So this is Christmas Day

I haven’t written about my mother’s return home; believing I would be more objective reflecting upon Ma’s return after a few days. In doing so, I now realise Christmas morning has arrived without any good cheer! Ma, is attempting to dress herself, from the bathroom I hear her struggling (nothing broken yet) but cursing and swearing, “Damn this stroke!” Always independent, Ma’s a fighter; hopefully the nurse will arrive soon to assist her.

My younger brother Mark is preparing to visit friends today, so I’m left to cope with Ma. Illness in a family is funny, there is nearly always one who is left to sort it out, and it seems to be me! Going on his present efforts I can’t see him helping very much in the future either – but I don’t want to go there for the time being, it’s too depressing.

Without being too negative, I am looking forward to Boxing Day, tomorrow the Plymouth Morris Men are performing at the Morley Arms. I’m hoping to make a few studies of the audience. I am uncertain at the moment if I should use actual studies of the general public or employ models. As the project develops I will be able to resolve the issue. In the meantime I will just keep making notes.

So wishing everyone a peaceful Christmas and hope all those dreams and aspirations come true.

The Get Out

My first ‘Get Out’, the large drawing removed from the wall without any damage, so what was all the fuss about? Feeling smug with myself. The paintings all dismantled and placed in the van.

The cast girls looking ‘rough’ from parting into the early hours of the morning, yet still retained a delightfully sexy strut when carrying large items of scenery up and down stairs. A wonderful Christmas Card from Jill, which is worth framing.

Have started to collect reference photographs of the Dolphin Pub, I would like to paint an image of the Morris Men performing outside. Might have also found a few good background poses for the painting, it’s interesting to watch and record the different mannerisms individual people have and something I dearly would like to incorporate into the next series of paintings.

Ma, is cheerful today, looking forward to coming home tomorrow. Complained about time dragging; I’m not surprised, when I was working as a security guard, on a 12, 14, or 16 hr shift, it always seemed endless the last eighth of the shift. Of course Ma being home will no doubt create major changes and new challenges to my life. I’m not expecting my younger brother Mark, to help, but I live in hope.

The Final Curtain

I have been looking forward to the final performance of The man in a Red Scarf, (Dec. 20th) Plymouth’s art scene highlight for 2008; where the ‘local’ intelligentsia all attend to be seen!

I furthered my education by comparing the cast develop over the many rehearsals I attended to final curtain call. My evaluation, the cast has become a confident cohesive group of players; with the lead Robert recreating the life’s journey of one of Plymouth’s most colourful inhabitants in a spooky yet realistic manner. Jojo’s skill is to have written a play where facts and local folklore blend.

It was a pleasure to meet some old friends and acquaintances. One jaw opening surprise, I was introduced by an ex- theology student (who has now nearly completed her PHD at Winchester; under the supervision of Professor Lisa Irsherwood) to Issac, Robert’s youngest child. “He paints” she said, “Oh, just like his dad, it must be in his genes”, my response. “His mother also paints” she interjected; I enquired, “I would know, who’s Issac’s mother?” Her reply, “I am”. Knock me down with a pallet, I would never have guessed. I left her my mobile number and will be delighted if she contacts me. Her PHD, sounds fascinating and I would relish a chance to read it.

The post production party was enjoyable, and having too much to drink, it was a good job Jakk was my chauffeur for the night. Might have made a new contact, will see how it pans out. Feeling optimistic for 2009…