I'm giving my paintings a little love. Some now have simple frames. Their own meditative spaces.  Come and see at #Ballymena #Midtown Makers

I find the news of another 'wonder drug' disturbing. This one to counteract depression. Is it so wrong to be ill-at-ease in our sick society? Now it seems another drug will be available to throw at our problems. A huge percentage of NHS beds are already taken up with those suffering adverse reactions to medications. Turn off the news. Meet your friends face to face. Grab a pencil and make some marks. Wonder at the world we are so lucky to live in! Get painting. Art really is the best medicine. Get drug free - but not dog-free......

My view of the shop yesterday afternoon.
It is still a little empty of visitors although there is lots to see. You will be greeted by two crows helping me to market my paintings. Jenine kept my energy up by providing tea. Jim was busy helping with preparations for today's book launch. Come. See. Enjoy.

I'm not sure he's finished although I like him loose. I miss him. He wasn't what I had intended to paint today.

This morning I wallpapered the pergola. It is still rather amateur but I am a beginner here....
This afternoon I rushed up to see my youngest daughter to find out why she was a little sad. Lulled by my questions she promptly fell asleep against me. I guess I appreciated the nap too! Lots of changes for her at this time of year. Sleep is great medicine. this evening I made the most of the remaining dry spell and made some more display stands. Tomorrow the pergola will look different again. Perhaps I will get the chance to paint too!

The corvids have landed. There some animals along too. Curly mangalitzas from Cullybackey and sheep and goats from Clough alongside some interlopers blown in on the wind.
Time to snap up a bargain. Originals on canvas for less than £50. What could be better than that!
Ready, steady, go.

After cataloguing and sorting a little levity. I think I have completed it at last. I wanted to play with my paint today so this is just because....

A bit of carpentry today followed by work on my logo for labels.
In meteorology they name a swirl that forms as two different air masses collide a scorpion's tail. I have been doodling it a lot recently. it popped up when I needed a logo for Cerisart. I put it into a leaf shape and suddenly I had multiple meanings and interpretations. It was simultaneously a leaf, a boat, a wave, a flag. At one point it was a fat dolphin.

It was also an eye. Now I just need to cut them into shape and I am ready to put some prices on my paintings. Who is ready to come and stop by the shop? The birds will arrive later this week as messengers for the animals next week. EEEEK!

I love working from life. The challenge of making an image of a real being sitting with you is wonderful. It was something I worked at life drawing and portraiture for many years. It never got any easier yet the tribulations were part of the appeal. My studio looked like this until the words pushed everything else aside. Writing made drawing complicated and I did a lot of writing.
When I tried to get back to portraits I struggled. I worked more and more with intuitive and imaginative images but without models my images began to feel repetitive and flat. Occasionally I worked from photographs but felt guilty – as if I was cheating.

It took a new camera from by amazing big brother Gareth Tynan (you can find him on Facebook and flickr) and the great opportunity with Midtown Makers in Ballymena to give me a kick in the pants. I am hooked.
But I do hope that someone will be brave enough to sit for me in Church Street. Who’s up for it?

The pod/pergola is still rather empty but I am gently testing the space. I have made some labels with my logo and intend to post details soon. I put my girls in the space this morning along with a new introduction - it's a precursor to my new business cards.
Go and see. Church Street Ballymena
http://www.midtownmakers.co.uk/store/c1/Featured_Products.html
Facebook, Midtown Makers