Yes to what you say about seeing original paintings and artworks. I often find myself in tears; the idea that the canvas somehow holds the imprint of the artist is somehow overwhelming.
Yes, it is. I think that connection is deeply moving. I had forgotten what a different experience looking at an original painting or drawing is and how seeing the hand of the artist makes you see and understand it so much more.
I'm sorry to read you had such a wet week, Deborah, although pleased you had such a delightful highlight at the end with the interesting man in the gallery. What a fascinating life he must have had, I think I would like to ask him for tea!
You produced such a wonderful drawing despite the weather! The landscape exhibition at Compton Verney sounds fascinating & I must look up that interview with Phillip Pulman too.
A cuckoo! I'm sad to say I haven't heard one for 7 or 8 years, but yours sounded like a little blessing! What a shame to have had so much rain but good that you persisted with your outings, I love the painting of the old quarry, I can sense that particular Welsh stillness, your description and photos are very immersive. I don't know the Llangattock area but we went to Pembrokeshire over Easter* (and found some of that magic stillness, and some sunshine amazingly!) and as we often do, came home the long way - along the A40 that passes the Brecon Beacons, such majestic sculptural shapes in the landscape, must go there for a proper visit. Compton Verney and your curious encounter sound charming!
*I posted my first ever Note on here with a few photos of West Wales highlights - it would be lovely if you had a look.
I hope to go to Pembrokeshire again later in the summer. I was unable to walk there last year ,as I had a bad sprain not long before I went, so I had to do a lot of looking and admiring with the intention of returning to do more! I am glad you had such a lovely time and am very pleased the weather was better for you.
I am pleased you like the drawing. Although it was completed in less than ideal conditions, it was so tranquil and prefer a moody sky to bright sun (without the torrential rain!)
Compton Verney is very much worth a visit for its own collections alone. I shall certainly try a detour again.
A lovely read Deborah and despite the weather it sounds like you had an interesting and inspiring time in Wales. I think it is the connections we make when we are somewhere different (with the birds, the landscape and the people) that are so important.
And despite the rain you have created something beautiful with your piece 'the day the cuckoo came'.
Thank you very much, Gill. I think it was the thwarting of plans that grieved me most, but the week did bring some wonderful compensations. That last afternoon was magical and certainly not something that could ever have been planned!
There is nothing like Welsh rain! I lived there for a season and it was astonishing in its intensity. Sorry you didn't get to paint as much as you wished, though what a wonderful encounter at the art gallery. My local public art gallery, the Ferens in Hull, was blessed with a loan of a Rembrandt, The Shipbuilder and his Wife. It's still seeped in my soul now, and continues to inspire my writing. Thank you for sharing such beautiful art, and your photos and recommendations. I'm hoping my visit to the Peak District next week is not too sodden. Best wishes, Adele
Thank you very much, Adele, I am so pleased you liked it. The weather was glorious while I was away and 20 degrees - quite a contrast to the torrential rain in Wales and 7 degrees! Now I have returned I seem to have broguht the weather with me...But the week turned out so well and the visit to Compton Verney such a tonic. I highly recommend it. I do hope the Peak District stays dry for you x
What an extraordinary encounter in the art gallery- I love these chance moments. I wonder if he displays his collection or if it’s tucked away?
While walking the other day, I met a man carrying a bumble bee on a leaf. Another strange encounter.
It was so strange but rather wonderful! I love the tender image of a man carrying a bee.
A lovely read, as always. 💕
Thank you very much, Tanya🩷
Yes to what you say about seeing original paintings and artworks. I often find myself in tears; the idea that the canvas somehow holds the imprint of the artist is somehow overwhelming.
Yes, it is. I think that connection is deeply moving. I had forgotten what a different experience looking at an original painting or drawing is and how seeing the hand of the artist makes you see and understand it so much more.
I'm sorry to read you had such a wet week, Deborah, although pleased you had such a delightful highlight at the end with the interesting man in the gallery. What a fascinating life he must have had, I think I would like to ask him for tea!
I am sorry I seem to brought the weather with me!
He was an extraordinary chap and we talked for half an hour or so. I so wanted to ask his name, but felt too shy, but I do wish I had.
It's such a simple question but quite hard to ask sometimes, he's probably thinking "I wish I had asked that lady I met in gallery her name!". x
it would be lovely if he had!
You produced such a wonderful drawing despite the weather! The landscape exhibition at Compton Verney sounds fascinating & I must look up that interview with Phillip Pulman too.
Thank you very much. I do hope you enjoy it!
A cuckoo! I'm sad to say I haven't heard one for 7 or 8 years, but yours sounded like a little blessing! What a shame to have had so much rain but good that you persisted with your outings, I love the painting of the old quarry, I can sense that particular Welsh stillness, your description and photos are very immersive. I don't know the Llangattock area but we went to Pembrokeshire over Easter* (and found some of that magic stillness, and some sunshine amazingly!) and as we often do, came home the long way - along the A40 that passes the Brecon Beacons, such majestic sculptural shapes in the landscape, must go there for a proper visit. Compton Verney and your curious encounter sound charming!
*I posted my first ever Note on here with a few photos of West Wales highlights - it would be lovely if you had a look.
I will have a look!
I hope to go to Pembrokeshire again later in the summer. I was unable to walk there last year ,as I had a bad sprain not long before I went, so I had to do a lot of looking and admiring with the intention of returning to do more! I am glad you had such a lovely time and am very pleased the weather was better for you.
I am pleased you like the drawing. Although it was completed in less than ideal conditions, it was so tranquil and prefer a moody sky to bright sun (without the torrential rain!)
Compton Verney is very much worth a visit for its own collections alone. I shall certainly try a detour again.
A lovely read Deborah and despite the weather it sounds like you had an interesting and inspiring time in Wales. I think it is the connections we make when we are somewhere different (with the birds, the landscape and the people) that are so important.
And despite the rain you have created something beautiful with your piece 'the day the cuckoo came'.
Thank you very much, Gill. I think it was the thwarting of plans that grieved me most, but the week did bring some wonderful compensations. That last afternoon was magical and certainly not something that could ever have been planned!
There is nothing like Welsh rain! I lived there for a season and it was astonishing in its intensity. Sorry you didn't get to paint as much as you wished, though what a wonderful encounter at the art gallery. My local public art gallery, the Ferens in Hull, was blessed with a loan of a Rembrandt, The Shipbuilder and his Wife. It's still seeped in my soul now, and continues to inspire my writing. Thank you for sharing such beautiful art, and your photos and recommendations. I'm hoping my visit to the Peak District next week is not too sodden. Best wishes, Adele
Thank you very much, Adele, I am so pleased you liked it. The weather was glorious while I was away and 20 degrees - quite a contrast to the torrential rain in Wales and 7 degrees! Now I have returned I seem to have broguht the weather with me...But the week turned out so well and the visit to Compton Verney such a tonic. I highly recommend it. I do hope the Peak District stays dry for you x