Tuesday, 25th February 2025 - Sketchbook Snowdrops

 I was hoovering, polishing and getting our double bnb room ready for guests. I stopped for a coffee and jokingly said to Tim I had better check I was cleaning the right room. They were booked into our twin room! Back upstairs with the hoover, dusters and polish. Thank goodness they are lovely guests.

Our home smelt of freshly baked bread. I had made a sour dough loaf and a wholemeal one. Thank you to my son-in-law Brett for the very lively starter that makes great bread. 

I didn't feel much in the mood for painting so did a quick drawing in my sketchbook of the snowdrops from our garden that are abundant this spring.

Sketchbook Snowdrops

Monday, 24th February 2025 - A Crocus Ring

After nearly an hour in the dentist chair having my tooth is now filled and fixed. I am very pleased to have got that over and done with. Lindsey came for restorative tea that I managed not to dribble from my numbed gums.

This afternoon I spent at a WOKAS committee meeting. I love these afternoons spent with my funny arty buddies.

The previous owners of our home planted a silver birch tree surrounded by crocus. There is no longer a tree but the circle of crocus still appear every spring. 

A Crocus Ring
Watercolour

Sunday, 23rd February 2025 - Strolling

Tim was out hedge cutting before I had got out of my PJs. It was another dragging branches onto an ever growing pile. The air was good for my fuzzy head.

This afternoon we went for a stroll with Tony and Wendy around Benenden. It was cold and windy and very muddy. It is always entertaining to hear their stories and adventures. Over a mug of tea the list of pubs we are going to eat at got longer and longer. My walking companions look good in my sketchbook.

Grantchester was an emotional one this evening.

Strolling
Sketchbook

 

Saturday, 22nd February 2025 - Afternoon Explorers

Tim and I had a lunch date at the home of Gay and Robert with Steve and Ivy. On our way we drove past The Lord Raglan, a pub that has been sold and will again be a pub. So pleased it isn't going to be turned into a house. We had a walk and passed a charming shepherd's hut that would made a gorgeous artists studio..... in my garden.
It was a lovely afternoon that turned into a wonderful evening full of delicious food, many glasses of wine and convivial company. Thank you Robert and Gay for a perfect Saturday. I added to my sketchbook memories of the day.

Afternoon Explorers
Sketchbook

Shepherds Hut

Sketchbook

Friday, 21st February 2025 - Failure

Tim has been hedge cutting before the birds build their nests. The cuttings are like little trees and metres long. It took a few hours of me dragging them onto the bonfire to clear up. The weather was warm enough for me to take off my coat. Lovely for the mind and body.

I was very pleased while working on my linocut that I could make fine lines. Damn it. When I came to print the ink filled in my little lines. At least it amused Tim who identified it as an owl - no, no. it's a bluetit! Back to the cutting mat.

Failure
Linoprint

Thursday, 20th February 2025 - WIP

It has been a washing, ironing and cleaning day.

I ordered a palette attachment for my easel for my paints and brushes. It came today. It's very flexible,so useless,  which is not the best for oil paints. I can imagine an unintentional Pollock creation. Shame as it was under a tenner and the others I have been looking at are over £300 which is ridiculous. Tim and I are going to invent one.

I started on a linocut. It may end up in a frame or the bin.

Wednesday, 19th February 2025 - Little Bookworms

I have lost a big filling in a back tooth. The thought of having it investigated sent my heart thumping. My wonderful dentist was very kind and gentle when he saw me quivering at his door. I go back on Monday to have it fixed. I came home to be greeted with healing hugs from my grandchildren. Tim had fed them with toasted sandwiches. I spent the afternoon catching up with Harriet's news while all three children read. I took photos of my adorable grandchildren and used them to do three charming drawing to add to my sketchbook.

Hetty and a Novel

Herbie and a Beano

Raffy and a Book

Monday, 17th February 2025 - Blue tit and Flower Pot

My plans changed today twice today. My afternoon was spent listening to my audio book digging out weeds while the sun was shining. 

