OBJECTS OF DESIRE

The  working desk.

OBJECTS OF DESIRE

In some circles Still life painting occupy the lowest place in the artistic food chain but is extremely popular with art buyers. 

Indeed, in recent times 1998 the Hayward Gallery carried the MOMA’s show Objects Of Desire The Modern Still Life.

On page 12 of the catalogue there is a useful definition:

The still life is a system of objects, and it is in the word system that its secret lies. A system is ‘a set or arrangement of things so related or connected as to form a unity or organic whole.

My studies in this area of art took off only a month or so back when on of my Art in the Library group suggested that I make the drawing or painting of a Still Life a project in a future session.

Giorgio Morandi the Italian artist (1890 – 1964) took still life painting his own and off he went! Creating exquisite work in oils, printmaking and drawings. More on Morandi in the world’s favourite encyclopaedia… https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giorgio_Morandi

My tutors at The Slade raved about Morandi, his compositions and colour usage was praised to the heights. And there are some good pieces to discover more.

I have been made a start in this area and will continue.  The process is playful and calming.

OH! I SEE HANOVER SQUARE HAS THE BUILDERS IN AGAIN!

Ok, there's a bit of a mess at the moment

Sitting in one of my fav Pret a Manger’s (Hanover Square)  I spied, close by, all this construction activity. Another bit of London that confirms the city is one big building site. 

When its all over the landlords Great Portland Estates promise 

“Hanover Square will include high quality offices, international standard retail space on New Bond Street and six residential apartments on Brook Street. The scheme will also create a new public square”. (And) The development will be carried out around the Eastern Ticket Hall of the Bond Street Crossrail station on the north-west corner of Hanover Square.

More on Great Portland Estates https://www.gpe.co.uk/about-us/

Recently the green light was given for the Hanover Square masterplan. Gerald Eve’s senior partner Hugh Bullock who advised on planning said:“This decision is a major one in the West End. The scheme is highly complex due to the Crossrail interface and due to working beyond the Crossrail Act Powers. This positive result has come from intense collaborative working with all concerned.”

Like the much-anticipated Crossrail, we wait for the promised outcome. 

If you are impatient to see more of this new tomorrow visit the web site https://hanoverlondon.com

But won't it be lovely when they're done.

WONDERFUL PARKS IN LONDON: KENNINGTON

OUT WALKING WITH ROSIE THE PUPPY

What a springtime delight!

Close to the Oval cricket ground this lovely piece of ground lies between Kennington Park Road and St. Agnes Place. It was opened in 1854 on the site of what had been Kennington Common. It was here where the Chartists gathered for their biggest ‘monster rally’ on 10 April 1848. Soon after this demonstration the common was enclosed and, sponsored by the royal family, made into a public park.

When it was common it was site of public executions until 1800, as well as being an area for public speaking. Among the most illustrious orators to speak here were Methodist founders George Whitefield and John Wesley. The latter was reputed to have attracted a crowd of 30,000.

In the springtime, even on a dull day, the park is full of walkers, workers-out, joggers and people like my daughter Bron and I who are accompanied by their dogs, we are in the company always of Rosie the Puppy.

MORE INFORMATION PLEASE RUSH TO THE FRIENDS WEBSITE

FRESHLY PRET-PARED

FRESHLY PRET-PARED 

The good eating and beverages keep coming from Pret. I am convinced it is the best place for a double espresso!

My family are trying to convince me to open a branch in Beaconsfield!

Perhaps....https://www.pret.co.uk/en-gb/pret-jobs

THE GLOUCESTER - host to London's uber stylish fashionistas

Cheek by cheek at the Gloucester of a Friday night

The Gloucester,  fab place, fab pint with my friend, hotelier, Richard Campbell

This excellent pub does, according to owners Greene King, 'owes its name to the Gloucester regiment who 

honourably served both in the First and Second World Wars. Records show that there has been a pub on 

this end of Sloane Street since 1795'. 

This famous brewery continues the narrative: 'The Gloucester is a cosy pub whose interior echoes its fascinating history with an old Victorian feel. In more modern times, the Gloucester plays host to the capital’s 

uber stylish fashionistas' ça aussi moi

DAILY NEWS IN THE MILLENNIUM KNIGHTSBRIDGE

The Millennium Hotel London Knightsbridge is 'an award-winning, fashionable abode for the chic traveller'.  Ah! C'est moi

The website breathlessly continues: ‘Perfectly positioned in the heart of one of London's most prestigious districts, the deluxe Millennium Hotel London Knightsbridge combines modern elegance with an exclusive Sloane Street location’.

