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Sometimes, it’s simply quicker to start all over again. I’ve been attempting to complete my latest portrait since April 2022, but having spent part, or indeed most, of the last two years either sofa surfing or moving and all that that entails, the first attempt had to be ditched as it had completely lost its...
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I’m not sure who was more nervous, Patrick Hutchinson or me, when we finally get to meet. It was the “Oh my goodness” “Oh my days” that Patrick uttered when he first laid eyes on his portrait. Any nerves I had dissipated as soon as I saw the delight and disbelief on his face. It...
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I know, I know, my fortnightly blog is a week late. As restrictions ease my social diary becomes busier. A long awaited reunion with my father and step-mum was first on the cards; Lunch at the Banyers pub, bar and restaurant in Royston and jolly good it was too dining al fresco in the lush...
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Whilst the government, in particular Mr Shapps, dithers over the quarantine rule I turn my attention to Sally. It didn’t take too much time in the end and finally last Sunday I managed to finish her- she even looks good in black and white. Sally was very happy with it and I was thrilled with...
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The numbers are down, the economy is in free-fall and Sally’s portrait refuses to be moved on; I mean there’s nothing new to be learnt. I’ve painted hands, faces, dogs and hair- the tricky parts of a portrait, but still I work my brush over and over the canvas, striving for perfection in my art....
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Settling down to the evening news during the summer of 2020, I watched, in awe, as this strapping young black man hauled a vulnerable and desperate white man from a dangerous angry mob. Regardless of race, colour or creed and without fear for his own life he threw caution to the wind and rescued the...
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What a couple of weeks it’s been. The heatwave has continued, the sun has shone, the conservatory has become unbearable to work in and now that Kimberley’s portrait has been finished it’s time to suggest a move back to the lounge. What started as a brilliant idea has revealed all it’s faults. In the winter...
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Last night I finished “Kimberley”. She is a Radiographer who works for the NHS in Stafford. The first to respond to my green post offering a free portrait for NHS heroes. We had both decided that she should be painted without her PPE- her hair is up whilst at work and she much prefers to...
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Barely a day after I had posted my last blog and something exciting happens. I’m watching the 6 o’clock news and there is a feature about an artist called Tom Croft. He is offering to paint a portrait for free for any NHS worker. What a splendid idea, I wish to join the ‘effort’ and...
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At last I can return to Sally’s painting. I’ve decided to work from a new photograph taken at hers in those heady days when freedom as we knew it, nay took for granted, existed. When Covid was a foreign, Eastern problem. When summer holidays were being discussed and ferry crossings to Calais were tentatively booked...
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