Bayliss & Co in Tenterden sell my tiny pictures. Run by Beth it is wonderful shop that sells local artists creations. I am in the process of making a new collection. Today's watercolour of a blue tit with eggs is the first step in the plan for a linocut. I wanted to see if the composition worked. It's a work in progress it looks a bit 'stiff'. 

 Blue tit and Flower Pot
Pen and Watercolour

Sunday, 16th February 2025 - Catkins for Divine Inspiration

After many mugs of tea I braved the garden. Oh and a coffee. It was very very chilly out amongst the weeds and worms. I picked primroses and snowdrops and made a tiny posy. We took it to Si and Lesley's. Over soup, tapas and nectarine cobbler we hatched a plan to take a train trip to Spain. Nick and Alli were there and in on the plan.

I went back into my studio to repeat my oil painting lesson. I had much more success using the proper board and mineral spirit. Here it is.

Sphere in oil

I collected a bunch of catkins to paint. They are beautiful but drop their pollen in a cascade of yellow on the table. Great fun to paint.

Catkins for Divine Inspiration
Watercolour

Saturday, 15th February 2025 - Pink Wine and Poinsettia

We have had a quiet day. Tim has been mending the electric fence that rusted through its wires. The foxes will not be having a chicken banquet tonight.

I have eventually packed up the Christmas decorations. I look forward to getting them out in ten months time.

The afternoon I spent in my studio following an oil painting course by Lacey Lewis. The first lesson was creating a sphere using the imprimatura method. I lost myself in concentration. 

I reduced our mountain of eggs making omelettes with homemade chips. It was a comforting meal on a chilly day.

I added to my sketchbook with a sketch of rose wine and Herbie's pink poinsettia.

Pink Wine and Poinsettia
Pen and Ink

Friday, 14th Feburary 2025 - Love in a Linocut

We have had a lovely evening. Lindsey hosted us with Tony and Wendy.The food was delicious, The company entertaining and informatiive. Thank you for a lovely friday night.

I practised my lino cutting skills making a card for Tim for Valentine's day. I have found by not pressing so hard or digging so deep into lino I can get finer lines.

Love in a Linocut

Linocut

Thursday, 13th February 2025 - Orange Trees in Hemsted

I have been sorting out the WOKAS programme. Arty Wendy and I have lost of exciting things up our sleeves for members. It is strange to be booking painting sessions for 2026. 

Gardening Wendy came to my door with two cornflower plants. They will be perfect for putting in the gap that Tim has reclaimed from the bamboo. We might need a few more plants as it's a rather large piece of bare land. Tony joined us and we went for a long walk through Hemsted forest. It was very wise that we wore wellies slurping through the mud. 

I am thoroughly enjoying my evenings watching Grantchester. Murder, mystery and a bit of steamy action. Fabulous. I can paint and watch at the same time. 

Orange Trees in Hemsted
Watercolour

Wednesday, 12th February - Vegetable Shopping

The weather was cold and grey again. It was brightened by the company of my sister. We visited Bumbles and looked at the plants and smelt the flowers. Next to Pets World. I left with a bag containing two filled horns for Fable and Poppy and a suet feeder that is going to attract lots of birds for me to watch while drinking my coffee. At Chittenden farm shop I filled a basket with apples, pears, a cucumber, a lemon, lettuce and onions. We warmed ourselves with coffee, a warm cheese scone with herb butter in Frankies and doted upon our grandchildren. Thank you for a charming morning.

This afternoon the sun refused to shine. I grumbled myself into the garden and felt much better for a session of weed removal.

Vegetable Shopping
Pen and Water

Tuesday, 11th February 2025 - Kiwi to Cure Colds

Sarah and I had a rendezvous in Cranbrook carpark. Our favourite coffee shop has shut and we needed to scout out the town for an alternative venue. I was very sad to see that the old art shop is going to be a sunbed salon - really??? We chose Willow and Sage. The coffee was good. I wasn't that sure about the toasted bacon sandwich we shared. The day got better with a successful book find for my grandson, five for £1 and a 50p Disney DVD for when the grandchildren come in stay. Phillips Mans shop is closing down. 40% off stickers on the window tempted us in. I came away with some walking boots, socks and a shirt for Tom. Sarah got some charming trousers for the summer. 

