New paintings and regular art updates.
Drawings for the Stoke-on-Trent urban sketchers group. I was sorry not to see any other urban sketchers there at Etruria today but I was just there to sing with Clay Chorus and the Boat Band. I was getting a lift there and back with someone so I couldn’t stay. First drawing, The Forge with someone sitting on the wall. The second was across the canal on the car park looking back at the festival while waiting for the Shuttle bus. Hampered by a stiff breeze and my hat blowing off twice!
Describe one simple thing you do that brings joy to your life.
I love singing.
When I’m anxious it helps regulate my breathing. Concentrating on the music makes my heart swell with joy when we get it right. Time seems to flow. Music and song are so simple, so inate to being human. It brings joy to my friends too. We got together to sing for a friend recently. I’ve not included my friends faces because I haven’t asked their permission to use their images.
That’s the thing about anxiety, so many rules to remember and think about. What can I do? What should I do? But singing calms me, pulls my mind up and out of bad feelings. I would recommend it to anyone thinking of coping with anxiety. If you can take the first step and keep singing. X
In a gallery
But looking outside
Fresh green against brick red
Daylight catches the wall
As sun starts to set.
Always look outside the box
The view might change
Your thoughts too….
Chances are
You’ll see something new.
It looked like a puff of yellow steam on the window. The plastic cup was there, but not lined up so I moved it over a bit.
I guess this is a found picture. I like the yellow against the dark green behind and the taped lines on the window. The metal grid also seems to add to the effect.
My favourite image is on the top right. It’s a bit hazy but I just love the face! I do wonder if the artists had actually looked at cats or just had them described to them?
Four legs, long tail, almond shaped eyes, pointed ears, sort of triangular face, nose sticks out a bit but not long snout. Sharp teeth and claws. Fur in oranges whites or black and browns or combinations or single versions of these. Don’t forget they have whiskers, and of course needle sharp teeth!
Make your own image out of that. Don’t forget size, about the size of a small dog but Maine Coone cats are much bigger!
The car doors are closed, the windows are up, the air vents are off… But I feel a drip of water on my hand, a tiny spot, a speck… But I don’t understand? How did it happen. I could really feel it. So how. I think it came through the windscreen. … Through, like there was no glass. I hadn’t coughed or sneezed? Then a few seconds later… Drip, I lift my hand from the steering wheel. There is a definite droplet of water, rapidly shrinking on my hand. What is going on..
Then it happened, a WAVE, crashing through the car, but the glass was solid. It was like being in a goldfish bowl. I skidded to a halt and pushed the drivers door open. I was safe, the water evaporated. What would happen next?
I don’t know this world I am in, the place is strange, surviving is becoming difficult. Odd things happen. Last week a glacier appeared then snapped out of existence as I slammed my brakes on.
I’m giving up this job, continuum deliveries has just lost their driver!
A large spiky thistle growing outside a terraced house front door. Why? These are student lets’ and a lot of them are empty because the students have already left. I guess the landlords will come back and refurbish the houses or rooms. There was a lot of rubbish in the street, black plastic bags, litter and bits of old furniture. If they don’t clear away the plants their roots will take over and get into the foundations. I think its worse because everything has grown rampant because of all the rain we’ve been having.
Ouch! Kneading my leg, pulling holes in my leggings. I know you love me but that hurt! Sharp claws might be a good hunting tool for cats, but my flesh is punctured! I love you dearly, but sometimes you dig in too hard. Please get off my lap. I’m off to get a drink and a few painkillers!
Some of my tiny miniatures hung at the cafe at Etruria Industrial museum, for sale at the Etruria Canal Festival in Etruria, Stoke on Trent, this weekend, 1st and 2nd June, 2024.
For reference these paintings are about 2×3 inches.
What quality do you value most in a friend?
What would I have done without the caring nature of my friends? Each time I have been down there have been caring words that have helped to bring me back up.
No one turned against me, no one ignored me. They were all there in one way or another. Life can throw bad things at you and your family and friends, so we all need to care for each other. And why not? No one should think they are superior to others. What would life be like if people didn’t care for one another? I don’t want to find out! Support and kindness are two other great qualities to value.
Mallaband-Brown