New paintings and regular art updates.
Got nothing to paint on? One summer I had no canvases because I was on summer break from the polytechnic. So I did a portrait of our cat on the wooden base of a broken mirror. I decided to go surreal and add goldfish, as if she was looking through a glass fishtank. Added painted gravel to the bottom of it. I had fun. This was when I was still using oil paints which soaked in nicely to the wood.
Morning sun catching my work in progress, but not much done during the last few days, it’s been too hot and humid. Just came down for a decaff coffee, not getting much sleep and my legs keep twinging.
My mother died on midsummer day several years ago, I was there when she passed away…. I feel very sad today, all my recent losses have really got me down. I wish I could turn the clock back. I wish there was a way to speak to her, to ask her opinions, although we often disagreed, we had interesting discussions rather than full blown arguments. I painted this portrait before she died.
She was a strong and independent woman, she had to look after us when my Dad died. There are many sad memories about that part of my life too. But I think I’ve said enough.
Over the years, when I had money, I would treat you to paint and brushes and canvases. The joy of buying a new colour or a metallic tint.
Now I’m retired I still have enough to keep going. I just hope I can maintain my manual dexterity. Parkinsons is a beast.
Painting rough sea is hard. Especially as I don’t have a good reference image to work from. The headland, beach and castle need sorting out. The ground is grassy but again the photo I’m using is not very clear. I’ll take a final picture when I’m done. Taking longer than I used to because of my Parkinsons disease. Acrylic on canvas.
I’ve got the proportions wrong, but it was hard to see through my tears as I painted him. Symbol of deep and lasting friendship. I know he won’t be back. One last sleep, nested somewhere in the garden. His heart strings jerked out of tune and failing. No medication for days, no chance of surviving. My greif is astounding.
The tides coming in.
White horses canter
Over the waves
Will be finished
On the rip tide…
Close up of a rough sea I’m painting for a friend. The only time my Parkinsons shake reduces is when I concentrate on painting. It’s not as neat as I would like it to be but I get into “flow” and my movements mysteriously improve. I really should learn more about it but most of the time I’m exhausted.
Painting like this is a way of relearning old skills that I thought I’d forgotten. Onwards and upwards….
I’m trying to paint, and do other things, but I volunteered for something and although I get nervous I can do online things and send emails. But I think I have taken on too much, and although I don’t regret it I am finding it hard to keep up.
Part of that is not being here every day. I’ve missed some prompts that I normally enjoy here. And for the next month I think it will get worse. Typing is an issue. I shake so it takes longer to compose things, so my posts are getting shorter.
Anyway it’s almost 2am so goodnight and sweet dreams.
Acrylic on canvas.
Painting is difficult with Parkinsons shakes. Details blur as the canvas waves (I was holding it), or my paintbrush won’t go in a straight line. It’s like being on a rattling train, or boat surging in a stormy sea.
I keep telling people I’m in permanent earthquake mode!
Don’t think I’ll get in the exhibition but I will keep trying.
Mallaband-Brown