There is a two-day break before Cardiff Singer holds the final, so we are taking a break in a country pub on the Gower Peninsula. Stopping for lunch and a walk on the coastal path, I thought I would get in some sketching while my wife sat in the sun and read. I decided at first to try a watercolour, and got out appropriate paper. Then I changed my mind, and got out cartridge, for a pastel sketch. Then I changed my mind again, and reached for the little watercolour set I carry. There was a dramatic cliff view with a very strong pattern in the shoreline rocks. It wasn’t long before I realised that I was trying to paint in watercolour on light sketching paper, which was crinkling because of the moisture. Too late!
I botched something together, and took several notes and a couple of reference photographs. I might be able to make something of the idea, but it will have to start again. We live and learn.
It has been a good day, though, with a very pleasant beach walk after we checked into our room. I love walking in bare feet on the sand. We’ve certainly worked up a good appetite.
The last of the preliminary heats of the competition last night was (in my inexpert opinion) the best. It was won by a very exciting soprano fro Belarus. We’re looking forward to Sunday, which will certainly be a great occasion. I just hope that by then I will have remembered how to paint!