Father.

This little scene is just outside the site I am on now. I walk along past this each time I leave the site. The water yesterday was so calm as I crossed the bridge I could watch the fish swim against the stream. Nature in all its wonder.

There is a young child on the site who seems to have caught the bug of being interested in all around him. He spends most time pointing at things on the ground and turning over stones. How I wish I could let him see the bird that is sitting about ten yards from me right now. It is sitting on a nest looking down at me its little eye catching the light.

The wonder of nature indeed.

This reminds me of another little boy. He was continually asking his mother all sorts of questions about the things that caught his interest. 

One day while in the garden he asked his mother where babies came from. The mother thinking he was too young to understand took a little seed from a flowerhead. She told him that her and his father had got a seed just like this and put it somewhere safe until he had grown.

The little lad seemed happy with that a moved on to another subject and the mother felt happy.

Later that day the young boy took a seed and hid it under a stone.

Two or three days later he returned to the stone and gently lifted it. A large black beetle crawled out from under it. The little boy looked at it and said, "Oh you are so ugly. If I was not your father I would stand on you."

The first lesson in the beauty of nature is to take our share of its ownership.

Have a good day, enjoy.

Boating.

I did enjoy my stay in Paris. It was so lovely to meet up with friends from the years ago, lost and rebound never I hope to lose again. I had three hectic days of sightseeing and late night at the Palace of Versailles  fireworks music and fountains.

But how nice it is also to get back into the land, into the country. Today I walked along La Cher a river that passes through the little village I am now in. We walked through the village and up into the woods through a little path it would have been so easy to miss. It was beautiful so peaceful with just the birds and scents.

Back down through the ancient village and back along the river edge. There I saw a lovely picture worthy of any painting. A man in his little boat standing fishing and reflected on the mirror water.

So different from the story of the woman who came to my mind.

It was late spring and a woman was trying out her new boat. 

Try as hard as she could it just would not perform for her. It would not turn or move forward, no matter how hard she tried.

After trying for three days she decided to seek help. Using a pole she eventually got it along to the local boat yard.

She asked if they could solve her problem?

Workers determined everything was working fine. One of the workers put on his wet suit and dived to see if there was a problem underneath.

He very quickly came back to the surface spluttering and laughing.

Under the boat firmly in place was the launching trailer still attached.

Make sure before you start your day you carry no unnecessary burdens.

Have a good day.

What is the Salary?

Yesterday I was walking with a good friend. We were remembering when we left school and got our first ever jobs. My first job started the day after I left school. There thing for us no such  thing as a gap year wages had to be earned.

I had no interview for my first job. I went and met with the boss, he told me what was expected of me the hours I would be expected to work and so on.

Then as if almost a last thought he told me what my starting wage would be.

Now there is an expectation that the employee might have some input into the agreed salary and the interview might even include a section at the end for input by the prospective employee. This is a great step forward and good.

This reminded me of a true story I heard.

The interview had gone well and was nearing its end.

The Human Resources person asked the young engineer fresh out of university, she asked  "And what starting salary were you looking for?"

The Engineer said, "In the neighborhood of £45,000 a year, depending on the benefits package."

The interviewer said, "Well, what would you say to a package of five-weeks vacation, 14 paid holidays, full medical and dental, company matching retirement fund to 50 percent of salary, and a company car leased every two years, say, a nice Land Rover?"

The Engineer sat up straight and said, "Wow! Are you kidding?"

And the interviewer replied, "Yeah, but you started it."

Have a great day.

Dudley

I have painted a few of these dog paintings never two looking the same. I have enjoyed using the many different colours to paint them,

It all began when my son bought a wonderful little dog with a great big personality. This made me think of him in terms of colours and not the all black dog he is. They have been very popular and have sold well for me. So grateful for this I did another one just two weeks ago and donated it to the Coniston mountain Rescue team. They put it on their website and asked for bids. it looks as if it will make them some much needed money. I hope the person who in the end gets it gets as much pleasure from it as I did painting it. 

Somebody got in touch saying could I not paint a happy dog. So this is my next dog challenge.

Hands

I am sure everybody knows this painting, it is so very well known. Hands are very difficult to paint so I thought I would have a try at painting my version of Durer's hands. There is nothing wrong with learning from the masters, either in art or in thinking. I spend some time each day listening to the words of the greats of thought.

