ARTISTS TALKING

# 16 [1 April 2008]

After some discussion...I will wait about a month before I phone the gallery. Wanting to write an email, but in this case it's best to phone. Emails can be misconstrued and there is nothing like voice to voice conversation.

With the delay in constructing the new gallery space there's been time to reflect...my paintings have always had a more European appeal and exhibiting/selling my paintings rarely happens and if I were to exhibit then Portugal definitely appeals to me.

I absolutely hate approaching galleries and I don't think this is going to change...exhibiting may improve my 'gallery' confidence...I doubt it...

# 15 [31 March 2008]

Another blog...the collective term for blogs is...load...a load of blogs.

This is a load of blogs...well it is in my case...OK...so I'm a little bored today from painting white walls white...

# 14 [29 March 2008]

It's rare I get to see my brothers...but Michael, who lives abroad, has just left after a short stay. A British colony centred around managing and making money where many have been adversely affected by the corrupt banking world. He is one of the few not motivated by money.

It's The Boat Race today and as Founder and President of The Bermuda Rowing Association (BRA) he'll be standing on Hammersmith bridge in the wind and the rain.

It's the corrupt art world that concerns me, where 'taste' and 'fame' can be determined by certain bankers and corporate bodies with too much money and influence...this is one of the reasons why I give paintings away.

Ultimately, it's creating the work that matters.

# 13 [27 March 2008]

Sailing from the Hamble was wonderful...a westerly force five with beautiful ever-changing views. The 'Blue Lady', a 34' Hallberg Rassey gave us an incredible unique experience.

Mass in medieval Domfront, Lower Normandy on Good Friday and Easter Sunday...then to Chantilly for reasons that cannot be divulged at this early stage.

Rich experiences waiting to be released in paint...

# 12 [18 March 2008]

The pickled Emperor's new clothes. There's a pickled fish in the papers today, 'worth' a lot of money. There are banks in the papers today in a pickle, worth nothing.

Pickle...a funny word...a funny world...

# 11 [14 March 2008]

Going sailing next week...for two days, but only if this low pressure increases.

My sketchbook is always in my head, just hoping my head won't always be hanging over the side...?!

# 10 [12 March 2008]

Restored the garden of two octogenarian's this morning...pruning all their neglected roses for health, strength and shape. It's always a pleasure when clients really appreciate what I do for them in their garden. But, all the time I was wanting to paint...but painting alone just doesn't pay the bills.

If the exhibition in Portugal actually happens I will be able to spend more time doing what I love best...creating...painting...

# 9 [10 March 2008]

Water, water, what a great day!...up and out early to witness the storm. Just the two of us on the beach looking across the wild horses getting absolutely drenched...fantastic...Nature in all her force and fury and beauty just cannot be replicated...only witnessed and remembered for future paintings...wonderful...

# 8 [8 March 2008]

White, white paint, white walls. Flat trade matt white...such a lovely paint and such a lot of walls to cover...I can't help being distracted into using my large wide brush for mark-making on an epic scale...then developing the image into a pristine flat matt white wall. 

We can all paint a wall white but this does remind me that it's the process that matters.

...and while I'm painting inside the box there's time to think outside the box...developing my thoughts along the lines of a series of landscape images relating to our planet. Having just painted two large white circles on a white wall, I'm thinking of naming the series Plan8...perhaps a predominantly white series...

# 7 [6 March 2008]

...time to move on. It's culturally dead here.

Sadly, for many in the UK with disposable income their highest aspiration is to own a 4x4 and an American fridge.

Preparing to sell the house...lots to do...