We drove over to Lincoln today in order to install my exhibition in the Chapter House, at the Cathedral.* I had been rather concerned previously that my material would just disappear in such a large space, but in the event it looks fairly good. It was necessary to be quite inventive with respect to hanging … Read more
We will be driving over very early tomorrow morning to Lincoln, in order to set up my exhibition in the Chapter House. The exhibition (entitled The Green Man: contemporary Christian responses to an ancient image) brings together fifteen pieces on which I’ve been working during the past year. I am very curious as to what … Read more
I’ve been hoping for some time that I would be able to produce one more picture for inclusion in my “Green Man” exhibition, at Lincoln Cathedral in July. Try as I might I could produce nothing coherent. I started several sketches but they all fizzled out before I had confidence in them. I must have … Read more
We drove over to Lincoln today, to visit the Cathedral, where I am too present an exhibition of my work in July. The staff were very welcoming, and it is great to have the event in mind as a concrete planning objective now instead of just a notional date on a calendar. I have to … Read more
I was delighted this morning to find myself in conversation with somebody who has taken an interest in my work over some time and who genuinely seems to appreciate what I do. This is, of course, probably the experience of many artists. We plug away at developing our personal vision, but don’t get a lot … Read more
“The proper study of Mankind is Man. Placed on this isthmus of a middle state, A Being darkly wise, and rudely great…” (AlexanderPope, Essay on Man, Epistle II, of 1734). I’ve become interested in the relationship between three ideas which are only partial pseudonyms …. Nature, creation, the environment. They all quite evidently point towards a common set of … Read more
For some years now I have been interested in the “Green Man”. This is a very ancient image that features quite frequently in mediaeval architecture in this country (and also some countries on the continent.) The “Green Man” depicts a human face, but with foliage growing from the eyes, ears or mouth. For this reason … Read more
I was horrified, updating my art log-books today, to realise just how little work I have managed to do during the pandemic. You would think that with the cancellation of all kinds of distractions it would be possible just to get stuck in and do some creative work freed from distraction. Evidently it doesn’t work … Read more
Last night I was feeling very low. I was not particularly pleased with my last picture and no new project was in view. Life seemed to have run into a brick wall. This morning I collected Aiden Hart’s classic reference work on ikon painting, and although I’ve had only the chance of a brief glance … Read more
As an artist whose preferred medium is pastels it is not unusual to be given quizzical looks regarding my choice of medium. Why would anybody want to use pastels? Having exhibited with the Pastel Society on several occasions I remember that there is a kind of defensive air about these occasions …. something of a … Read more