I have known about the work of Mary Cassatt for a long time. I think that she turned up first in my reading about Degas’ pastel techniques. A large proportion of her work was undertaken in this medium. A friend of mine has recently loaned me two DVDs about her work which I have found … Read more
I’ve just finished watching a DVD, loaned to me by a friend, about the life and work of Mary Cassatt. Could she draw! I was attracted in particular by the attention to her works in pastel, which are extraordinarily skilful and sensitive. I’m going to need to watch this again, as it really isn’t possible … Read more
I drove over to Sowerby Bridge this afternoon in order to pick up the copies of prints ordered by visitors to my Ilkley Exhibition. (I must say that it will really be a relief to be able finally to draw a line under that venture, however good the experience was.) The printer and I fell … Read more
I have embarked over the past week on the long-overdue task of re-organising my picture racks. Apart from the fact that I can never find what I am looking for, I have become aware that I am probably hoarding a load of old stuff that will probably never ever be exhibited again (if it ever … Read more
Over the years during which I have been working with pastels I’ve acquired several ways of working that I have never seen in the published manuals about the technique. They vary in importance, but I find that they all add to the efficiency of the way I work. I thought it might be a good … Read more
After my long layoff, during which I was not able to paint, I now find that I am storming ahead. In the past week I have brought two pictures to that state in which I need to spend the next two weeks staring at them, asking myself if they are finished or not. Doing two … Read more
My step son and his wife came over for lunch today, and surprised us by a gift of his home-made smoked bacon. I’m constantly astonished by the range of projects this man will turn his hand to. The safety–net in his life is a routine administrative job in a paint factory, but apart from that … Read more