New paintings and regular art updates.
I joined a moss appreciation group recently. I’ve taken a few photos but I’ve not come across anything as spectacular as some of the members post. You can just see a reddish orange cup shape in the bottom right quarter of this photo. I think its a type of fungus?
Here’s a closer look. Can you identify it?
I like the idea of eccentric groups of people adding information and images to the Internet. That’s what makes it interesting.
Westport lake tree, off the beaten track, down a side path.
Somebody has taken a sign off this tree, they have left two “eyes” in place. My friend saw it first and it made me laugh. Is it an ent? Is it Treebeard… I can imagine a mouth and nose! It was good to escape even though it was drizzling and grey. Good to enjoy time outside.
The visitor centre at Westport lake stands on stilts and appears like the curved prow of a boat above the lake. The roof juts out over the balcony and offers some shelter from rain that can blow in on the prevailing wind. The visitor centre has a cafe, and sells gifts relating to the wildlife on and around the lake and wooded areas. You can buy bird food and bird nesting boxes, and books including natural history. Staffordshire Wildlife Trust manages the park and does various activities to encourage children to get into supporting the environment and nature. There is also a children’s playground. The only drawback is that the council has bought in parking charges.
The silver blue water of Westport Lake in Stoke on Trent today. This Swan was one of many that were searching for food. It had cygnets in tow, almost free of the pale brown plumage. The swans got out of the lake later as visitors were feeding them bread (not an ideal diet) but in this weather they need sustenance. They even tried a swift peck at my friends arm!
We only walked a couple of miles but that was enough for today. I was chilled by a cold breeze and glad to get back to the car. I will do more walks.
Out in the sunshine
Watching the cedars
Blown in the wind
A sudden squall
And they are dripping
Cold droplets down my neck!
Old trees
Friends with fronds!
Old photo from a summer about four years ago. If ever there was a photo that could be turned into a painting I think this is it. Outside a school in Penkhull, Stoke-on-Trent.
I just watched the Great Pottery throwdown filmed at the Gladstone pottery in Stoke on Trent. The contestants were asked to create a matching pair of Gluggle Jugs. The characteristic noise or glug they make is caused by air trapped inside when they are filled with water and the glugs happen when the water is poured out… The creations were wonderful and the head judge Keith Brymer-Jones was overwhelmed with the skill of the contestants.
Here is a paragraph from the Internet about their development, I couldn’t see an author.
Originally known as Glug Glug Jugs, they were first made by Thomas Forester & Son in Staffordshire during the late 1800’s, but it was the adaptations created by the Dartmouth Pottery, designed to look like a fish and aptly named Gurgling Fish Jugs, that are more recognised (and replicated) today.3 Oct 2022
I decided to try and draw one to show what they look like. Artrage app finger painting.
I used this for the prompt ‘new’ on our #bandofsketchers challenge as it is a new series.
Silver birches in front of the chimney at Jessie Shirley’s bone and flint mill in Etruria, Stoke on Trent today. It was very grey and overcast, but the silver white bark of the trees shone out like exclamation marks against the industrial museum background. It’s funny how your eyes accommodate and let more light in than the camera does. To me they really stood out. But they photo is really dull, maybe I should edit it?
I’m thinking of doing some volunteering in the near future to get out and about more, Etruria seems like somewhere to start. x
I had various things to do today. Part of arranging my late hubbys final passing. I find it hard to know what to say. My friend came with me to help and we went in the local pub to get a hot chocolate and try and take my mind off things.
Thinking about what hubby wanted I have chosen something very simple and have asked people to think about him on the date and time of the cremation as I am not having a service (we discussed things a while ago). I thought it better to explain so people know well on advance and don’t ask to attend a service.
I really want a celebration of his life, but it will be after Christmas because something so sad needs thought, and the festive season is looming,
Looking out the window, the world was zooming past, unaware of how my day was going. I’m glad we had a break…..
I’m going to a spode Open day tomorrow, when I went to the studio I realised how much art I have. It’s a case of loving painting too much, but not being a salesperson! If you see anything you like let me know I guess? You could always visit me. I will be in Spode studio 21 if the wooden cat is outside my door!
Mallaband-Brown