Back in the fifteenth century, in a tiny village near Nuremberg, lived a family with eighteen children. Eighteen! In order merely to keep food on the table for this mob, the father and head of the household, a goldsmith by profession, worked almost eighteen hours a day at his trade and any other paying chore he could find in the neighborhood. Despite their seemingly hopeless condition, two of Albrecht Durer the Elder's children had a dream. They both wanted to pursue their talent for art, but they knew full well that their father would never be financially able to send either of them to Nuremberg to study at the Academy.

After many long discussions at night in their crowded bed, the two boys finally worked out a pact. They would toss a coin. The loser would go down into the nearby mines and, with his earnings, support his brother while he attended the academy. Then, when that brother who won the toss completed his studies, in four years, he would support the other brother at the academy, either with sales of his artwork or, if necessary, also by laboring in the mines. They tossed a coin on a Sunday morning after church. Albrecht Durer won the toss and went off to Nuremberg.

Albert went down into the dangerous mines and, for the next four years, financed his brother, whose work at the academy was almost an immediate sensation. Albrecht's etchings, his woodcuts, and his oils were far better than those of most of his professors, and by the time he graduated, he was beginning to earn considerable fees for his commissioned works.

When the young artist returned to his village, the Durer family held a festive dinner on their lawn to celebrate Albrecht's triumphant homecoming. After a long and memorable meal, punctuated with music and laughter, Albrecht rose from his honored position at the head of the table to drink a toast to his beloved brother for the years of sacrifice that had enabled Albrecht to fulfill his ambition. His closing words were, "And now, Albert, blessed brother of mine, now it is your turn. Now you can go to Nuremberg to pursue your dream, and I will support you."

All heads turned in eager expectation to the far end of the table where Albert sat, tears streaming down his pale face, shaking his lowered head from side to side while he sobbed and repeated over and over, "No ... no ... no ... no."

Finally, Albert rose and wiped the tears from his cheeks. He glanced down the long table at the faces he loved, and then, holding his hands close to his right cheek, he said softly, "No, brother. I cannot go to Nuremberg. It is too late for me. Look ... look what four years in the mines have done to my hands! The bones in every finger have been smashed at least once, and lately I have been suffering from arthritis so badly in my right hand that I cannot even hold a glass to return your toast, much less make delicate lines on parchment or canvas with a pen or a brush. No, brother ... for me it is too late."

More than 450 years have passed. By now, Albrecht Durer's hundreds of masterful portraits, pen and silver-point sketches, watercolors, charcoals, woodcuts, and copper engravings hang in every great museum in the world, but the odds are great that you, like most people, are familiar with only one of Albrecht Durer's works. More than merely being familiar with it, you very well may have a reproduction hanging in your home or office.

One day, long ago, to pay homage to Albert for all that he had sacrificed, Albrecht Durer painstakingly drew his brother's abused hands with palms together and thin fingers stretched skyward. He called his powerful drawing simply "Hands," but the entire world almost immediately opened their hearts to his great masterpiece and renamed his tribute of love "The Praying Hands."

There are some things that others do for you that no words can ever express your thankfulness. Artists are so fortunate that they can express there inner feelings in what they produce with their hands.

Crail Harbour

Crail Harbour 

It is some time since I posted a blog which is very remiss of me. My only excuse is that I have been in considerable pain in my foot and nothing would give me any comfort, even sitting at the computer I found painful. At last I am now having some relief thanks to my doctor whom is determined to keep me running. I am now back running regularly and walking almost daily.

My art has been ongoing though much more slowly than previously. Standing at my easel became impossible. I have been trying some work using pen and ink. The wonder of this medium is how easily it can be left and returned to with little problems about keeping paint wet or matching the colour.

Amazingly those have become fairly popular and I have been able to sell more than a few.

I have been looking at most of the blogs that I follow and if possible have made a comment or two.

I am very very fortunate to live in the part of the world that I do. In about a mile from my home I am out in the country and can walk the coastal path. In the County of Fife where I live there are many very beautiful Coastal Villages. I so enjoy walking through these and watching the fisherman at work with creels and nets. Most of the villages have been maintained and unchanged over the years. Where changes have been made, building made to look "Better?" by being painted white, I have done some little research and found the original colours of the roofs and buildings.

