When I opened a door in one of the alcoves I was afraid I'd disturbed a man in his privacy.
This scene from the watchmakers workshop could be the inspiration for a new painting. The watchmaker who inserted a real watch into one of my paintings often asks to be included into a painting so maybe the time has come. I told him I'm waiting for him to get older, craggier, and for his hair to grow longer before I include him into a painting.
The train's getting going so we'll say goodbye too.
Our local theatre in Wargrave produce some wonderful performances. This winter the Wargrave Theatre Workshop put on yet another memorable pantomime - Jack and the Beanstalk.
If you don't book your seats within the first two days of the box office opening you miss out. Luckily my young friend and I got second row seats for last Saturday's performance. They were the only two left. Directed by Emmajane Hughes we really enjoyed another outstanding production. When Rancid the Rat mimed to Elvis Presley's 'Devil in Disguise' his pelvic thrusts and grinds made the audience squeal with delight. And as his long thin legs were encased in a tight fitting pair of black trousers/tights my young friend remarked there was no mistaking which way he dressed! The doddering, dithering King Hubert and his long suffering Queen Hyacinth were great as a pair of Royal relics. Seven performances, and every one a sellout. A great show.
I'm busily painting away at a few miniatures for exhibition at the Hilliard show in Wells in late spring, and for the Royal Society of Miniature Painters in the autumn. I always endeavour to have a few non-commissioned miniatures ready for these exhibitions. This is one I've just finished of my cousin Paul Carter.
When I woke up this morning the world was white with snow. My car slid around on the slope and I nearly slid back to where I started, but finally with a lot of gear manipulation arrived at the top. I was on my way to pay my Saturday morning visit to my friend in Bray. Her husband, my artistic friend, rang through as I was there. He's working in the prison workshop and is making a pencil box. Hope he has a chance to use the pencils soon.