Pictorial Vandalism

I am shocked, I would even go so far as to say wordless…


Why would someone want to over paint areas of my painting? A student perhaps wishing to understand the mysteries of their master; the art restored trying to repair damage perhaps. But to wantonly repaint areas of my painting, it’s hard to comprehend. So be it, the story of my progress as a painter continues. As a true trooper I brush all negative thoughts out of my mind and carry on painting; next stage for Jojo, a delicate pink glaze while tightening the drawing (brush, pen, stick, etc., anything can be used for drawing; do not limit your mind to thinking the term drawing refers to only pencil!)

Amber Day!

Its unfortunate the garage where I placed the car for its MOT are unable to repair the sills, so I have the inconvenience to find another body repairer. So unfortunately, most of my day has been spent trying to locate a garage able to do a good job for a reasonable price. I didn’t realize how difficult this would be. After obtaining four estimates ranging from £90 for each sill, which comprises of a welded block grinded down and painted with the same colour, to £290 for a complete replacement sill where they cut out and replace, weld and spray in same colour. A far better job, but difficult to be without my car for four days. I have opted for the £90 job and booked the car in for two days next week.

There is one bit of good news

I have managed to get my laptop to recognize the new broadband, after four hours I’m now up and running. If only they would make things simpler – plug and play! I am a little disappointed with Virgin, and it would not have been my first choice, but it was my only alternative to BT. It appears I am located just outside the limit for faster broadband; the old copper cables of BT are unable to go as fast as the new fiber optic cables.

Jojo’s first sitting

Tuesday 3rd June 2008

The Plymouth playwright Jojo arrived for his first portrait sitting, it was also a chance for him to provide me with an update of his new play ‘The Man in a Red Scarf’.

Colour lighting

I have prepared three portrait studies prior to his arrival; he preferred the three quarter portrait over the profile. So I worked up the former drawing. I preferred the colour study, and I would like to have worked up this drawing, but Jojo felt the colours would not be represented in the play. Perhaps I can work with colour lighting during rehearsals.

First thoughts about Jojo

He’s quite a jolly fellow, not only in his physical appearance but also in mood and mannerisms where he fidgets incessantly which makes him very difficult to study. He also likes to banter and appears quite at ease discussing a variety of subjects. What I haven’t caught in this drawing, is Jojo’s fun loving nature. He has quite a sense of humour; and I found him even more animated when he grins.

I want my own identity

I am now the official artist’s in residence. Jojo has informed me of his last article Preparing Robert’s play an art in itself in The Herald (Plymouth) May 30th 2008, p7., were he has listed his present technical team: Jennifer Hallas Redick (set designer), Paul Lloyd (composer), my good self, and Louise Courtenell (trainer to the actor playing Robert). I’m finding the prospect quite exhilarating, but daunting as well. I suppose it’s my insecurity, I don’t want the public to think of me as son of Robert; I want my own identity. Jojo agreed upon my insistence that I would only be part of the project if I could paint the images as I wanted.

My needs for this project

I sense this is a wonderful opportunity, but before I start I need to be clear in my mind what I want to achieve from the experience. The two parts of this project are: firstly, to complete nine paintings of the cast before September. This first part completes Jojo’s request. Secondly, I would like to enhance my own interests, these include: a) to record and create a series of paintings which illustrate the interrelationship of human shapes and form upon the stage environment, b) access to explore the effects of stage lighting upon these human shapes and forms, c) to paint a series of paintings of the cast in costume.

First job of the day

Arrived at the Bagatelle at 08:45, removed my works, and left Christian a catalogue of the Untitled Fair. Drove back home and went returned to bed. Rose again at 19:00, decided to have a really lazy day.

Met some interesting individuals

The fair was well attended, and I met some interesting individuals. I was delighted to met finally Angela Newbury, and look forward to the possibility of visiting her studio in the future. Also met a delightful artist called Joe, ho has a Bulgarian or Romanian girlfriend. He says he paints murals and is presently working as a jeweler. He’s desperately looking for money… aren’t we all! But I am a little uncertain why he is so interested in me. However, I will go along for the ride, see what will happen. Two other outstanding women I met are, the author Deborah Trenchard who’s newly published book Finding Me: A life in Transition I was delighted to purchase. Deborah is a life coach and what I found with her was that she a good listener. Finally, there is Bobby, who is a little dynamo, a mere 20 year old 2nd year photography student with such confidence I am really envious. If she carries on the way she is going, and has the right contacts and luck she is going to go far. Definitely one to watch!

The lad himself

Under terrible conditions young Bobby kindly agreed to photograph me at play. She was a saint, professionally keeping her cool in an attempt to obtain that special shot of me. Bobby’s skill was timing the shot to coincide with a break in the exhibitors’ who were rushing around in an attempt to load their vehicles’, and the electricians who wanted to turn the electric lights off.

The Painter David Folley at The Untitled Artist Fair

Chelsea, London. Copyright Bobby Bloomberg