Leaf & Fossil Series

This is a scan from an old series of paintings I
did some time ago all about impressions from
what remains. It was a period of experimentation
on small canvas's with acrylic, glue and gold paint.
Imprints of real plants pressings and linocut
20cm x 26cm framed in blue painted frame

Reclining Pose

I always look for a strong form within my life drawing
Here the hands lead along the arm to the hair which
contrasts against the line and form of the back. I like
reclining foreshortening  poses as they offer a challenge
as well as a a more interesting composition.

Coldest Dive ( so far )

Dived at Rastatt  - Plittersdorf today in the bright sunshine
However the outside temp was - 8 degrees and the water
ranged between 4 and 2.7 degrees. So you might ask ..!

Why do you do it ?...

Well it puts you in a different place ...once under any other
concerns with life just disappear...there is a connection with
2 of the primary elements, water and air, which puts you in a
special state of mind a sort of calm peaceful  place ..try it out..!

Remarkable Woman

Gabrielle Giffords.

I have followed her progress since she was
caught in a shooting in Tucson in January of 2011

Her speech and plea for Gun Reform in the US
Congress on Wednesday was a remarkable and
timely statement.

A remarkable woman who,s grace and presence will
hopefully shift opinion toward the introduction of
strict licenses for gun ownership and a comprehensive
ban on the casual and irresponsible sale of firearms in the US.

Shame the NRA had to follow her..

source 
http://www.opposingviews.com/i/society/guns/video-gabrielle-giffords-gives-emotional-speech-urging-stricter-gun-laws

Blue Bench

An old bench in El Cotillo Harbour

El Cotillo is one of those places still
"relatively" underdeveloped as yet.
It still has a grace and old world feel.
It attracts heaps of surfers due to the huge
waves the Atlantic brings in...Wild Surf

I guess the current economic situation will
hold back the usual excesses of consumer tourism
and hopefully this small place will keep its charm.

Great Bakery on the way to the Town Beach.
Fantastic olive bread and Spanish cakes.

The two bays to the Right of the "Town"has golden
sand and lava floe where horseshoe shaped windbreaks
are dotted on the beach.

I was fortunate to see a Cuttlefish whilst snorkeling.
An amazing display of camouflage in just 1.5mtrs of water

A Lesson in Leadership: Shackleton

I am just reading "South" the account of the journey made by Ernest Shackleton and the crew of the Endurance to Antarctica in 1914. It's just astonishing what people can endure in extreme conditions and survive. The survival of all crew members has been directly attributed to Shackleton Leadership skills about which much has been written.
In a time of so called "crisis" caused by so much mis-management its great to step out of the negativity and look at a time when someone Lead from the front and put themselves on the line for others around them. The story is incredible and should be part of the UK National Curriculum.

The picture of the biscuit is from Shackleton's earlier attempt on the South Pole in 1907 which sold for £1,250 at auction
source


http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/multimedia/archive/00216/2GM_P20_Biscuit_216246c.jpg

Happy New Year in 2013

I have decided to get blogging again in 2013 after a lapse in entries in 2012

When you make changes to your routine like "Moving Country" it tends to

have a fairly big impact on creative activities. But having overcome some

obstacles and bridges in 2012 I now hope to bring some insight into discoveries and other adventures abroad. 

1st Observation is .....If you have a plan ....Stick to it  ....

So first things first: I have freshened up the header of the blog as I

wanted to make use of this cloud which appeared one evening opposite

my balcony and terrace during late evening and so its become an anchor 

point for this years entries. Head in the clouds !!  maybe ...let's see hey !