December 2010 Wednesday 1.12.10 Back in the studio working on the miniatures and small paintings for the open studio. Friday 3.12.10 E mail lovely Sallie Thomas after receiving an image of the Swimming Pool still in progress as she had mentioned earlier in the year how much she liked a much larger painting I did on the same subject many years ago. So I have painted this piece with her in mind and sent her an image telling her that 50% would go towards the new creative arts centre at the National Star College and 50% towards the awards and bursary I give. And within an hour or two there is a reply - she wants the painting and likes the idea of supporting the NSC in this way through my StarArt events rather than sending out Christmas cards. I’m so fortunate to have such friends and collectors. Up quite late finishing the miniatures although take a break in between when we go over to the studio to lay them out as R will hang them in the morning. Saturday 4.12.10 This year I manage to get over to the studio before people start arriving and R’s already got the mulled wine heating on the stove - mince pies warming in the oven. The first group to arrive are Sue, Andy, her sister Jane and Mum Eileen; apart from the ‘Horse Box’ that she had reserved she also decides to have the ‘Toys’ and Jane ‘Fishing around the Lighthouse’ whilst Sue and Andy have added ‘Better Bets’. Interestingly I’d really painted the latter with Kathryn (Principal) and Mark in mind so it seems like a big coincidence that they arrived just as Sue and family are departing so I introduce them and tell the tale. And when Kathryn and Mark are leaving I say that if they would like me to do so I will paint another similar work with Mark in mind. Martin Kiszko comes in at the same time as Wallace and his guest 95 year old George who’s bearing a large sketchbook of his own beautiful water-colours under his arm; still bright as a button he paints every morning sometimes giving all his fellow companions on a coach trip a hand painted postcard that he has created especially for them. What a wonderful example he is. I’m really touched as Martin buys one of the tiny circular seascapes for Nick’s birthday as he collects small things in a cabinet and of course is passionate about fishing and sea birds. Also that Martin has driven all the way from Bristol and Wallace from Banbury and I had been worried that people might not be able to make it due to the snow. Zac Taylor comes through the door bearing a poinsettia with a big red bow on it and his Dad Martin gives me a cheque with a generous donation to the NSC from he and Chris. Zac always adds fun to any occasion. Lovely Rita also hands me a donation when she arrives with, Jenny and two of their friends. Paul (head of the creative and performing arts department) and Neil come and tell me about the exciting projects they are working on with the Star students and I tell them how excited and pleased I was to see Craig and James at a workshop I recently did at Gloucestershire College. Two of my sister Gill’s friends, Alwyn and Elainne are looking at works in the front room when Maureen and Gordon arrive (Maureen and I were art students together) so I am able to introduce Maureen to them as she was at the same school where she was head girl. It is particularly good to see Heather with Sheila and the Browns; Roger leads the U3A art appreciation group in Cheltenham who have visited the studio en masse. Sophia Wilson from Cheltenham Art Gallery & Museum comes at almost the same time as Bob Davison (head of Fine Art at the University) so they are able to discuss the forthcoming exhibition at the Summerfield Gallery, celebrating the Racecourse’s Centenary. She’s also able to see the maquette I’ve made for the Horse Parade. Bob and Sylvia and other dear friends and neighbours also honour us with a visit After everyone has gone I’m back in the studio painting three more tiny circular seascapes so that there will be something there to sell tomorrow. Sunday 5.12.10 R hangs the three little circular paintings that I had created last night but they are soon snapped up, one by Catriona and Richard Smith, another byMeurig’s mother, Kev’s parents also collect theirs and buy a GloCorama print for their holiday apartment in Devon. We introduce them to Peter Cottingham ( NSC governor and Chair of he Appeal Board) and Beverley who also have a cottage within four miles them. Peter and Beverley have bought the Mermaid, the Elephant and the Whale. I’m talking to Michael Shinn and Jenny & Douglas Ogle (of the Friends of Cheltenham Art Gallery & Museum) and had just mentioned Andrew North when the studio door opens and in he comes. Sheila is in the car with Georgia and Martha who have fallen asleep; later he goes out to take over from Sheila so she too can have a look. When she goes back he returns carrying 8 month old Martha who is beautiful and lets me hold her; he decides they would like one of the GloCorama prints framed with a different moulding. Another baby comes through the door, this time in a car seat carry cot, much younger, it’s little Rafaela accompanied by her Dad Meurig Bowen and her Mum Rachel. Also Meurig’s parents. Raphie