We had a pile of kiwis ripening on the kitchen window sill. Cut up and added to oranges with a dollop of yogurt was delicious. They are packed with vitamin C and excellent for warding off colds.

Kiwi to Cure Colds
Watercolour

Monday, 10th February 2025 - A pot, a squash and a cabbage

The Viridians were up to full quota today. Leelee fed us with homemade bread and soup. Wendy was painting a nocturne and spent some time stopping Ted, her puppy, chewing our painting supplies, Alison, taking painting supplies away from Ted until he fell asleep and Clive helping, advising and encouraging our painting journey. I arrived to find they had set up a very complex still life. I took along a six 5x7 inch canvas boards anticipating speedy painting and production. I left nearly four hours later with one nearly complete painting. The perfect way to spend a cold and wet Monday.

A pot, a squash and a cabbage
Oil on board

Sunday, 9th February 2025 - Alstroemeria for Friendship

I needed coffee after a session of yoga with Adriene. I am still working my way through Revolution. It's a tough one. It will be a good one to repeat.

I gaily ventured into the garden. I didn't last very long. My hands were painful they were so cold. Some plants have been potted up from my order a while ago but I was too cold to write their labels. They will be mysterious.

This evening we had a last supper but hopefully not a last sighting of June and Barry. Their home is so beautiful. Looking around mine as I type there is stuff and more stuff everywhere. Tim and I have had a very creative day!!! It was a lovely evening with Mike, Pippa, Ray and Linda. So many stories it was hard to keep track. Lovely food. Excellent company. 

Tim bought some flowers to take to June. I kept a couple of sprigs back for myself. I had great fun painting them. I looked up the symbolism for alstroemeria. It's friendship. Perfect as we spent the evening with our lovely friends.

Alstroemeria for Friendship
Watercolour and Ink

Saturday, 8th February 2025 - My Daily Brushes

 It's been a chilly day - all day. Tim has been active digging out bamboo. I have been less so. I did make a rather delicious sour dough loaf. Very little is left. It was toasted with jam. This evening we covered it in tomato, mozzarella, a scattering of olives and a sprinkle of green chillies. It is a health food isn't it?

This evening we met Alison, Cliff, Leelee, Richard, Clive and Wendy in the barn at the back of The Woolpack in Tenterden. The Tenterden Wildlife were showing the film Wilding. Oastwood Vineyard were serving a very fine rose wine. The film was beautifully made. My favourite bit was the beavers. I recommend a viewing.

My Daily Brushes
Pen

Friday, 7th February 2025 - Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club

Rain had confined me to inside cleaning. I made Nancy Birtwhistle's All Purpose Cleaner. from her Clean and Green book. A bit of vinegar, a splosh of surgical spirit added to water and in a spray bottle. It seems to work a treat ... so far... and the smell of fish and chips only lingers a short while. I am now investigating green bleach. So much cheaper than ready made cleaners. The jury is out as to which is the better.

Tim and I went to see Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club at Benenden School. What a fabulous evening. Two pianists on grand pianos, a guitar player from New Zealand, a drummer and two double bass players. Wow just wow. My favourite song was a Hymn for Freedom - just beautiful. I am in awe.

As I type I am watching a heart rending episode of Grantchester. Tears are running down my face. 

I tried to capture the band this evening from a very bad photo. So a rather sketchy sketch.

Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club
Pen

Thursday, 6th February 2025 - Talk by Nick

Wendy, arty Wendy not gardening Wendy, and I did a reconnoitre of Ruckinge church for a future painting venue for WOKAS. After getting back we did an about turn collect a handbag that we had left in the Church porch. Money and credit cards all present and correct. Must be a very honest area. And a relief.

I was back on my hands and knees digging out wild garlic bulbs. I have found a series of audio books that is keeping me entertained. It is a soggy tedious task.

This evening Nick Hebditch gave WOKAS a talk about his artistic journey. Loads of inspirational information and pictures. I really want to do more oil painting .... if only I had a Strada easel! I took the opportunity of listening and watching while doing a sketch of Nick and his audience.

