Monday, 24th November 2025 - One Fifth of a Bunch

For the past few days Fable, our son's handsome dog, has been staying with us. Tom was at a conference in Manchester. I have been walking with Fable on my own, walking with Fable and my sister, walking with Fable and Tim, walking with Fable and friends, walking with Fable and Tim and falling flat on my front - uninjured as it was onto very soft wet grass! What a fool I felt. 

A lovely square canvas was perfect for a portion of Tom's flowers. Five layers later and it is finished. Gorgeous flowers and wonderful buttery oil paint. Delicious.

One Fifth of a Bunch
Oil on Board

Friday, 21st November 2025 - Tom's Flowers

We are looking after our son's dog Fable for a few days. Fable has tripe treats. I have a bunch of flowers. Tim has flour to make me pizzas.

Fable was my downward dog yoga buddy this morning. 

We collected our car from Jon. It will be good to have two again. On our way home with had a very circuitous route home that took us past The Lord Raglan. Having recently had a new landlord we were curious and dropped in for a beer and a coffee. It looks very smart. Another stop to get Christmas cake ingredients for the family to stir and make a wish. I am hoping the grandchildren will do their usual fabulous job of decorating it. 

Last night we watched Mr Burton. I loved it and want an Edwardian house with a stained glass door.

Tonight we are watching a Dan Brown series that is taking all my concentration. At an interval I painted Tom's flowers. It has many layers including charcoal, oil, mineral spirit, brushes, palette knives, and rags. Enjoying this method very much. 

Toms Flowers
Oil on board

Wednesday, 19th November 2025 - Plant in a Pot

The autumn months send me a reprieve from bed and breakfast. I have more time to indulge in yoga, lunch with friends, reading and painting. I did them all today.

It snowed while I was trying to mula bandha in yoga. Not sure I have quite mastered the naval to spine lock yet.

Clive fed The Viridians plus husbands a lovely lunch. His cheeseboard was impressive. The soft one in a box that you scooped out with a spoon was gorgeous. We stayed for hours eating and talking. Apparently socialising with friends is one of the best ways to ward off dementia. Tim and I are taking this advice very seriously. 

Back home I lit the woodburner and read a rather strange book All the Colours of the Dark. I prefer a crime thriller.

This evening I made a cauliflower curry.I thought I had no more room for any food after lunch but managed a second bowl. I finished the evening layering and squidging oil paint about on a canvas.

Plant in a Pot
Oil on board

Tuesday, 18th November 2025 - Cyclamen for Clive

I have had a decadent day. It started with holding a mug of tea looking out onto a frosted garden - so pleased I was inside. Adriene took me through my paces with dogs, pigeons, cats, cows and cobras. Then I set off to meet Sarah in Hawkhurst where we watched The Choral - during the day - it felt very naughty. We discussed the film over tea in The Queens - I was mixed, Sarah more positive in her dislike. Back home I did get around to doing some toilet cleaning and sock folding.

I bought a cyclamen for Clive. I needed to paint it this evening before it departs to its new home.

Cyclamen for Clive
Oil on board

 

Monday, 17th November 2025 - Expressions

We had a delightful weekend spent with our very entertaining grandson. The other Evans were climbing. While playing in the garden with him I felt incredibly blessed to have the time to spend joining his imaginations. Wow they get the old grey cells buzzing. 

Today I spent a few hours with The Viridians painting. I settled this evening in front of the woodburner to eat soup made by my husband and bread fashioned by my grandson. Perfect. I feel loved.

I have been inspired by an art demonstration I saw by Adam de Ville. I have found a wonderful new way of working with oil.

Flowers from Alli
Oil on Board

Orange Roses
Oil on board

Roses and a Squash
Oil on board

Flowers at Weavers Barn
Oil on board

Kath's Dahlias
Oil on Board

Thursday, 2nd October 2025 - Thirty Tiny Pears

A very very happy 38th birthday to Tom - the first one in his new home of St Leonards. I think there will be many happy times ahead. We look forward to exploring with him and Fable.

I always enjoy coming home from a holiday. Even better with coffee and Lindsey to catch up on stories. Our holiday garments are washed and ready for another adventure which was this afternoon at the Ewe and Lamb with Tony and Wendy. They looked after our hens while we were away. They have not produced any eggs yet. Tony and Wendy have two from the same 'batch' that are both laying eggs. We are looking after theirs at the end of the month. Maybe we will do a surreptitious swap. 

A collection of tiny pears. I enjoyed making these little paintings and am now waiting to hear if I have won an easel.

Tuesday, 30th September 2025 - Tiny Pear in Acrylic XXX

 The Paris Metro is great. Tim found a phone app that you buy your tickets in advance then just wave the phone at the barrier. It doesn’t even have to be on. Magic. This morning after a coffee and pain au chocolate in a bar we took the magic metro to Musee D’Orsay. Four hours later we left. Just love it there. It is so inspirational. I have a need to paint a huge canvas. They have a John Singer Sargent exhibition on - wonderful.

We metroed back and collected bread, salads, wine and pastries for a picnic. 

Day 30 #Stradaeasel

Today’s pear and last in my tiny pear series is inspired by a painting called Le Citron by Edouard Manet.