is exquisite, it’s the first time we’ve seen her. Anne and Jeremy Davis, Ronald Green and Revd Malc, Barbara Jordan and partner are amongst today's visitors. Considering I thought that a lot of people wouldn’t be able to make it (due to snow and ice), I’ve been really touched by how many called in to join us in a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie adding support & encouragement. Monday 6.12.10 Richard is in communication with Richard in the Appeals Office at the Star College re the donation to the Big Give which has become considerably more complicated this year. and it takes two or three goes to get it right. Last year they doubled the donation but this year it works out more like 25% as the College have to get someone else to pledge the same amount as the Big Give are going to give and then that total will double the donation. Tuesday 7.12.10 The landscape is white and covered with frost; very beautiful, very cold, as we drive over to Gloucestershire College for the meeting postponed from last week as Andy Ginn had feared that people would have difficulties in the snow. There aren’t as many of the teachers from the eight different schools assembled in the room as there probably would have been at last week’s - due to prior commitments but the four who are there seemed to be full of enthusiasm for this mural project of painted panels for Gloucester Railway Station. The idea is that each school will choose a different artist who’s style and technique they will echo. The first says they have chosen Leger; I smile in approval of their good choice as I love his work and recall the very big canvases I saw at the Pompidou centre. I am surprised, delighted and honoured when the second school say that I am their choice. They have obviously looked at the work and have already started to plan what they are going to do. The third school (Sir Thomas Rich’s School) has chosen James Rosenquist and the next an Infant school with pupils from the ago of 4 to 7 are going to use Surrealism particularly Magritte and Dali to interpret Gloucester. Andy suggests that I might visit a school or two and I add that they can also bring groups to my studio which they seem keen to do. We finish at about 5,45 and drive back to Bishops Cleeve returning home briefly before driving into Cheltenham for the Cleeve School Christmas concert. The Town Hall’s absolutely packed but we manage to find two seats and discover we are only a couple of rows in front of the Chatham's, whose eldest grandson is playing bass guitar. Later Tara his Mum tells me that she often sees me at Gloucestershire College as she is tutor and councillor to the arts students there. The performance is magical and gloriously joyful with extracts from Handle's Messiah, carols and Lucy in the sky with diamonds. Every age group, voice and instrument has a part as has the community choir. It was particularly moving when their feeder junior schools also take part with the Cleeve samba band who’s loud jubilant, rhythmic percussion is fabulous. The sheer joy and dedication of both staff and students is infectious. At half time we also bump into Anne and John Reid who both taught at the school and eventually meet up with Allen (the recent head) and Maggi McConaghie, at just the same time as Margaret who had been his PA introduces me to Rob Broadbush the new headmaster. I’ve been really touched as Allen had chosen my painting ‘Tempting the Venerable’ as his birthday present form Maggi the proceeds of which will go towards the new creative arts centre at the National Star College. I’m really delighted as he tells me he is also going in for a meeting at the Museum with Graham etc. to help with the Appeal. I enlisted him as a Patron of the Friends when he generously volunteered if there was anything he could do to help me after I had had the great honour of opening the splendid new building at Cleeve School . Wednesday 8.12.10. working on newly commissioned miniatures towards the Star. Thursday 9.12.10 Over to Gloucester for the 10:10 awards (organised by Gloucestershire Media and Sarah Daley) where Martin is performing some of his Green Poems for a Blue Planet (Illustrated by Nick Park ) as usual he is fabulous - all the Schools want him to do visit. Again the food had been beautifully prepared and served by the students of Gloucestershire College’s Catering Academy. The 10:10 Awards are recognising schools, individuals and organisations who are actively working to make this a greener world; this event will, I’m sure help create a much greater awareness. Up to London via Chelsea Arts Club to collect some of the Christmas cards they have had printed using my Adoration of the Magi (they have almost sold out so am not able to get many). Then to Cork Street to the Hay Hill Gallery before making our way over to Henrietta and Kev’s for supper and just in time to see the little boys before they go to bed. Friday 10.12.10 We are out early for Isaac’s Nativity play at 10.30 am. in the fitting venue of the school’s local Church. It is of course mmmmmmagical and Isaac sings and bobs to the music with all his little classmates and says his line beautifully. Spend the rest of the