Essex made simple

British television viewers faced an almost insurmountable dilemma on the evening of Easter Sunday; whether at 22:00 hours, to change channels from the wonderful programme on Elgar (In the bleak midwinter) to view another episode of The Only Way is Essex.

Meanwhile, the current issue of Reveal magazine is carrying this wonderful guide to who is who and who and done what with and to who/whom.

Back printmaking at Christine's

Yes, Easter and I was back at the Presse de Lock for a great print making session. Lots of activity, five pieces of work. Exploring directions for the October exhibition, far from panic (yet) Christine, as ever, holding my elbow to ensure I don't fall. Creativity. . . a wondrous thing when it 'works'. As ever at Presse de Lock....one is assured of great cake!

A very Good Friday

A wonderful bicycle ride with Chris two days back on Good Friday.

Little traffic on the by-roads here about.

At this time of year it is the season for wild flowers in bloom and swathes of Bluebells that love the chalk land soil hereabouts.

The portable studio

Lots of people have asked about what I use for materials, for my drawings.

Here are the not-so-secrets of the trade.

Moleskine Sketchbooks I use the large size. A Moleskine watercolour book is lovely too if you like the long landscape format. And watercolour in my experience does not work with 'standard' Moleskine paper.

Crayons Caran d'arch Neo Colour II and smugging and blending them on the page is great with wet finger-tips.

Pens - Anything by Pilot especially the G2 and G4 (extra fine points) ranges are wonderful. Uniball pens also excellent.

Watercolours - my watercolour box (not seen here) is 30 years old now, It was bought for me by my first boss in an ad agency! Sadly the colours need replacing every year or so - I use Windsor and Newton half-pan size watercolours go for 'artist quality' not 'student quality'

All this kit can be easily packed away in a small bag (oh! don't forget a small water bottle and a glue stick for appending bits and pieces and tickets etc to the page) and you are all set!

Meanwhile in another part of the forest

Here is strange encounter today when my friend Chris and I were on our Saturday morning bike ride

A padded jacket that appear to be floating and then resting gently on a tree branch! Part of the attraction was the colour of the coat blending into the shades around it.