Drawing and stitching

After drawing in the museum last week, and analysing what I found difficult about that task, I decided to draw from photographs to try to understand light and shade and how it contributes to form.

Lily

Converted to black and white

Printed photograph next to resulting drawing

The challenge of course is to attempt to draw the same flower from life.

Stitching has been some machine quilting practise, and testing out colouring with watercolour pencils and Sharpie markers, 

and preparing some seasonal postcards

The recipient of the Narnia postcard was delighted, I am glad to say.

First lily in all its Stargazer glory

At least two weeks later than last year, but burst in to bloom this morning.  The perfume is either intoxicating or overwhelming depending on whether you like it or not.

Unexpected art and music in the city

Starting a new job, based in the centre of London, in the summer, can be a hot and sticky experience.  However, it is worth it for finds like St John's Waterloo on Friday.  From the beautiful curves in the stone and metalwork


to the unexpected mosaics  and ceramics in the churchyard, courtesy of South Bank Mosaics


to the bounteous lilies and hollyhocks, currently in flower



to the juxtaposition of plant spikes and church spire


to the wonderful sounds inside of the rehearsals of South Bank Sinfonia, ( who do a free commuter concert on Thursdays at 6pm )

and the great jerk chicken wrap on sale in the courtyard,  ( no photo)
to the thought-provoking art of Clare Abbatt




one lunchtime was not enough.  Unfortunately, this exhibition finishes on Monday, so I won't get a chance to look at these again


which is a pity as they brought back to mind this installation at the Cass Sculpture Park from earlier in the year.

Lilies, sunshine, gold and bronze

My lilies erupted into bloom yesterday at last





The sun shone, and we saw Bradley Wiggins and Chris Froome win gold and bronze, 500m from the end of the course………,


and the photo in here ( keep scrolling!) says a lot.

Life is good.