I’d checked in with hotelier friend Richard Campbell as a base to travel up to the #Scouriehotel’s stand at the London Fly-fishing Fair.

There was a beguiling selection of newspapers near the reception desk - I snaffled copies and made a drawing.

You can book in too by using this link Fab hotel in Sloane Street

UP ON WINDMILL HILL

WINDMILL HILL BRISTOL

The Windmill pub sits at the bottom of a maze of dejected streets of Victorian terraced houses, marshalled by two tower blocks that rear up to the side of the pub. This is Windmill Hill.

We’d popped in for lunch. The welcome at the Windmill was warm, the beer excellent and food tasty. I enjoyed a vegetarian wrap and the ladies their soup.

Windmill Hill is separated from the rest of Bedminster by a railway that can whisk you away as far as Exeter and beneath this iron road a slither of industrial units and lock ups. The area boasts a city farm and attractive open space, Victoria Park. 

More on this excellent establishment here 

Pub's website is here 

WELL ABOVE PARR

The Exhibition Only Human is a delight! With an undercurrent of darkness.

It runs for some time and is really worth seeing.

A huge show of colour, excitement, playful images with a visual comment on modern Britain by photographer Martin Parr #MARTINPARRNPG. 

The fun runs until May 27

Darkness comes from his roaming across the UK at the the time of the Brexit vote and his ventures into the world of privilege  - a stark counter point defty handled.

Link included to see more including the cheeky trailer

Both pictures here © Martin Parr - photography was allowed within the gallery. Hoorah!

ENJOY THE SHORT ZIPPY TRAILER HERE 

https://www.npg.org.uk/whatson/only-human-martin-parr/exhibition/

PAINTING THE LIBRARY

Don't you just love it. People book a seat at the table, turn up and half the group are hard at it before I can say "Hello, I am Tim Baynes".

Some members of the group have only just started painting, others are more than very good at drawing and painting. It is open to everyone, all are welcome.

I mince in with materials and an impressive vase of stocks and everyone makes lovely pictures. 

Some of the team are working on particular pieces of their own choosing, a Venetian largo, a scene in the Lake District. 

Productivity! 

It all happens at Beaconsfield Library. Arguably one of the loveliest places in the town and the most important. 


Sometime back the team at the Library suggested I come in show some work and talk about how I do what I do.

IT SOON BECAME APPARENT, after my first session, that people are more interested in having a go, getting some tips and ideas and some ENCOURAGEMENT (sorry to shout).
Fab! I can do that.

Next Artist is Residence Beaconsfield Library is April 23. 
It is a ticket only event.

Can't wait!

Dead good at drawing!

MORE LONDON?

LONDON'S GRAND CANYON? 

I am often lucky enough to walk through More London. A gorge of towers SW of Tower Bridge that includes City Hall. The buildings were designed by Foster and Partners architects and include The Scoop, a fountain and planted areas, including real trees. 

In 2007, the development was shortlisted for the Carbuncle Cup architecture prize.

Sadly, last year, ‘The Rill’ a narrow brick water channel that ran along one walkways was filled in. For aside from being an intriguing, witty and thoughtful touch, it was also became a health and safety threat: This narrow niceness was a trip hazard to people walking through canyon and using their mobile phones at the same time.

I have discovered that More London was shortlisted for the Carbuncle Cup an architecture prize, given annually by the magazine Building Design to "the ugliest building in the United Kingdom completed in the last 12 months". It is intended to be a humorous response to RIBA’s prestigious Stirling Prize.

More London here

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/More_London

ALL WORK AND NO PRET MAKES JACK A DULL BOY

Pret a Manger is a favourite place for breakfast and lunch in this boy’s busy schedule.

Totally consistent.

Totally friendly.
Totally yummy.

Here the most unfailingly brilliant coffee is served by smiling people who really understand

‘ A double espresso please, with just a little extra hot water’ 

Fav breakfast  - the egg and bacon roll (sort of micro-baguette)

Fav lunch – the salad with the beetroot and greens

Remarkable thing is they are just as good in NYC.

Yeap, I am blessed with Pret.