finally made it into the studio yesterday to carry on working on the large canvas.

Wednesday 29th March

Feeling gloomy - the process of leaving the EU has started. I loathe the word Brexit - it's a made up word and, to me, it trivialises what is happening. It's so depressing!

Thursday.

Leaving the EU dominates the news and I guess this is how it will be for the foreseeable future.
I intended to go into the studio this morning but left it too late in the end so I'll need to be better organised tomorrow. I have work to do for the Summer Show at the Albany.

Back in the studio.

The large canvas I bought at the beginning of the year is on the easel and I'm ready to go!
I have the title and that's where I start.

Water's Edge

                                            Water's Edge. Oil on canvas.

A new painting for the Albany Gallery Christmas Show which starts next weekend. I should have produced more but work has been slow with a few distractions. I need to get busy before I'm overtaken by Christmas.