THis little village remains unchanged. I found that walking through the harbour took me back to my youth. I am aware that this is a sign of ageing but what the heck I enjoy those memories.

I took about three days to complete this one. I drew it first in pencil then took up the pens and painted it again with Chinese Ink. To finish it I added just a little colour on the tiles of the roofs and sky and sea. No too much I hope but just enough to take the viewer into it.

This harbour is painted frequently but usually from a different angle.

Edinburgh Castle from Castle Street.

Edinburgh Castle from Castle Street.

Some time ago I shared with you a painting of Edinburgh Castle. That painting sold very quickly, for which I am always pleased to know that others get some joy from my work.

One of my good friends and fellow blogger made comment that although he liked the painting he felt that it did not convey the total majesty of such a building. So, Jerry, here is another attempt at that majestic building in the heart of Edinburgh the Capital City of Scotland.

Painted almost from the same angle but of course not taking in the complete castle, rather just an aspect of it as it towers above the main shopping street of Edinburgh.

At the New Year Celebrations some 75,000 people gather below this castle and from its ramparts the fireworks display is tremendous.

Painted in Pen and Chinese Ink it is 16" x 20" and framed in a light oak frame.

Will it sell like the earlier version of the castle? We shall see.

This blog is linked to my other.Finding a Heart.

It is my intention to no longer publish this blog but to incorporate it into my other blog. I will leave this one here for some time just in case anybody comes across it and may wish to join the other blog. My Other Blog Is Here

Dunfermline Abbey and Palace Ruins

Dunfermline Abbey and Palace Ruins

The above is a Pen and Ink using only black chines ink produced by grinding the ink block on a stone. Was ground and collected it is applied with a dipper pen and a small brush.

Of all the paintings I have produced this one has had the most hours of time spent on it. I am glad I have not been clock watching. 

Not far from where I live is the City of Dunfermline. Dunfermline used to be the Capital of Scotland. Now the Capital City is Edinburgh, Dunfermline still has its beautiful Abbey building but the once Palace is now ruins. 

As a young lad we used to dare each other to run along the ramparts, a foolish thing, but the way of youth. 

When I first became a minister of religion I was invited to preach in the magnificent Abbey Pulpit, under which lies the body of King Robert the Bruce. 

It is not often that I say I am proud of a painting but in all humility I today say, I am proud to have painted this one. I am sure as I learn this new medium I will do better, but for now I offer this one to you. 

This blog is linked to my other. Too Busy...

St Peter's Church Inverkeithing

St Peter's Church Inverkeithing

This is another of my pen and ink paintings. I am blessed to live in a part of Scotland with many interesting and historical buildings. In the village I live there are so many that locals often hardly notice the beauty of them.

I have taken some delight in looking at them again. This is my second version of this one. The first one was purchased before I had even had time to take a picture of it. It is to be given as a Christmas present.

It has been bought by the son and daughter in law for the mother. It was in this building that the daughter in law first sang solo. So the building has happy memories in the family. I hope it brings them joy.

This one is hanging in the little inn in the village where I meet my friends once a week. Within about 100 yards radius of where it hangs there are at least six historical buildings, so plenty to consider.

This church plays an important part in the life of the village in many ways. A recent heritage protection project has ensured it will stand in the village for many years to come.

This blog is linked to my other. Silence Only Comes

Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle

My daughter recently returned home from a visit to Burma. She brought with her many little gifts for me, all the little kinds of things that bring me much joy. A lovely lying Buddha, a bracelet of jade. As she shared the experience she had I found myself searching out some of the things I had bought while in China.

While there I had bought some ink blocks and grinding stones. These beautiful ink blocks are so well made, each with symbols and pictures. It seemed to beautiful to grind that this is maybe why I had never used them.

It seemed such a shame. Somebody had gone to the time and bother to produce this beautiful ink block to be used to create lovely calligraphy. I decided to put them to use.

The grinding of the ink on the stone with water, such a peaceful way to spend time , and the beginning of any future artwork..

I have been using them to produce Pen and Ink artwork mostly of local places of interest. I will put some of them on here in the days that lie ahead.

