Sunday Share - 21. 6.15

Another delve into the sketchbook.  After last week's chat, you might have thought err why?  Well what you see here is more of how I use a sketchbook - really its just a place to save information, and in convenient form.

For some reason I have a deep need to photograph doors, which also at times includes windows, gates and chimneys.  The doors dominate my photo collection though, but I haven't really made much art from this source...

However, as you will know from past posts and work, I do like beach huts and conversely the stereotypical birdhouse.

So here we have the latter.  Much as you can readily find templates for such things on the internet.  I work everything out myself.

I will spend ages drawing, planning, measuring, trying to get the look right.  Yes it would be easier to copy someone else's work, but then it wouldn't be my work would it, and I've always believed good or rubbish, at least its all mine.   Plus there is something to be said for working it out, as it gives an understanding of the how and what.
I've said before my sketchbooks look like architect plans.
As well as trying by drawing, I do also go on to make paper mock ups.  I find it a lot easier to work in my hands this way, and to look and adjust and see what I like and don't.

Here we have a whole pile of try-outs in different sizes.  This set of workings pre-dates my Beach Hut trials, so it informed me of how to proceed with those.

So after all that plain dull playing, which actually I find quite satisfying... this is what appeared.

Little colour ideas for a selection of, and a stitched sample.  So far it has not gone any further than this, but it might do.  However, there is a whole wrath of colourful houses and  birdies around, lots of skillful artists experienced with bright colour and shapes, which I am drawn to looking at, but not quite made my own.  Unless of course you count this...

My secret postcard made for Burnham Art Trail 2014.

Networking, Learning, Opportunities

Wow, wow wow, what an exciting past few days. I am buzzing, so much info in my head. The ERTF Conference in Cambridge on Saturday was brilliant. Stacey had so much information to impart, in fact more than could be fitted into the sessions. Do you ever feel life is nudging you somewhere but without knowing where or what or how? The Business Development workshop was about formal business plans, the why, the who, the money, the grants. Four weeks to the day later...the conference included a section on you yourself what you want from your life/art. Again exercises to specifically make you think, perhaps to realise your dreams. But it struck me, both of these days emphasized the need for doing the exercise on a regular basis, if only for your own benefit. Planning sounds scary... but then drifting along can also be scary... I can now reveal the news I tempted you with in the last posting... I am the the new ERTF Web Manager. As a voluntary organisation, always looking for the Members to step up and help - I felt I could do this task, so would put back into the group. Especially after a good conference like Sat, it feels wrong just to sit back and take - its other efforts which made the day so enjoyable, and I do appreciate that. So yesterday it was back up to Cambridgeshire for a committee meeting. Not been on the M11 in nearly 2 years, and then twice in 3 days!!! And, again what Stacey said, about networking and being in touch with others, opportunities come your way, may be not immediately, but the contact is there, and things can happen. And this is what I've found, an opportunity has come my way, needs more info and serious consideration - but I'm just thrilled to be approached, let alone more!!! It could push me in a totally new direction. This has worked recently too for Juliet, revealed in a conversation we had travelling together on Sat ,hopefully she will share that on her blog. So perhaps its less who you know and what you know - and more of joining in, making an effort, showing an interest.