It's been a long time since I was in a kayak and it showed as we fell out almost immediately. However, we managed the paddle around to the yacht club without further mishap, despite the water chop and power boat wakes. Fun ahead. Curiosity, settling into some form of understanding. Appreciation of incredible amount of work taken to generate the volume, and complexity of
A couple of small paintings to increase stock levels after a spate of sales in the studio. Which has also seen new group visits, personalized tours and interest from those passing. Painting of 'Narine Vase', 'Sunbird', 'Sunbird and protea', and 'Elephant at play', sold. Logistical hassles of getting the painting of the 'Sunbird' to Cape Town to be checked in on the flight to
Roger here from Switzerland and Dad and Mary down from Montagu for a family get together in Wilderness. The house in the nature reserve well appointed and spacious. The covered braai area perfect in the damp weather. Pharaoh gallery, the paintings humming with energy from the walls. Bold sweeping strokes from the pallet knife on the large canvases, applied with precision, create minimalist portraits
Kirsten arrived with a suitcase full of mischief for her few days here. The excellent Lismore Chardonnay from Greyton. Restless River Cab from the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley and the 'RedBlack' from Ahrens family vineyard. A distinctive Syrah blend with the focus on the fruit, rather than the oak. Slow cooked pork belly (the three chef version) in Viognier with cauli-mash and squash to go with
Sunrise, seagulls and bicycles. Polly awake early for the last day of the GR300 MTB race that came past the studio at the start and finish. With a couple of the small paintings sold, I need to get disciplined about doing a bunch more. Met a few interesting characters around town for possible portraits. Anton, the pirate, who caretakers a small school that is run
Oil on Canvas 30cmx40cm Who would have that such a small painting could be so demanding. The dingy insignificant in the face of the elements. Reinforced by pushing the composition up in the canvas, cropping the mast.
Wind buffeting the studio. Canvases dancing against the walls. Storm tossed seas. Polly hiding. Her agitated state compounded by kids letting off fire crackers under the covered walkway outside the studio. The view to East Head from the western side of the lagoon dominated by the tunnel of the old railway at Featherbed. I pushed the composition lower on the canvas to give space
My fingers are full of holes, and there is more blood than paint on the panel I'm making for the laundry cupboard. My skills at carpentry a tad lacking, and I certainly don't have the correct tools. None of which makes a difference when you can't get the measurements precise! In my defense, the panel was incorrectly cut at the building supplier, which
Entrance to the Port of Le Havre Eugene Boudin (1824-1898) In Normandy, the small and charming port town of Honfleur has everything: an iconic old bell tower that provides an excited peal for weddings; an ancient wooden church across the street, where the organist does better than "Here Comes the Bride" to mark the occasion; and — along the little cobblestone streets, hurdy-gurdy players providing
Oil on Canvas 50cmx40cm Rowing boat marooned amongst the plants of the Estuary. Content in its spot of sunshine, with a 'Don't Disturb' sign at the nod of its anchor chain.