Improved the right hand side of the painting. It looked a bit bland and needed some more interesting vegetation… More work, but worth it.
A bit more
Category: Memories
Success
So pleased I’ve got my little painting “cat fish” accepted in the 3 counties open exhibition in August. It doesn’t happen often these days x
Use a mirror base
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.
6.40 am
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.
Stretching
You lie flat,
Relaxed
Trying to stay cool
Purring out of sleep
Into a hot day
More sleep heals
Till you come down for breakfast.
In memory
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.
Paint box
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.
Hanging baskets
My hanging baskets arrived today and were carefully hung by my sister. She had transported them from a country nursery squashed in the back of her car.
They are all very well grown and cost a bit more than I intended. But they certainly make me smile. Now I’ve got to work out how to water them without falling over or soaking myself, wish me luck!
Commemorate
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.
My last cat
Maybe I’m too old for them?
Have I used all my 9 lives?
I’ve cared for more than 9 cats in my life.
Lost them all over the years?
To finally end with one?
I want more
More companions
More company
Something to talk to
Something that has the ability to love back.
This lady is loving
But also aloof
Does her own thing
Plays, pounces, zooms….
Mallaband-Brown 