I few days ago I mentioned that I was unhappy about the colour balance in a picture on which I’m working. The violet tone was quite wrong. Having sat and looked at this (off and on) during the intervening time, I realised this morning exactly what it needed. The morning passed in extreme frustration, as there were all kinds of domestic tasks I had to do. After my mid-morning coffee, however, I was able to get into the studio. I mixed a light grey, with hints of a slightly greenish blue in it, and applied that thinly over the offending area. It worked amazingly well. The thinness of the wash allowed the underlying structure to come through, but it killed the greater part of the violet. I was amazed by the transformation brought about by this very simple change. I’m not 100% certain that it is finished yet, but at least it is saved from destruction.
Last night’s exhibition opening went well. My remarks were generously received, and I got laughs in the right places. I did change the ending a bit over what I originally thought I might say. It was sad, however, that one woman came up to me afterwards and told me that her husband was good for nothing. Ouch!
I am struck constantly by the number of small, local art groups there are around the place. There are two in the village where I live: two in the next village, and travelling around I often see little signs up advertising art exhibitions. There are probably more people painting in this country than play football. Some of it is of a respectable standard too. My wife bought a picture at yesterday’s show, and it was not out of any sense of condescention. It is exactly right as a gift for the person she had in mind.