On my work table this weekend..

I've started the under-painting on one of my paper houses

  

This time with a medieval feel.. After my visit the other day to the Falmouth Maritime Museum I was once again inspired by all things nautical.. On of the paper house's I've been working on just happened to be ready for it's paint work. Needless to say the finished 'house' will look very different... As their are monsters and mermaids to paint as yet..

I thought you might like to see the technology (the pegs) that I use in my studio. I do so love a peg.

*You might notice on the last photo a blurry mark, I think that my camera got left in the car and it has got damp. If any one has a remedy I would be so grateful. It is so annoying as I haven't had the camera that long.

I have just started studying - Early Netherlandish Art - Part 1

This week I started a course with the WEA - Workers Educational Association here in Colchester to study Early Netherlandish art.. Well I'm as surprised as you.. !  Well, I have this friend.... Who also has a hidden passion for medieval art... Need I say no more...

"The course will introduce the art and social climate of the Fifteenth Century Northern Renaissance via the exploration of the amazing artistic techniques of the painters such as Jan Van Eyck, Rovert Campin and Rogier Van Der Weyden."  Says the blurb...  This sounds a bit heavy but I think that it will be an exciting journey..

Week 1:  The Dukes of Burgundy 

 

Philip the Bold - Philippe le Hardi 1364 -1404

John the Fearless - Jean sans-Peur 1404- 1419

 

 Philip the Good - Philippe le Bon 1419 - 1467

 

Charles the Bold - Charles le Téméraire 1467 -1477

 There were four Dukes of Burgundy in these golden years between 1364 and 1477: Philip the Bold, John the Fearless, Philip the Good and Charles the Bold. Each married well, so increasing the Duchy’s cross-border land and power. The Low Countries, what we know now as Belgium and the Netherlands, were amongst the rich gains bringing untold craft skills, culture and prosperity. A sumptuous court resulted where every aspect of the arts was patronised: tapestries, music, sculpture, gastronomy and fine arts. Burgundy blossomed, gaining in stature and power.

We also took a look at the book of hours other wise known as Très Riches Heures du Duc de Berry . This will blow your mind, so much detail.. So amazing.. 

I am totally hooked.. And looking forward to next week...

On my work bench this week...

 

After my visit last week to see the 'rood screen' in St Edmund's church, Southwold, last week I am inspired.  I hadn't realized how medieval artists had subconsciously influenced my work for years...... And years!  Without me giving it a second thought!  Why hadn't I seen it?  To tell you the truth, I couldn't see wood from trees, even if I bumped into it.. 

So after the penny dropping, clang!  And thought processes now coming together, I am painting  a five paneled 'rood screen' of my own, very rough at the moment but it has potential, the mermaid is a little odd and the designs are a little rough but I feel excited by it, I feel some lino prints coming on next or maybe a collagraph print or two.

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On Monday, a walk along the river.. Not my normal photo's of mud, I just couldn't resist this beauty..

'Rood Screen' Influence or subconscious thoughts?

The weather has been amazing here in my little corner of Essex this week, on Monday morning bright and early my friend phoned, "fancy a drive to Southwold?", for those of you who don't know... Its a beautiful unspoilt  seaside town in Suffolk, who could refuse, not me.. So with nothing better to do other than the ironing I jumped at the chance.. 

We took full advantage of a beautiful morning and headed up the A12, an hour and a half later we were there. "I've brought you here to show you something" said my friend, and we headed off towards the church... Inside she directed me to the 'Rood screen'.. I was blown away.. I have only ever seen pictures in books before of these medieval wonders.. Please click on the link..I could go on... and on... and on about them, better if you take a look for yourself.

After fish and chips and a pot of Early grey tea we headed home.... To be continued...

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So after an amazing but exhausting, couple of days I managed to get into the studio... To 'clear up' some of my mess... And to start work on a new lino print. Well that was the plan.

During my tidying I came across this picture.. One that I had put aside..  The cleaning went out of the window together with the lino print.... I propped it up on the easel..

Three hours later.. Gone were the fields, she'd a hair cut, a house renovation, and a little boat had made an appearance..

...Tea.. I need tea, so stopped for a sandwich.. Arrr! No bread.. Bugger!

After lunch, and another two hours or so painting. Here is the picture.. I might still tweak it here and there, but it's all but finished.. And I was exhausted.

The influence was not as I'd thought, the wonderful rood screen, but my friend, who is living with her son, (who is driving her nuts) whilst having a new house built down by the river... Funny the way the brain works, it never ceases to amaze me..