day with dear Samuel 2yrs 11months before walking to collect Isaac ( 4yrs 10 months ) from school. In the evening we are able to watch them decorating the Christmas tree before we head off home to Gloucestershire. Saturday 11.12.10 Back to work on the Star miniatures Sunday 12.12.10 Ditto Monday 13.12.10. Go into the Summerfield Gallery to see the Lisa Millroy and Jeremy Duncan exhibitions where spend an enjoyable time in this beautiful space. The Millroys are on the ground floor ‘Shade to Black’ we’d heard her talking about it on our brief previous visit ( before the Hon Co talk and supper in Gloucester, after the awards ceremony at the University on the 30th) but hadn’t seen the Duncan's which Edward Gillespie had said he was very impressed by - I could see why. In contrast to the Millroys, these are full of colour, very beautifully executed architectural mainly Paris and New York subject matter again in contrast to the Millroy powerful still lives which included shoes, lace and cameras as the subject matter - more painterly and larger in scale. Back home as Kate Green is coming from the National Star College’s Appeals Office with Sarah the intern. Discuss the recent Open Studio event and the Big Give and look at the total sum raised with a lot of help and goodwill from my friends, which is now about £95,000 so I am still busy creating tiny works for people who missed out in the hope that I can boost it to the £100,000 in the next month or two. Maureen and Gordon come to supper such a joy to spend longer with them Tuesday 14.12.10 In studio still working to finish the miniatures for the Star Art Wednesday 15.12.10 Karl and Sharron travel all the way down from Yorkshire. It’s wonderful for me to meet them at last (though Richard already has). they have been collecting my work since 2006 and also supported every charity event I have done for the National Star College. Today they have come not only to share a meal with us but to collect the ‘cello and viola they bought at the Cheltenham Music Festival auction in the summer plus Haute Cuisine and the Four Forty from my recent Open Studio for the Star. We visit the studio and then sit talking into the early hours; Karl is nocturnal too. Fascinating conversation, so enjoy getting to know them. Thursday 16.12.10 Finishing Mark and Julia’s little paintings. R comes back from the RWA in Bristol bearing a copy of a beautiful book “Pictures in an Academy” and points out that there is a full page reproduction of La Prunelle de mes Yeux which they purchased from an exhibition I had there in the mid 90s. Friday 17.12.10 Up early to travel over to Gloucester for the Bishop’s Breakfast; weather conditions not as bad as forecast. Meet Mark on the way in which is useful as I am able to give him the package containing the two little paintings that he and Julia have purchased in aid of the National Star College. Meet Brigadier Paddy Allison of ARRC when Ceri introduces me to him; I’m interested to learn that that he paints and that Ken Howard has been one of the Corp’s war artists and I recall a large painting that he exhibited at the RWA of graffiti on a wall in Northern Ireland. Home briefly to write more cards then off to Worcester for lunch at Janet and David’s, dear friends from art student days as are lovely Joyce and Janet’s brother John who studied architecture. We don’t see each other often but when we do it’s wonderful. Saturday 18.12.10 Glorious snowscape through my circular studio window Sunday 19.12.10 We were looking forward to going to Beverley and Peter’s Christmas celebration today but as the winter has taken us hostage in its glorious whiteout I phone to apologise and speak to their lovely son Tom, who is at university in Birmingham. he tells me the people I can hear in the background are those who could get there on foot. Speak to Beverley too and also apologise for not being able to deliver the three little paintings they had bought in aid of the National Star College. Time divided between painting, finishing other small works for the Star and helping R pack presents. In the early hours R brings the laptop down to play something on the BBC iPlayer. He’s obscured the photo on the screen but I’m soon aware by the sound of Kirsty Young’s voice, that it’s Desert Island Discs and am delighted to discover that it’s our lovely friend Nick Park who is exactly as he is in reality - no pretensions or ‘grandeur’ just a genuine joy and huge enthusiasm for what he has created - the indomitable duo Wallace and Gromit. His choice of music is very interesting, very personal and includes Elvis Costello, Bob Dylan, van Morrison and a most beautiful piece by Joe Rose, Plain Song. Joe is the son of his close friends Martin and Kate Rose who he met when they were art students in Sheffield in the 70s. We had the pleasure of meeting them in October and had much in common as they are also artists (and painted the portrait of Martin Kiszko). Monday 20.12.10 E mail from Loyola University Press who are reproducing St Jerome in a book and on a poster and are checking to get the credit right. I am touched when Ms Miracle tells me that they at Loyola Press (in Chicago) love my work. Snow