The long view; Advent Gospel

One of the blessings of retirement is the opportunity for the long view. After 40 years of being "up front" it is good to take a step back, participate but in a relaxed way. I realise my mind is filled with images of colours, postures, poses, and moments. Now I'm in a position to draw on them, literally and use them to express what I see. Here is a moment observed last Sunday, the reading of the Gospel. I'm very grateful to the priest and people of St Michael's and All Angels for making me welcome. This a tribute to them.

Mary and Jospeh: health and safety

I heard on the radio recently about a nativity play where the young girl playing Mary had to wear a riding hat because of health and safety. To be fair, the man hiring out the  donkey said it was the fault of his insurance company worried about litigation! It just got me thinking!

dip pen and colourwash on mount board (No pun intended!)

 

Three day stay at a Warner's Hotel: lots of opportunities for sketching! Here are some:

all the staff are young (in contrast to the visitors!)

see what I mean?

and one more:

all ink on A6 sketch book

Fire shout

Drama in our road this morning: three appliances; two preliminary sketches and final version

preliminary sketch in colour pencils

 

second sketch in fineliner

final version; dip pen and colour wash

Firefighters' gear

 visit to my son's firestation

fellow train travellers

Altar servers: dip pen and wash on A5