Talk by Nick
Pen and Ink

Wednesday, 5th February 2025 - Chicken Sitting

Gardens are beginning to come to life with daffodil sticks, floriferous snowdrops, head down hellebores and a sprinkling of crocuses. Unfortunately, the weeds are keeping up. I was on my hands and knees digging out wild garlic that has monopolised a flower bed. Good start but lots more to go. I threw the 'diggings' into the chicken run. It was funny watching them scratching and scrabbling  together.

We are looking after our friends chickens while they are on holiday. They made a lovely models for a sketch.

Chicken Sitting
Pen and Ink

Tuesday, 4th February 2025 - A Sprig of Hellebores

I didn't win a Strada easel. I have got over my disappointment. I thoroughly enjoyed the challenge. Actually I tell a lie. I found it damn difficult. I liked looking at everyone else's paintings. 

The village fete poster is with the committee. I await feedback.

The dilemma this evening whilst studying a sprig of hellebores is ink first or watercolour first. Ink today. It takes a brave and bold artist to go in with colour first.

The best part of my day was getting a phone call from my granddaughter. It was wonderful to chat with her. She makes me feel good. Thank you Hetty for making your Grandma laugh.

A Sprig of Hellebores
Pen and Watercolour

Monday, 3rd February 2025 - Goodbye Robin

Tim and I went to a funeral today. I had only met Robin a few times. He was a very good friend of Tim's older sister Susan. I found him to be a lovely man and it was very sad to say goodbye to him. Days like today make you think and appreciate what we have. It felt strange going to the pub for the wake. The last time I had been there was with my brother and Mum. It was a beautiful view from The Queen's Head Inn. A double page of the misty view in my sketchbook was a lovely way to remember Robin and my Mum. I miss my Mum. 

I will find out at 2am who has won the Strada easel prizes. I probably wont be waiting up to find out.

Goodbye Robin
Pen and Watercolour

Sunday, 2nd February 2025 - Tim and A Woodburner

The frost on the grass sparkled with tiny rainbows in the sun this morning. So pretty.

The gates were open when we collected our car this morning. It was reassuring to know that even though the drivers door had been left wide open all night our possessions were still there.

Nick and Suzy invited for lunch with Si, Lesley, Nick and Alli. We drank lovely wine, ate delicious food (even though my request for custard and ice-cream on fruit crumble did get queried) and chatted for hours. They are very avid readers which is excellent. I now have many book and programme recommendations that I will need reminding of as I cannot remember a single one now. A good way to spend a Sunday lunchtime. Thank you Nick and Suzy for being excellent hosts. 

I have been working on my commissions. The dry points are printed and now drying ready to be framed. The poster for the Benenden Fete is nearly there in composition. Next I have the fun bit of drawing and colouring. I have got an on-line oil painting course waiting for some spare time - really looking forward to it. It's by an artist Lacey Lewis who I admire greatly.

Two quick sketches of our woodburner and Tim working.

Saturday, 1st February 2025 - Afternoon Walk

I wasn't sure if I was going to continue with my daily artistic musings. A sketchbook would fill in my gaps and craving for drawing between bigger works. I found a gorgeous sketchbook that has sat pristine in my cupboard. Now it has the opportunity to see the light of day. I welcome you to my life in sketches.

Tim and I picked up Tony and Wendy and headed into Tenterden. The sun was shining and the perfect day for a stroll. We parked in the station carpark and headed off at about 3ish expecting to return in a couple of hours. The walk took a few unexpected deviations. We stopped for a beer at McCanns brewery. My knee was gripping at going on any downhill trajectory that slowed us down. I did a check on my phone that had an activity log - over 17,000 steps - no wonder my knee gave way!. We returned to Tenterden in the dark but the moon did look glorious. The gate to the carpark was shut and padlocked enclosing our car. A discussion over a beer at The Old Dairy resulted in Pippa coming to our rescue and driving us home. Thank you Pippa we owe you, lots.

Afternoon Walk
Sketchbook
Pen