still thick on the ground. Friends who were flying to LA today for a special Christmas with family friends had their flight from Heathrow cancelled as most flights have been. I’m concerned as Nathan and Ruth and hoping to return from Sri Lank where they have been taking a break for the past three weeks. They were due back tomorrow so I’m surprised when I get a call from Nathan at about half past midnight, not from the airport in Sri Lanka where the were stuck overnight for twelve hours but from London as they’ve just got back home - big sigh of relief! Tuesday 21.12.10 Lovely card from Bishop Michael and Alison; produced by the Friends of Deerhurst Church of which Bishop Michael is President. Thought to be the oldest representation of the Holy Mother and Child in Gloucestershire. This Anglo Saxon treasure is a 9th century sculpture over the West door. And another from all the staff at Cheltenham Art Gallery & Museum a reproduction of a mono print made by the Gloucester based sculptor John Hosking (1921-1990) in 1963. Also an exquisite hand painted robin from Isaac and Samuel. Plus a statement from the Bridgeman Art Library listing this quarter’s reproduction - most seem to be in America. Wednesday 22.12.10 More snow, temperatures still low so it’s not thawing. R walks down to the village and carries back a six foot Christmas tree. When he’d gone down yesterday to Arnolds, our local greengrocers (which Joyce Arnold started with a little handcart on the pavement many many years ago and who still braves the cold with the help of her two sons in running this open fronted excellent and friendly shop - we buy our logs from one of her grandsons), the trees had been stuck in their truck which they couldn’t move as the diesel fuel had turned to jelly due to the severely cold temperatures. Working on the swimming pool painting until late. Thursday 23.12.10 R’s put the tree up so we start to decorate then drive into Cheltenham for the first time since the 17th, to deliver the little painting to Gina and John who have bought the tiny lighthouse as a Christmas present to one another. Then R drops me at Cavendish House where I’m meeting Peter Cottingham in the cafe. We are shortly joined by Beverley then later by their handsome son Tom, who is a great Manga enthusiast; I’m delivering two of their paintings. Richard arrives shortly after with the third which he had taken to the Darkroom to be photographed with the swimming pool. Unfortunately he tells me that the post office wouldn’t take the double box parcel that he’d made to fit it for Special next day delivery due to the backlog caused by the bad weather, at which I’m rather disappointed, not by their service, which has been excellent but as I’d hoped that it would be there for Christmas. Then off to do shopping. On our way from Cav to Waitrose receive call from Pete Bungard who is going to come and collect his lithograph after we get back. He times it very well so that he comes in carrying some of the shopping from our car, followed by Carole and his mother, who taught teddy bear making for twenty years. We sit and have mince pies and a cup of tea amidst the chaos of all our packaging paraphernalia and newly wrapped Christmas parcels. Friday 24.12.10 Christmas Eve R’s up early go and collect the turkey from Colin Pilcher (not Pilkington or Pilchard as I used to mistakenly call him) in Winchcombe; he’s been a butcher all his life starting at the age of thirteen (his Dad was a farmer). His shop was at one time located on the basement food floor of Cavendish House which was then a wonderful emporium of the exotic. Still more post arrives including Alexander Thynn’s (Lord Bath) enigmatic scraper board drawing from Longleat, a self portrait with dogs and I think his son Caelwyn. He has had a long tradition of producing these wonderful cards and Christmas would not feel like Christmas without one. I’m buzzing around making preparations for the arrival of Henrietta, Kev, Isaac and Samuel from London early afternoon and likewise Nathan and Ruth early evening. The little boys are so excited they keep asking me if they can open presents now. So we let them unwrap a parcel from Sheila which is very appropriate as it contains painting sets for large wooden fridge magnets (with which I’m able to keep them occupied for some time). And paper chain sets; R tells Isaac you have to hold the two sticky parts together until you’ve counted to Eight which seems to be a successful formula. After they are tucked up in bed with stockings hanging we enjoy R’s fish melange which includes Halibut steaks, monkfish and tuna. There’s still a little wrapping to do after they’ve all gone to bed. Saturday 25.1210 Christmas Day My sister arrives from Bedford. The tree had already looked exceedingly full of presents underneath the bows but now the parcels flow out into the room filling the floor and there’s still my Mum’s contribution which arrive after Gill has collected her. I later discover that one present is an enormous book (for me) on magic published by Taschen, to accompany the brilliant book on the Circus ( of last year, in the same series) again from Nathan and Ruth, again with the most fabulous