Happy Valentine's Day

Good morning! Happy Valentine's Day! I hope you're all ok? I've got an absolute stinker of a cold, what makes it worse my partner Susan also has it. So we're looking after one another. 💕

Due to the sniffles, aches and pains i've not been in the studio now for a couple of days trying to get rid of it, to quote a famous lyric by Taylor Swift i'll "Shake it off". I've taken all the recommended medication, some herbal, it's just all a waiting game! I hope it clears up before my Friday appointment at the eye clinic for more investigations as to why I had suffered a central Retinal Artery Occlusion (CRAO). In layman's terms a stroke to the eye, a clot, blockage whatever you want to call it! It really has knocked me for six! I suppose i've got to think myself lucky it didn't travel further up north.

Painting with sight loss in one eye is one hell of a challenge, but apparently it's not classed as a disability. So I don't get diddly squat, not a penny, no financial help whatsoever! I challenge the powers that be who make these rules, try doing anything with one eye and let me know how you get on? It's not just a matter of covering one eye with your hand, that's easy, the brain is still sending signals to the covered eye and saying "you'll be fine when you take your hand away". Your brain isn't stupid!

When you suffer sight loss the light source changes, it's no longer the same, your balance is unsteady and you slow down. The brain has to adjust and given the necessary time to adapt. I too have to adapt, losing the one thing that's imperative to an artist, PERSPECTIVE! An attribute that is so very important in my paintings, perspective displays depth and creates atmosphere to a piece which can make a huge impact. There is a clear and visible difference when perspective is apparent in a painting. A merely average painting or a painting that draws you in and speaks to you, which would you choose?

This is imperative, it's what i've been trying to convey, striving to becoming the best in my field! In time I will adapt, for now I'm having to practice, practice and yes more practice. Here are three WIP pieces to keep things updated. These will complete the series of Reminisce and will be added to my website soon as will limited edition prints in both paper with mount (Unframed or Framed) and canvas framed, I'm sure there will also be the additional greeting cards! :)

Double-Decker

Summer Holiday

Summer of '76

These originals will undoubtedly take on subtle changes as I work on them, so please keep looking in. I'm looking to complete the originals in early Spring with first editions available on our Patreon platform. To make offers on originals and to reserve available first editions, we are requesting members to subscribe to our gold tier package.

Later editions will be released and shared to our newsletter exclusive members and then offered to the wider public audience via social media and available from my website.

Thank you for taking the time and reading my blog. I appreciate your support and hope you will remain as a valued follower. Look out for the next series to follow. :)




Location: Cromer Rd, Stoke-on-Trent ST1 6QN, UK

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Losing My Sight!

Image
 It hit me like a steam train! It seems like a lifetime since that day back in August 2023. The specialists continue to investigate into how and why I suffered sudden sight loss due to a Central Retinal Artery Occlusion.  So far the scans and tests have shown nothing, now waiting for a biopsy. I've been told, vaguely it could be due to my diabetes, cholesterol or even arthritis, all of which I try to keep under control. I do have a very inquisitive nature, so I thought I'd spend a little time researching and digging up some facts.  I know that we shouldn't search for medical symptoms on Google and specialists have told me "it doesn't do any good" but because my eyesight in my left eye (The good eye) appears to be getting worse, so here's what i've discovered...  O cular mucous membrane pemphigoid  is a type of scarring conjunctivitis. It affects the membrane that lines the eyelids and covers the white of the eye  (the conjunctiva).  I n the UK, aroun...
Read more

Girls can't play football

Image
Back in the late 60's early 70's, I must have only been 6 or 7 when I used to play football with friends in the street and back alley ways of Manchester. I remember there was a girl that used to hang around but not having the confidence to ask to join in, she would just kick a ball against the wall close to where we were playing. One day when we turned up to play and as we were placing jackets and jumpers for goalposts, we noticed we were a man down, only 7 of us! I suggested the girl (who had shown up again) make up a team? "A girl?" said Bunker who was, let's just say a large boy for his age and always black from helping his dad who was a coalman. Bunker finally succumbed after some bickering and we put the girl on the weaker team. The girl scored 7 goals! The very next time the girl showed up, she was first pick to play on our team. 😁
Read more

Don't Just Think About It!

Image
 It's been three weeks since my biopsy, my eye is a little sensitive, very bloodshot and i'm struggling to get a goodnights sleep. It's so frustrating and boredom fills the day unable to paint, I suppose it's understandable under the circumstances and I do need the rest to get back to full fitness. Having said that I also need to get out there and be part of the community. I've just completed a Makers Market at Trentham on Saturday 16th. It felt good, it's always hard work but enjoyable.  It's always been my philosophy "The time to do something is the time you're thinking about it". It's not something that you can always act upon. I've always been spontaneous and at the same time hesitant, yeah a bit mixed up, I suppose. As you get older those inhibitions that held you back in your younger days get pushed aside. You tend to mould your goals into reality and dismiss negative vibes from others and life choices become clearer. Join me at T...
Read more