well here we are in official lockdown day 42, although us oldies have done an extra week on that.  There is a possibility that we may be coming out of this soon as the Island is going to trial a track and trace app.  Apparently it will only give information if about 50% of households use it.  Well I suppose it depends how enthusiastic islanders are to get on with normal life!

Have continued sketching and oil sketching.  Some bits of progress here and there, but at least it's getting paint onto something.

Well I've just checked the images and nothing appears to have got onto the normal file.  Not to worry, we're still in lockdown. Next post will have the pictures.

Oh dear.  Looks like another three weeks of lockdown!  Managed to get the minimum amount of shopping and getting milk supplies from the milkbar.  Other than that, walk with Bertie is about as exciting as it gets.  Even started looking for jobs in the house.  Finally we have some decent lights in the living room and bedroom.  Perry is even going to put up some electric towel rails.  After that.... who knows what jobs are left.

I've been continuing with my oil sketches.

I've even had to order some more paint!  I have enough for another 24 oil paper sketches.  Let's hope that we're not stuck in for as long as that.

Well take care anyone who reads this, besides Perry and make sure you stay safe.

We are now in our third week of "lockdown".  Bit tedious.  Wish we could actually go somewhere, which wasn't just a walk with the dog or get in supplies.  And of course the weather has been glorious.  Couldn't get the boat lifted out for it's annual bottom scrubbing, everything is closed.  Perry is getting pretty bored! I've been carrying on with the oil sketches.  Started off ok and even got a little better, but now I think it's got a bit boring.  Need to concentrate a little harder.

Ive divided the oil paper up into quarters so it's a bit more like doing an oil sketch.   First four days.

Next four days, some bits were a little better.

Next four days.  Some improvement here and there.

And another bunch of days.  This time I think we are going backwards.  Difficult on oil paper because it really does absorb the paint.

Despite all, we will carry on.  Perry cut Bertie's hair this morning as he's getting a bit hot.  As we will be confined to quarters Perry will have a few weeks to work on this project!

I've done quite a bit of cooking, and yesterday we had instant banoffee pie! Not the best for our health.  Although I have made some soup which clears my conscience.

Well stay safe everyone (or Perry because I am sure he's the only one who reads this, and that only when I tell him).

Day 2 of total lock down in UK.  We are limited in the number of walks we can do, and that includes those with Bertie!  Don't know whether he's bothered or not with having a change in his routine. The harbour master has closed all access to boats so can't even go down and sit on Bloto.  I think in the next day or so, Perry may start climbing up the wall!

I have been painting to fill in some of the time and filling in my sketch book. 

Dont ask why it is at wrong angle - watercolour.  Not the best but for the moment it will do.  I had an idea of what I wanted to paint, but it didn't really happen.  And this was my second attempt.

Oil painting sketch on oil paper.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Well what a mess. Here we are in so called almost lock down or self isolation as it is supposed to be called.  I think I prefer social hybernation, and will stick to that.

Fortunately we managed to see Daniel and Catherine and the babies last weekend.  Thank goodness we did, because it's unlikely we're going to be able to visit them again in the near future.  It was absolutely lovel - apart from the weather.  Those little cuties are growing so quickly and already developing individual and endearing characters. 

Perry was supposed to have gone to France this weekend to clear some of the stuff from the house, but managed to defer the date.  Which was lucky because since then Brittany Ferries has cancelled all passenger ferries to France and Spain! 

I have been a bit slow doing the blog as I have been getting pictures ready for three exhibitions - and guess what - two have been cancelled and the other one is just about to be cancelled!  Expense and effort... still never mind.  All being well I should be able to exhibit at a later date.

Friday I found the whole thing of isolation absolutely depressing and lost it for about an hour.  Crazy lady!  I'm ok now.  Took some advice from the internet and am planning my days a little better.  Still managing to take Bertie out for a walk so we do get some fresh air.  Shops have been empty but the roads are still full of cars.

I managed a full day of action yesterday.  Yoga, painting, dog walk, icecream making (yummy) and chocolate cake making (yummy).  Today is Mother's day so I'll start on that ice cream later on!
I have been in touch with a few friends and all appear well.  So if anyone besides Perry reads this make sure you all stay well.  I'll plug on with painting and try and keep this up to date

Yes, I'm behind again, but I have been busy.

I attended a workshop day with Becky Samuelson and this is result - oil.  Very please with this.  It's supposed to be Compton Bay

Watercolour of Osborne House.

Watercolour of Urquart Castle

Attended workshop with Paul Weaver in the Cotswolds.  Animals in landscape.  Here's the start.

managed to get this in the wrong place, and now can't move it.  This was the last painting I did with Lee's workshop.  Oil

Back to animals in the landscape

Unfortunately I don't seem to be able to rotate this!

Monochrome - quite pleased with this

Now getting things ready for the exhibition I will be doing with Meryel.  Cards, posters etc.  I have got about 15 paintings and today I willl have to purchase a load more frames.  Additionally the RVYC exhibition is coming up soon, as well as the IWAC at Quarr.  So lots of pictures to prepare.

When I was at my painting day in the Cotswolds I used the time to  see Daniel, Catherine and the babies, and it was absolutely lovely.  Even got involved in bathing the babies - goodness haven't done that for nearly 40 years.  Managed to put Alice's pyjamas on without getting into too much of muddle. 


Yesterday my new pochade finally arrived.  Absolutely lovely.  Must get out and paint the big outdoors. 

Still managing to do a sketch a day - started 1st July last year.  Unfortunately last few months have been indoors, but I am sure this awful weather will change soon and can start going out again.

Bertie is definitely feeling his age now and spends a lot of the day in a very deep sleep.  Walks are not as long and active as they used to be.  Poor chap.

Bit behind at the moment.  Went to see the babies last weekend.  Lovely.  Should have taken a photo because I am enrolled on another of Lee's oil painting courses and the subject is children.  Unfortunately the weather was dull and pretty cold so didn't manage to take any photos.  So I will have to work with what I've got.  I am also enrolled on a watercolour painting day in the Cotswolds, but that is not until end of Feb, but in the meantime had to make reservations etc.

Also went to Meryel's birthday party - which was lovely. And I'm still suffering a little from my cough and cold, and the weather has been miserable...etc.etc. etc.

Meryel and I are still putting together things for our exhibition in April.  I have to display 16 pics.  Although I do have a few more than that ready (well not in frames yet), I think I will use the next few weeks to try and paint some more that I would feel happier displaying.

Had a spend out at Italian Touch yesterday, because it's my birthday in a few days time!