Hello everybody, what a fun month I have had at Valley Lodge.
Firstly the residents have invented a new game. It’s been great fun and we are still playing strong, so what is this game I hear you all ask? The residents are challenging my wardrobe!
At teatime, they set me a colour challenge for the next day and I have to wear mainly that colour. So far we have been all through the rainbow and the only time my wardrobe was not up to scratch was when one of the ladies suggested tartan. Although I will admit that when I was challenged to wear white I had a bit of a struggle. Being an artist I am naturally a bit of a ‘mucky pup’ so I have very little white in my wardrobe for obvious reasons! Next colour is orange so I know I’m OK there…
The café mural is very nearly complete and there are 3D panels on the walls now.
A sheep – decorated with Arran knitting and white packaging bubbles
Two birds - covered in fabric with button eyes
A steam train - with lentils, sweet wrappers, silver foil and chain
Three huge fairy cakes – painted with sand, decorated with glass beads, ribbons, bows and bits & bobs
And along the same ‘touch’ theme there are also flowers and a signal box. The idea behind this 3D element is to help our residents, some who perhaps have a bit of a challenge to see clearly, to enjoy the mural as much as residents who have easier vision.
I have been off on some airbrush training with a local artist, Nick Proctor. As you can see it was a very productive day. I can now do allsorts of exciting twiddles with my airbrush so watch this space for more artwork. I must admit to being very pleased with the kingfisher workshop piece and I think you will agree Nick was a rather good teacher!
Finally I am exhibiting at Arkwright Mill, Cromford (off A6), in the Gothic Wharf Building on Saturday 2nd June and Sunday 3rd June, 10.30 – 4.30pm. The exhibition is showcasing life drawings and paintings by artists who are tutored by local artist Wanda Brookes. If you can’t make it along in person then I will tell you all about it in my next mutterings.