I saw this again today and I really do like it. I might buy some scraper board to do my own creations. Then if I was to photograph the I could make original artwork to turn into cards and prints. I just wish I had more energy to do it.
Scratcher art
Another Imp
Photo by a friend of a tile found in the basement of the old Stoke Library. I think he said it was by Minton tiles. This is also similar to the green imp badge that the brownies have on their uniform. (Brownies are younger members of the Girl Guides movement.)
Drawn to drawing
“fishscales” Artrage app, digital drawing I’ve just completed this using metallic and non metallic pens. I love this app. It feels like a truly free way of using digital methods.
Impish
Imp or Ogre
What would an Imp or ogre look like? Are they related species?
I decided to doodle an idea of what one would look like. They are both characters in the Mystery Play at Penkhull Play. They will be puppets I think, and we already have them made but they might need to change how they look.
I quite enjoy drawing characters and it’s a challenge to see what comes out. I’ve also drawn the two witches and a witches assistant to help me think how they should look.
Titchy paintings
Mini paintings, abstract and flowery. When you’re not sure what to paint but you need to paint some work for our art groups little summer fayre.
Canvases this small cost £2.20 for two. So if I’m selling them and I’ve got to give 50% to the art group then I’d like to make 50 pence profit because the people coming don’t have much money. I’m glad I could get the canvases though about 1.5 inches by 2 inches. I love the challenge.
City view
The University fine art department is squeezed in behind terraced houses. I would find this interesting and attempt to paint it as the year progresses. To have a time lapse style series of paintings. I like the architecture and the jumble of gardens that are hemmed in by buildings. It would also be interesting to take drone pictures from above. Maybe they’ll let me in as an alumni if I ask nicely?
Garden maintenance
Wish I’d taken a “before” photo. In the past my back yard would have already been a riot of colour. But age and infirmity have made it difficult to get out there and garden.
But my kind friends Lin and Twiggy came round and gave me a couple of hours of their time. Weeds removed, pots emptied ivy cut back, apple tree tied onto the fence. It’s still in need of sorting but it’s getting there!
Might be done in a couple of weeks all being well. Me? I’m knackered!
100 year old city.
On the 5th of June 1925 City status was bestowed on Stoke-on-Trent. So today we celebrated it’s Centenary.
A few years before on 31st of March 1910 it’s six towns of Longton, Burslem, Hanley, Fenton, Tunstall and Stoke-upon-Trent joined to gather to become the County Borough of Stoke-on-Trent.
Notable for living in the city were Oliver Lodge, inventor of the spark plug. Josiah Wedgwood inventor of different types of fine pottery. HG Wells lived here for a while in 1888. And Arnold Bennett, the author of the five towns novels wrote many books about the area.
On 5th July 2025 our area of Penkhull will be putting on a Mystery Play about a reimagined story of how the six towns were named.
Happy anniversary Stoke-on-Trent.
Quiet day
After a few hectic days I was going to do more today, but after messing about trying to get a parking space at the hospital early this morning so I could get a blood test, I came home and collapsed in a heap (metaphorically not literally). I’m OK.
Just shattered. I’d got wet in heavy rain and I hadn’t taken a raincoat, so I was soaked. I wanted to warm up because I was shivering.
I’m trying to save on heating costs so I didn’t put it on. But I relented tonight and switched on my electric heater.
Basically I ended up nodding off and napping a few times. I sat in front of my television and watched a few programmes which merged into each other.
Basically that was my day off.
Twinkle
I say hello to him every day
His eyes twinkle and smile
He was my green man
Now sadly gone.
Mallaband-Brown 