We Are How We See Ourselves.

We Are How We See Ourselves.

In my other blog today I was taking a very light hearted look at the process of ageing. Something the young do not believe ever happens to them, but the reality we all must face.

I have been neglecting taking account of my ageing and have allowed myself to get unfit and have increased in weight. And it did not just happen overnight.

Yesterday I hit a target and had done for two days in a row and was feeling not too bad about life. Then I saw this my first and only self portrait. I remember doing it, more importantly I remember the night my son snapped this picture of me. He took it with his new cell phone. I was still running daily and still only hitting 140lbs.

Not the best ever self portrait, but I never got round to trying another. Maybe one day I should.

I have been reading articles about self portraits. Some people think that they would never do them because it is self indulgence. That it takes a certain inner pride to accomplish it.

I found it the exact opposite. It was impossible to sit and study yourself without also doing an inner stock take.

A inner stock take helped me get some perspective back into my life, so it was a good exercise.

I recommend it to one and all. Be brave and have a go.

This one was done in pastel I did it in one fell swoop.

It now languishes in a drawer somewhere. I keep telling my children I am keeping it in the off chance that one day I may become a grandfather. I will then hang it above the fire to keep them safe.

Frightening indeed.

I cannot leave toady without commenting on the ongoing work of Barbra- Joan She is painting the picture of the tree I used as a photograph recently. What amazing patience she has and what a wonderful eye for detail. If you have a free minute go look at it. She posted the ongoing work a few days ago. Hit her name and it will take you to her blog.



This blog is linked to my other.   Age Is Catching Up With Me

Pendo

Pendo

I chose the story in my other blog because of the events of yesterday with this painting. A couple moved into the village where I live in the not too distant past. Ricky and Pendo they are called. Pendo had been a teacher in South Africa and Ricky had been out there working also. They got married and eventually moved here to stay.

One day Ricky asked me if I thought I could paint his wife. He knew that black skin is not the easiest thing to paint. But he would like me to try. Without her knowing I took a picture of her using my cell phone. This is the painting I did of her yesterday.

How does it connect with the other blog? Well yesterday Pendo and Ricky had a disagreement, as we all do from time to time. I arrived to show him the painting. Pendo was not at home but out walking, no doubt feeling low, as was Ricky. When she saw the painting of her she was so full of joy. Not only her there was Ricky with a great big grin. The troubles of the day were forgotten and the painting had made them both smile.

I left feeling good. Also I left feeling that it is amazing how often art can bring a depth of joy.

The portrait was done in pastel. The idea of the scarf I got from seeing other renderings like this. The first day I ever met Pendo she had a scarf like this one and that stuck in my mind. I think she liked it. More important like the king in my other story it happened at the right moment.



This blog is linked to my other. The Three Questions

Doodles and Portraits

The Gardner.

You have all seen this portrait before, well most.  In my other blog I mention Archie. He is a marvellous character.

He loves baking. Yesterday when I met him on his plot, like me weeding, he gave me a present of a large cake of shortbread. "Take this to your old father in law."

I have a little doodle I do. It ends up like three little parrots sitting on a branch. It is done with just a few strokes of acrylic. I have it on my specs case. Archie wanted me to do one for him on his. We sat in the sun and I did the two minute doodle.

He has had great pleasure showing it to others and laughing about how easy he did it.  As I say a real character.

Yesterday I sold another painting making three in a week. It was time to do something. So yesterday I gave Archie his painting and my son his.

I hope they both enjoy having them.


Tomorrow I will try to be more light hearted. Life is indeed wonderful.


This blog is linked to my other Liberation