'IN THE DEEP'

Here is a pic of one of my latest artworks, entitled 'In the Deep' plus some close-ups.  It is on a wooden panel, 50cms x 50 cms, and extends around the sides.  There are a number of layers using various techniques, including collage, printing, splattering, scraping etc.  I used acrylic paints, alcohol inks, decorated papers and oil pastels.

The inspiration was looking down into deep water, with tiny fish and sub-aqua divers producing bubbles underneath.  This is something I frequently do, as I swim in a quarry that is also a dive centre!

VISITING STUDIOS

Today I have been out visiting a couple of places which are part of this year's Somerset Art Weeks.  I went to the pretty village of Moorlinch, between Street and Bridgwater, to see Spring Farm Arts and Nancy Farmer.

At Spring Farm, I particularly liked the pen and line drawings of the Lake District by Anne Farmer, the ceramics of Clio Graham and the work of Jenny Graham.  I have done a couple of courses with Jenny which were fun and I learnt a lot.  She makes beautiful landscapes in oils with an easily recognisable style, as you can see above.

Nancy Farmer, seen here amongst her work,  shares a love of open water swimming with me.  In fact, I saw her all last Winter swimming in the same place.  The difference is she doesn't wear a wetsuit!  For her exhibition called 'Swept Away', she has done a number of drawings on her phone and tablet documenting her swims throughout the year.  I bought a calendar with her drawings and comments, which are funny and so true, so I will be able to have a swimming picture every month!   It has inspired me to think about using this again as a subject.  I did do some life size textile swimmers some time ago...