Day 1 - Coming out of Lockdown

It may be 3 weeks since I've written the Blog. Thank you for reading it and for the many messages and feedback. I've had to rename it as "Isolation" doesn't seem appropriate now as things have moved on in a fashion. During the past three weeks work has become busier as people prepare for life after Lockdown. This feels quite strange in some ways, as we aren't going back to how life was before and there's a fair amount of apprehension in the air. This is the theme of the painting here, "Looking Forward", which was completed yesterday. I felt very unsettled yesterday but at the same time very brave with the paint. It's a large watercolour which isn't easy to handle especially if your aim is to work very wet, free and keep it looking fresh. I watched the film, "The Goldfinch" at the weekend and there's a line that had a big impact on me - something about making that bold mark that can make a painting or very possibly ruin it - but it has to be done to make great work. 

On Tuesday morning I went swimming in the sea at 7.30am - this is one of my favourite activities, especially early in the morning. The sea and the horizon bring things down to size. The plan was to get back to swim each day and then the weather blew up  again with endless wind. The wind unsettles us and I remember our dog Bella would leap around the cliff top on a windy day. Some days I'd like to switch it off like an annoying radio programme. 

Today is David Hockney's birthday. He's one of my favourite artists and I have a book that my Nana bought for me when I was 18 (1978.) He just gets on with it - painting and painting and more painting. I wrote to him in 1984, when I was doing my dissertation for my Degree. Ever the optimist I asked to meet him and interview him with my questions. I still have the reply - a lovely airmail letter from Los Angeles, saying he was very sorry he wouldn't be in the UK so sadly couldn't meet me. I've always encouraged people who want to do or say something and said - "What have you got to lose?" - the worst is they'll say No!! I must remember that ........