Wednesday, January 16, 2008

Paintings

I have done some painting while here in Scotland, although I am not really thrilled with my work. These are done on Stathmore watercolor cards. I'm just not getting the look that I want. I would like a lighter touch - less reality. The hotel suite is not conducive to painting. There is a table and there is a window, but not much light partly because this is a city and partly because of the cloud cover since I have been here. When the sun shines, I tend to want to be outside. When it is overcast, I want to paint - such a dilemma. Due to the lack of electrical outlets, I have not been able to move a lamp near the table. So, I end up sitting on the couch near the lamp with a tray on my lap and the paint on the tray. I will adapt and overcome. All of that has nothing to do with the outcome of my artwork - just complaining. As I tell my students, keep going, keep trying, and it will come together.

I've also done some TV watching, but Scotland does not have much TV to choose from. The BBC and Sky Sports are my favorites. I am learning a lot about sports in the UK and also the housing. There are several shows on during the day about flipping houses, or moving to Australia or not. Yesterday I watched a show that seemed to be a kids show called, "Prank Patrol." A 12 year old Indian girl pranked her father at a Chinese restaurant. The food was bad, a nearby table was rowdy, but best of all the waiter had a "windy tummy." Yep, he kept farting. The little girl could not keep a straight face, and the parents were horrified. It was a great prank. Normally, I am not impressed by 6th grade boy-bathroom humor, but I laughed out loud. I would rather have been watching soccer, but you take what you can get here.

I forgot to mention that we had fish and chips last night. They were quite tasty, but a bit heavy - grease! I love french fires or chips and the vinegar just makes them that much better. The ladies at the fish and chips place were very nice, gave us extra fish, and waved bye-bye to us. They did not do that for everyone. It must have been our accents.
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9 comments:

mornin'lady said...

your paintings are nice, I like the castle. when I think of having to sit and paint or even sketch looking out my window; there are trees and more trees, I actually sketched one of them but the branches seemed to grow as I sketched and I got weary. I have it here and I'm saving it for your critiquing. I'd rather try my hand at some of your scenery. I was telling Piper, I want to use one of your photo's when you get back for my first try on a Thursday morn. get together.
p.s. should I mail you a movie or two in case of more bad weather ;)

Bag Blog said...

Thanks, Dawn, I have books and paints and my laptop. I am pretty content. I am looking forward to your coming on Thursdays.

The Friendly Neighborhood Piper said...

Maybe those paintings just need a little make-up and perfume? I think they are pretty cool. You know, if you look at "The Hub" just right, the lights in the front window kinda look like eyes.

I found this, maybe it'll be a little inspirational help for ya.

I NEED MORE PANORAMAS!!! anything...i'll take it. You've created a horrible appetite, and i'm very hungry.

Here's to farting waiters!

Towanda said...

Really wonderful paintings! You have a lot of talent! You must be having a lot of fun "capturing" scenes of Scotland.

French fries with vinegar! That's how we use to eat them when I was a kid in upstate New York not far from the Canadian border...I think that is where the vinegar part came from. Delicious!

Anonymous said...

Yesterday i was thinking what a great painting the castle would make. I want to paint it. But i must finish the buffalo before i can start the castle. When i do finish it i will email you a pic of it. All of your paintings look great.

Buck said...

I'm with Ashley...I think all the paintings look great. My fave, though, is the night scene.

Bag Blog said...

Thanks for all the nice comments. Although I posted those paintings, I may redo some - try ag. Jo Castillo (jocastilloartblog.blotspot.com)has inspired me to rework some of my paintings.

Ashley, finish that buffalo! He was almost done when I left.

Anonymous said...

I know he was almost finished but, hehe um well..... Lets just say he need a little more work.

Alison said...

Hi Lou... just adding my 2 cents worth with everyone else.. great panoramic..please do more! I loved the paintings... The Hub at night is my favorite...
Best regards!