Flowers, Vuillard, 12 x 12 x 12

*

Flowers, oil on card, 8.5 x 12 cm

There was a big Vuillard show in in London some years back at the Royal Academy, and I kick myself for not having gone- though in truth these large shows have become increasingly unpleasant because of crowds. 

The last of these blockbusters that I went to weas Turner, Monet, Whistler and it was more or less impossible to enjoy the work because of the bus station atmosphere.. I don`t know where all these people have come from, exhibitions didn`t seem to be so tremedously popular in my day. I am dubious that they illustrate a surge of interest in the arts- most museums and galleries remain blissfully quiet most of the time.

*

I have decided to work on a series of pictures about the apartment, and the things in it for Jim Mendola`s monthly `12 x 12 x 12 event- which is mainly a music thing, but which is open to other media.

 As I envisage them, these pictures will stylistically and thematically extend from yesterdays carafe and today`s flowers to describe the atmosphere of the apartment and who I am: a sort of autobiography in objects- van Gogh meets Guston and Vuillard at a party and they start talking in low voices.

*

Two pictures sold in Edinburgh

Valparaiso- Cerra Belavista and A view of the mountains in April were both sold in Edinburgh recently respectively at the Society of Scottish Artists and the Visual Arts Scotland exhibitions held in the Royal Scottish Academy.
.

My shoes

My shoes, oil on  card, 10 x 14 cm  unavailable

The shoes suffered in Egypt, I walked a lot and I should have taken them to be re-heeled by now. Actually, following the rule that I am permitted a new pair every year, I am due a visit to the shoe shop.

*

I am bored out of my mind here in Florianopolis and am longing to go travelling soon. Fortunately I have a little trip to Serrana coming up this weekend.

Chrysanthemums

Chrysanthemums, oil on card, 13 x 13 cm

The chysanthemum isn`t my favourite flower, because of their funereal associations, and also because I prefer more clearly defined shapes. Next time I shall buy roses. I should also buy some new vases- things such as second hand vases are much harder to come by here than London because everything is so recent.

Carnations 5

*

Carnations 5, oil on card, 9 x 10.5 cm   SOLD

The final of this series, a tribute to that most delicious line in French painting which runs from Delacroix through Courbet, Manet, Fantin-Latour and ends, I think, with Matisse.

*

Carnations again

*

Carnations 3, oil on card, 12 x 14 cm - available

A follow up to yesterdays`s picture. I shall try another tomorrow, I think I`m on a roll.

*

Carnations 1 & 2

*

Carnations 2, oil on card, 9 x 12 cm   - - available

One of a pair of flower paintings which I completed today while it poured, miserable, outside.

For some psychological reason I cannot work on still lives unless the weather out is foul.