Thursday, 24th September 2026 - Life Painting

Today has been a pottering one. Nothing of much note but lots of things crossed off my list.

I came home from art this evening and was greeted by a waggy tailed Fable. Tom is off on holiday for the weekend and we are Fable sitting. I hope Fritha is around for a playdate. Tom wants to sleep in his tent on top of his car tonight. I did offer him a bed. I know which one I would have chosen.

Day 24 #stradaeasel

I had the perfect strada easel challenge for today. It was a life drawing/painting session with WOKAS this evening. Chris, our model did four 10 minutes poses (really difficult), one 20 minute pose ( I was feeling more relaxed), then a coffee break followed by an hour pose (I moved from a exp
osed position and did two works in watercolour). What a challenge! I haven't done any life drawing for a long time. It doesn't matter when painting a landscape if a tree is out of place. It does matter when painting a person if a limb is in the wrong place.

Life Painting
Pencil and watercolour

Wednesday, 23rd September 2026 - A Gift for Grandad

Before Tim left me to go to London he did a bit more roofing while I was still pottering in my PJ's. I have been hankering after a plant I saw on an Instagram post. Perovskia has a pretty blue flower in late summer. I found one at the garden centre a few days ago but it was a poor specimen. I voiced my desire to Tim as he was ordering polyanthus from Thompson and Morgan. The Perovskia we found were expensive. This morning a box arrived with three very healthy plants. Two are now in the garden and one growing on in the greenhouse. What a thoughtful husband I have.

My plan chest has become a nesting delight for mice. The tissue paper I use when inking up collagraphs was obviously a very desirable bedding. Today I cleared and washed it out. 

While eating a very wholesome vegetable stew we watched The Great British Bake Off. Nigella Lawson was surprisingly good. I thought she was going to irritate me. They baked my favourite cake, coffee and walnut. I now have a need to make one. Walnuts and instant coffee are on my shopping list.

Day 23 #stradaeasel

Yesterday, as Harriet, Herbie and I walked across Wickhambreaux village green Herbie picked up an acorn. It was a wonderful specimen. He asked me to take it home and give it to Grandad. I am not sure what the reason was but the fact that he was thinking of his Grandad was enough to make it a very special gift. I have made a tiny print for today's challenge. I lazily used an inkpad for the ink. I quite like the unevenness.

A Gift for Grandad
Linocut

Tuesday, 22nd September 2026 - Morning Glory

After my guest left I put a load of washing in the machine and headed over to Wickhambreaux. There were road closures (yes, I did try to go through but had to turn around) along with very confusing diversion signs that disappeared or made no sense. I got lost in the outskirts of Canterbury for a short while until Google maps directed me back on route. I had a lovely time with Harriet and Herbie. We used the writing tablets and drew many complicated battles that stretched my imagination to its zenith. We had a stroll to the park before I headed home with no diversions. I have come back with lots of precious memories made. I was sorry to miss the girls but plan to go back next week with some lamb as requested by Herbie to see them.

Day 22 #stradaeasel

My sister gave me a morning glory a couple of years ago. It has self seeded into plant pots and between paving stones. They flower briefly in the morning. Who would have guessed? Today I had two. I sat on the doorstep to draw them but I could not quite capture their amazing colour. Lindsey has up to 14 flowering at one time. There are seeds beginning to ripen. I will leave them to find their perfect place for germination and next year I may have 14 morning glories.

Morning Glory
Pen and watercolour

Monday, 21st September 2026 - Tangerines

It has been another home day today. They are good days to have. The cupboards, fridge and wine rack are topped up thanks to Tescos delivering this morning. 

I continued with my endeavour to get the garden back into some sort of order. It was hot. I needed a hat and sunglasses when painting the top coat on the soffit board and my nose. Our roof is looking less gappy and more tiled.

Bookings for bed and breakfast and Little Holt continue to keep me busy. The best part is listening to stories of people's lives. Much more interesting than my own. I know all about that.

Day 21 #stradaeasel

Yesterday Tom gave me a tangerine. I love a tangerine. I had two nets delivered from Tescos today. They reminded me of Tom. A good challenge for today that is emotional and physical. This is my second attempt. I drew in the one using a non permanent ink pen. It was going well until I added watercolour. Then it turned a muddy murky brown. That one is in the recycling.

Tangerines
watercolour

Sunday, 20th September 2026 - Cucumber

I have had a pottering day in the garden. Tim has worked like a Trojan on our roof accompanied by Tom. Tom, thank you so much for helping. Dad is enjoying relacing his shoes with elastic laces as I type. It was lovely to see Fable briefly potter around the garden. He spent the rest of the day in Tom's car. I think he knows that if he stays in the car he won't be left behind without Tom. Clever.

Sunday night is online with Tescos who we have deliver to us on a Monday morning. They have some very tempting offers of wine and chocolate! I have been persuaded to add them to my basket. How easily influenced I am.

I am looking forward to another episode of The Undeclared War.

Day 20 #stradaeasel

My greenhouse is looking diminished. I have one tomato plant that would be better on the compost heap BUT the cucumber Wendy gave me is having a second spurt. I took my pen and paper and crouched at a very uncomfortable position to draw for today's challenge to celebrate its rejuvenation in paint. How I suffer for my art.

Cucumber
Pen and watercolour

Saturday, 19th September 2026 - Three Stages of Cyclamen

We have had a DIY day maintaining house and garden. Two years ago we went to Cornwall and stayed with John and Diane. I bought a bottle of gin there. After a day of work it seemed a good time to open it. It does have a much more flavour than Gordons. Tim had a white port with his tonic. Sometimes a Saturday night in is just what is needed.

We are watching a great series called The Undeclared War. It is a cyber thriller. 

Day 19 #stradaeasel

Tucked in the shade of our greenhouse tiny cyclamen are pushing up between the pots. Get close and they are quite extraordinary. The buds are tight swirls. The flowers throw their petal up and back. The seeds are protected by a curly stem. I picked each stage for my challenge this evening.

Three Stages of Cyclamen
Pen and Watercolour

Friday, 18th September 2026 - Wendy's Plums

When I have been out in the evening I find I need a while to 'come down' before I go to bed. I had a late night last night after the excitement of spending a night with artists. Fortunately I had no breakfasts to serve and was able to lumox in bed this morning.

The day was perfect for some gardening and painting a very long soffit board. Mike dropped in this afternoon. Pippa has a sale at King Johns Nursery with a collection of brocante people. I hope to go tomorrow. I have been following her adventures on Instagram and there are some lovely bits and pieces. 

Day 18 #stradaeasel

Wendy gave us a bag of plums. They are chopped up and frozen. Ready for me to make jam. A good subject for today's challenge for they were chopped.

Wendys Plums
Indian Ink and Watercolour