illustrations. Day full of excitement especially for the little boys - it’s almost overwhelming. After R’s wonderful dinner (I made the brandy butter with a little help from Gill and Nathan) and when the boys are in bed we play whist. of course my 88 year old Mummy makes the first win; she hasn’t lost any of her gambling prowess, she’s still as cute as ever and there’s a lot of witty repartee particularly related to her skills. Sunday 26.12.10 Boxing Day Everyone has gone on a hike up Cleeve Hill in the snow apart from R and I who look after the lunch and the little boys. Make spaceship with Samuel out of cardboard tube with a pipe cleaner astronauts and a red napkin coming out of the back for flames. The cold turkey and ham lunch is accompanied by a nut roast that R has prepared and bubble and squeak. Cards again in the evening and I’m ashamed to say that I win the role over kitty from last night!!! Monday 27.12.10 My sister is taking our Mum back with her up to Blunham in Bedfordshire for a week. Henrietta, Kev, Isaac and Samuel leave about 1.30 to go to Kev’s parents, after they’ve been for a run and we have entertained the boys with a singing session. It’s very interesting that after my rendition of the Runaway Train Isaac then requests Nellie the Elephant. It’s amazing how they remember these from when they were quite tiny. Whilst singing Lavenders blue dilly dilly I also try to take photographs of them. But Isaac’s now clever enough to outwit my compositional plans. Nathan and Ruth also leave for London to go to Ruth’s parents. I’m back in the studio mixing colours for the large Gandhi Commission (for New York) whilst also working on Edwina’s violin (for Caeseria). Tuesday 28.12.10 Contemplating the Gandhi canvas now somewhere between Cadmium, Saffron and Turmeric as dear Vincent said yellow is the colour of happiness! Plus more to Edwina’s comely instrument. Wednesday 29.12.10 Snowbound post from Pershore arrives today including Christmas cards from Robert Fripp & Toyah who’s currently starring (to excellent reviews) in Panto as the Bad Fairy in Sleeping Beauty at Malvern. Another from writer Cressida Connolly and her husband Charles Hudson of the Real Flower Confetti Company, a very beautiful image of sheep being led to shelter, a Medici card but no artist accreditation for the wonderful CLIC Sargant charity; along with one from David and Elinor Reid and from Bristol a Wallace & Gromit card with a large 2nd class postage stamp reproduced on it from Nick Park. And Jane (Phillips Bell) Dover’s, dog choir card for the Guide Dogs. Jane was a student at the National Star College when I first visited it in 1986. R manages to post Special Delivery the Swimming Pool painting in his double layered box which he was prepared to stand on to prove its strength but I resisted letting it undergo this extreme test!! Call from Eric Schascke to say he would like the circular painting I’ve made with him in mind for the National Star. Busy on all fronts in the studio. Thursday 30.12.10 More contemplation; more seascape on the violin but eying up other canvases and frames, hatching ideas and schemes. only glimmers at the moment but hey, it’s not even New Year’s eve yet. Friday 31.12.10 Visit from the lovely man who makes my frames, John, bringing the gift of a bottle. It’s such a joy to see him, he’s one of the most generous people I know - very kind, very witty, very talented. This is followed by a visit from another delightful man, Eric Schashky who commissioned me to paint one of the small circular seascapes. He’s just been up to a remote part of Scotland for Christmas to stay with his professor son and family and this year has managed to climb five Munros. He also tells me a lot about the charity fundraising that the Rotary Club do and the work he does with Maggie’s where he greets people on a Tuesday afternoon etc. We used to have a party each New Year’s Eve but then found that we were catching a virus each Christmas from the little boys and would have to cancel; so this year decided to invited Daphne and Michael to supper as we haven’t seen them for some time and had missed an RSA dinner just before Christmas at which we would have seen them. It’s always interesting talking to Daphne, who studied textile design at the Royal College and was an examiner at many of the art schools and instrumental in the forming of the newer university arts faculties with a particular interest in the research. She has also been a carer for her husband dear Michael for over thirty years since this brilliant man tragically sustained brain damage. Before Trinity, Cambridge he’d been in the RAF where although a mathematician, he learned Russian and German and was stationed in Berlin intercepting foreign radio traffic during the Cold War. We always recall memories of our mutual friend Constance, the renowned painter Carel Weight’s cousin, who introduced us and sadly died a few years ago at the age of 91; we held a birthday party for her here in her late 80s with Daphne and Michael. Text from Henrietta wishing us a happy new year and likewise a call from Nathan at about 12.30. 2010 has been a very good year for which I count my blessings.

