Journal

Oil, 65cm x 50cm

The amaryllis, orchids narcissus and Christmas cactus all came out at the same time so I had to act quickly. We also had three family members trying to return from Bali at the beginning of lockdown so it took on a Balinese feel.

First of a new series of lockdown still lives. It was interesting to contrast the cool light from the window with warm light from an indoor lamp illuminating the still life. Oil, 60cm x 50cm.

Ullswater Towards Helvellyn. oil, 50 x 40cm

Cullercoats Bay, High Tide. oil, 50cm x 45cm

Both painted recently on location and exhibited at the Russell Gallery Winter Show. Opening is tomorrow evening, 28th, until the end of January.

Following an operation last February I was unable to move around much for a couple of months. As a result I set up a series of still lives on my desk at home. A number of them are currently being exhibited at the Biscuit Factory Gallery in Newcastle until November 2019. I enjoyed painting them very much and will make painting still life a regular winter activity from now on.

Oil, 40cm x 30cm

I worked entirely from a mirror and found it a very difficult portrait. It's hard to see myself objectively I realised, both physically and metaphorically.