New Camera

Well it was new a few months ago when I went to Focus on Imaging and brought it - a Sony 390.  As usual I am a slow burn on new equipment but went to the Botanical Gardens and took some pictures although I'm not sure that the colour is quite right.  Back to the manual .... oh, there isn't a manual!

These are unmanipulated and I am quite pleased with the composition.

Summer Holidays!

The main thing this summer is a visit from my Auzzie family which is half-way through ... having a great time being a tourist going to the London Eye, to the Natural History Museum (dinosaurs), to Warwick Castle, The Black Country Living Museum etc.  My granddaughter particularly wanted to go to see Westminster Abbey and I think we were all 'blown away' by its history and majesty.  Definitely worth another look in the winter when there are fewer tourists (what are we if not that?)

Went to the Compton Verney private view for Stanley Spencer & Capability Brown summer exhibitions at which Sir Roy Strong gave a very good speech.  Planning to go to the SS museum in Cookham to see Spencer's War - the Art of Shipbuilding on the Clyde with friend Catherine.  We are also due to go to the RA Summer Exhibition at the end of the month - this will be my first time there.

While in London with the family, nipped in to the National Portrait Gallery - 20th century portraits always interesting - particularly how the artist has interpreted the sitter.  Saw the BP Portrait Award but was rather puzzled by the overall winner.  Good standard otherwise.

Aims for summer - some holiday - Art in Action at Waterperry Gardens - Creative Collagraphs course at RBSA (prepare something for next RBSA selection panel) - Festival of Quilts at NEC - more photographs - learn how to use new camera - prepare for L6 final year at BCU.

Oh yes, I have pharyngitis so haven't been able to speak for a week ... two more to go apparently!

Widow Tree

I produced some drawings of what I had in mind from the Widow Tree

My next steps were to buy some thin ribbons and use some wool that I had in the house to produce my Widow Tree - I looked around for different types of branch and it seemed important to use one that was old and obsolete. Of course, the branches used in Germany are fresh and green.

It was quite therapeutic threading the ribbons.

I quite like the contrast with the previous German pictures.