December 2010

Wednesday 1.12.10

Back in the studio working on the miniatures and small paintings for the open studio.

Friday 3.12.10

E mail lovely Sallie Thomas after receiving an image of the Swimming Pool still in progress as she had mentioned earlier in the year how much she liked a much larger painting I did on the same subject many years ago. So I have painted this piece with her in mind and sent her an image telling her that 50% would go towards the new creative arts centre at the National Star College and 50% towards the awards and bursary I give. And within an hour or two there is a reply - she wants the painting and likes the idea of supporting the NSC in this way through my StarArt events rather than sending out Christmas cards. I’m so fortunate to have such friends and collectors.

Up quite late finishing the miniatures although take a break in between when we go over to the studio to lay them out as R will hang them in the morning.

Saturday 4.12.10

This year I manage to get over to the studio before people start arriving and R’s already got the mulled wine heating on the stove - mince pies warming in the oven. The first group to arrive are Sue, Andy, her sister Jane and Mum Eileen; apart from the ‘Horse Box’ that she had reserved she also decides to have the ‘Toys’ and Jane ‘Fishing around the Lighthouse’ whilst Sue and Andy have added ‘Better Bets’. Interestingly I’d really painted the latter with Kathryn (Principal) and Mark in mind so it seems like a big coincidence that they arrived just as Sue and family are departing so I introduce them and tell the tale. And when Kathryn and Mark are leaving I say that if they would like me to do so I will paint another similar work with Mark in mind.

Martin Kiszko comes in at the same time as Wallace and his guest 95 year old George who’s bearing a large sketchbook of his own beautiful water-colours under his arm; still bright as a button he paints every morning sometimes giving all his fellow companions on a coach trip a hand painted postcard that he has created especially for them. What a wonderful example he is. I’m really touched as Martin buys one of the tiny circular seascapes for Nick’s birthday as he collects small things in a cabinet and of course is passionate about fishing and sea birds. Also that Martin has driven all the way from Bristol and Wallace from Banbury and I had been worried that people might not be able to make it due to the snow.

Zac Taylor comes through the door bearing a poinsettia with a big red bow on it and his Dad Martin gives me a cheque with a generous donation to the NSC from he and Chris. Zac always adds fun to any occasion. Lovely Rita also hands me a donation when she arrives with, Jenny and two of their friends. Paul (head of the creative and performing arts department) and Neil come and tell me about the exciting projects they are working on with the Star students and I tell them how excited and pleased I was to see Craig and James at a workshop I recently did at Gloucestershire College. Two of my sister Gill’s friends, Alwyn and Elainne are looking at works in the front room when Maureen and Gordon arrive (Maureen and I were art students together) so I am able to introduce Maureen to them as she was at the same school where she was head girl.

It is particularly good to see Heather with Sheila and the Browns; Roger leads the U3A art appreciation group in Cheltenham who have visited the studio en masse.

Sophia Wilson from Cheltenham Art Gallery & Museum comes at almost the same time as Bob Davison (head of Fine Art at the University) so they are able to discuss the forthcoming exhibition at the Summerfield Gallery, celebrating the Racecourse’s Centenary. She’s also able to see the maquette I’ve made for the Horse Parade.

Bob and Sylvia and other dear friends and neighbours also honour us with a visit

After everyone has gone I’m back in the studio painting three more tiny circular seascapes so that there will be something there to sell tomorrow.

Sunday 5.12.10

R hangs the three little circular paintings that I had created last night but they are soon snapped up, one by Catriona and Richard Smith, another byMeurig’s mother, Kev’s parents also collect theirs and buy a GloCorama print for their holiday apartment in Devon. We introduce them to Peter Cottingham ( NSC governor and Chair of he Appeal Board) and Beverley who also have a cottage within four miles them. Peter and Beverley have bought the Mermaid, the Elephant and the Whale. I’m talking to Michael Shinn and Jenny & Douglas Ogle (of the Friends of Cheltenham Art Gallery & Museum) and had just mentioned Andrew North when the studio door opens and in he comes. Sheila is in the car with Georgia and Martha who have fallen asleep; later he goes out to take over from Sheila so she too can have a look. When she goes back he returns carrying 8 month old Martha who is beautiful and lets me hold her; he decides they would like one of the GloCorama prints framed with a different moulding. Another baby comes through the door, this time in a car seat carry cot, much younger, it’s little Rafaela accompanied by her Dad Meurig Bowen and her Mum Rachel. Also Meurig’s parents. Raphie is exquisite, it’s the first time we’ve seen her.

