Difficult week.  Managed to go swimming three times, went painting on Wednesday, but didn't achieve much.  Tuesday night went to a talk at the Island Sailing Club.  It was about the artefacts that were in Queen Victoria's bedroom at Osborne House.  Friday (fortunately the plein air painting was cancelled) was Martin's funeral.  We watched the transmission of the service from the Crematorium, it was very moving.  We felt totally stunned and upset for the rest of the afternoon.  How sad, and what a dreadful shame.  Difficult to come up with appropriate words.

Friday night I participated in the Oil Live painting session

 It was very fast, and this is the version I repeated on Sunday. Much more under control than the live session.

I did manage to make a skirt.  Old pattern and fabric from my stash.  It was ok technically, but because I didn't have enough fabric I couldn't pattern match, and to be honest, it looks a bit frumpy.  Overall, I can only award myself 6/10.  However I will keep trying.  The daft thing is, that although I am enjoying the fact I have rediscovered my sewing machine, it is helping me paint a bit better!  Work that one out!

Weather has definitely started to turn towards winter.  We've had a lot of rain and sunshine, but now it is beginning to turn cold.  Time to dig out those thermals. 

 

 Yet again, just a quick update. Weather has been a bit up and down, but then again I suppose as we approach winter, it is to be expected.  I have been continuing my swimming, and have tried increasing the lengths.  Have managed 46 about three times, but I think it would be better to drop down to 40, because I have been suffering a bit with backache.

Painting is ticking along as usual, with a live workshops each week, either oil or watercolour.  In between I try and do at least one painting.  I have done a couple of outside sessions, but as the weather is a bit dull, it is difficult to get excited.  Perhaps I should have been a little less ambitious.

The very sad news is that Martin has died.  He had been unwell for a while, so although it was not completely unexpected, it was still very sad.  We will miss him.