Thursday, 25th August 2022 - Rain over Balmoral

Yesterday, Harriet brought our glorious grandchildren came to play. The older ones disappeared into the woods with their favourite sticks. Herbie and Mirablle entertained the adults with their escapades in a cardboard box fending of crocodiles and 'hittopotamus'. 

Today we were warned of thunderstorms. I love a bit of lightning and thunder. Instead we got intermittent blasts of rain that delayed me going out to paint with my art buddies. When the skies cleared I joined a stoical group of painters at Charlotte Molesworth's stunning garden in Benenden. 

Rain over Balmoral
Watercolour

For any enquiries contact Kate by email:- kate@theholt.org  

Tuesday, 23rd August 2022 - Varnished Plates

i have been listening to a murder mystery during the day, watching a murder mystery in the evenings and reading a murder mystery at bedtime. Sometimes the different plots get a bit confused which is confusing. I like a murder mystery. 

There are pizzas in the fridge and stewed apples ready for a crumble top in preparation for my grandchildren coming to play tomorrow. I adore being a Grandma.

In between tedious jobs I allowed myself the treat of working in my studio. I have made six plates to test. They have been varnished with button polish ready for printing when dry. A couple on mirror card seem a bit thin. I have been rather enthusiastic with my scalpel in places. A reinforced card back should beef them up in preparation of a squeeze through the press. 

Varnished Plates

Monday, 22nd August 2022 - Preparing Plates

We are back from a short holiday in Fairlight. The Royal Oak at Pett was wonderful but only due to the company of Mike, Pippa, Tony and Wendy. The food was a bit ropey. Tim and I wandered to The Cove for a drink. This looks a better place to eat. I am full of ideas for future works of art after walking the coast. 

I went to see Mr Sweeney. He is going to fix my failing veins. What an unfortunate name!!!

Do you feel the need to keep learning? There is so much to study before my time runs out. I am thrilled to be doing a collagraph course with Sally Hirst. There is loads and loads and loads of content. The videos I find much easier way to understand the process. Of course I have had to order a few bits and pieces to my every growing stock of necessary art equipment. Back to creating....

Preparing Plates

Wednesday, 17th August 2022 - Reading Books

I wonder how many people stood out in the rain today? It was glorious to hear and see rain beating down on the poor parched ground. Our water butts are full again. But for how long?

My gorgeous grandchildren and daughter came to visit today. The girls took their books to the striped deckchairs before the thunderstorms arrived. Herbie found the Tuning and Maintenance of MG Cars Manuel engrossing. Surely an engineer in the making? They have begun the construction of a camp in the woods. They are very thoughtful and found a suitable log for Grandma to rest on. What precious times.

I have started a collagraph course with Sally Hirst. More on that to come.

Reading Books

Charcoal