The one on this blog is the second version of Edinburgh Castle, the first one having sold on the day I painted it.

I have kept to a very limited palette and mix the inks to create the colour I seek. Three primary colours and a black one. I am using an old pen and nib to produce the initial drawing. This every time reminds me of the days sitting in school with a dipping pen and an inkwell. The large ink bottle was out in the corridor so that each class could find it to keep the inkwells full.

Edinburgh Castle is possibly the most famous of all Scotland's Castles. Every year it hosts the Edinburgh Tattoo, where people from all over the world watch the spectacle.

It sits in the very midst of Edinburgh and can been seen from almost everywhere. I live just a few miles from this Castle but in the last few weeks I have learned more about it than ever before..

I have to say that I am enjoying these Pen and Inks. My son on the other hand wonders when I am going to get back to real art.

This  blog is linked to my other. I Am Making Progress

Life Does Not Always Turn in Black and White.

Life Does Not Always Turn in Black and White.

Since I was last able to write a blog much has been happening in my world of art. I went through another of those deep black places where I painted nothing for a time, then I was invited to hang four paintings in an exhibition with some of Scotland's well known artists taking part.

At the same time three of my paintings left me to go and hang on the walls of other people. It is always uplifting when others are happy enough to hang your art in their homes.

I have painted one or two paintings in a very short space of time which I will share on here for your thoughts.

This painting is in a reminder, to myself, that things are not always black and white. Good or evil. That there are other colours in our lives all the time and even the dark moments are often just a shade of grey and not as bleak as they look.

This is the second painting I have done with a very very limited palette of only four paints in one and three in the other. This one has no texture other than that caused by the interplay between the brush and the paint. The other one has much more texture.

I hope the title conveys the meaning of the painting.  It is painted on a box canvas 40" x 16" so fairly large.

Painted using acrylic paint in black white and red with the very smallest touch of yellow.

This Blog is linked to my other:  The Leap of Faith

The Maze Of Adventure

The Maze of Adventure

This painting is very similar to a smaller one I did. The more I looked at the smaller version the more I felt it would look better on a larger canvas. So this canvas is more than twice the size of the other one. It is a box canvas 40” x16”

I am still in that moment of inner peace after my time of reflection.  This painting is as the last about the inner thoughts we have. We have a mind full of all sorts of positive and negative thinking. Dark places and golden moments.

Further reflection on this and the prompting of a dear friend made me aware that we often miss out on some golden moments because we keep ourselves boxed in because of our fears of the unknown.

This painting has places where one colour explodes softly into another. We sometimes have to step out of our inner fears and into the light of experience.

I hope this painting conveys this.

Painted in acrylic.

This blog is linked to my other.Adventures and Not Fears

The Cutting Edge

The Cutting Edge

I am showing two versions of this painting. I am not going to ask you to tell me which is better, one or the other. They are different.

What this does show is that the inner mood of a person can so easily affect the finished artwork.

I do prefer one to the other but not by a great deal.

These paintings were the first and the fourth of the paintings that arose from my musings on deep and big questions.

One is painted on a standard canvas 40” x16” and I intend to make a frame for it. The other is on a deep box canvas ready to hang, again 40” x16”

I am hoping that one will sell and the other I can give to my son for his new office.

Constructive Thinking

A good friend suggested that these two paintings could very easily be made very personal by hiding the initials of the owner in the midst of it. I kind of like this idea.

This blog is linked to my other. The Warrior and The Cat

The Categorical Imperative

The Categorical Imperative

This is the second of the Abstracts I have painted since my afternoon in the Buddhist Temple.

My son, who is my greatest critic does not like this one. His opinion is it is far too cluttered and possibly even a bit harsh.

He may well be right about the clutter, but then as I have already told you these three paintings have grown from the thinking of that afternoon and the on-going thinking in the days that have followed.

Having been both a minister of religion and a teachers of Philosophy, obviously some of that thinking and questioning has been about some of the, “Big Questions.”

When we turn to those my mind is indeed a clutter and a turmoil.  I  hope you can also see that it is not dark but bright and full of life if sometimes in the clouds.

The title I hope does not confuse but in fact add to the thoughts behind it.

Painted in acrylic on a box canvas 50cm x 50cm

This blog is linked to my other. Things Are Not Always As They Seem