Anne and Jeremy Davis, Ronald Green and Revd Malc, Barbara Jordan and partner are amongst today's visitors.

Considering I thought that a lot of people wouldn’t be able to make it (due to snow and ice), I’ve been really touched by how many called in to join us in a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie adding support & encouragement.

Monday 6.12.10

Richard is in communication with Richard in the Appeals Office at the Star College re the donation to the Big Give which has become considerably more complicated this year. and it takes two or three goes to get it right. Last year they doubled the donation but this year it works out more like 25% as the College have to get someone else to pledge the same amount as the Big Give are going to give and then that total will double the donation.

Tuesday 7.12.10

The landscape is white and covered with frost; very beautiful, very cold, as we drive over to Gloucestershire College for the meeting postponed from last week as Andy Ginn had feared that people would have difficulties in the snow. There aren’t as many of the teachers from the eight different schools assembled in the room as there probably would have been at last week’s - due to prior commitments but the four who are there seemed to be full of enthusiasm for this mural project of painted panels for Gloucester Railway Station. The idea is that each school will choose a different artist who’s style and technique they will echo. The first says they have chosen Leger; I smile in approval of their good choice as I love his work and recall the very big canvases I saw at the Pompidou centre. I am surprised, delighted and honoured when the second school say that I am their choice. They have obviously looked at the work and have already started to plan what they are going to do. The third school (Sir Thomas Rich’s School) has chosen James Rosenquist and the next an Infant school with pupils from the ago of 4 to 7 are going to use Surrealism particularly Magritte and Dali to interpret Gloucester. Andy suggests that I might visit a school or two and I add that they can also bring groups to my studio which they seem keen to do. We finish at about 5,45 and drive back to Bishops Cleeve returning home briefly before driving into Cheltenham for the Cleeve School Christmas concert. The Town Hall’s absolutely packed but we manage to find two seats and discover we are only a couple of rows in front of the Chatham's, whose eldest grandson is playing bass guitar. Later Tara his Mum tells me that she often sees me at Gloucestershire College as she is tutor and councillor to the arts students there. The performance is magical and gloriously joyful with extracts from Handle's Messiah, carols and Lucy in the sky with diamonds. Every age group, voice and instrument has a part as has the community choir. It was particularly moving when their feeder junior schools also take part with the Cleeve samba band who’s loud jubilant, rhythmic percussion is fabulous.

The sheer joy and dedication of both staff and students is infectious. At half time we also bump into Anne and John Reid who both taught at the school and eventually meet up with Allen (the recent head) and Maggi McConaghie, at just the same time as Margaret who had been his PA introduces me to Rob Broadbush the new headmaster. I’ve been really touched as Allen had chosen my painting ‘Tempting the Venerable’ as his birthday present form Maggi the proceeds of which will go towards the new creative arts centre at the National Star College. I’m really delighted as he tells me he is also going in for a meeting at the Museum with Graham etc. to help with the Appeal. I enlisted him as a Patron of the Friends when he generously volunteered if there was anything he could do to help me after I had had the great honour of opening the splendid new building at Cleeve School .

Wednesday 8.12.10.

working on newly commissioned miniatures towards the Star.

Thursday 9.12.10

Over to Gloucester for the 10:10 awards (organised by Gloucestershire Media and Sarah Daley) where Martin is performing some of his Green Poems for a Blue Planet (Illustrated by Nick Park ) as usual he is fabulous - all the Schools want him to do visit. Again the food had been beautifully prepared and served by the students of Gloucestershire College’s Catering Academy. The 10:10 Awards are recognising schools, individuals and organisations who are actively working to make this a greener world; this event will, I’m sure help create a much greater awareness.

Up to London via Chelsea Arts Club to collect some of the Christmas cards they have had printed using my Adoration of the Magi (they have almost sold out so am not able to get many). Then to Cork Street to the Hay Hill Gallery before making our way over to Henrietta and Kev’s for supper and just in time to see the little boys before they go to bed.

Friday 10.12.10

We are out early for Isaac’s Nativity play at 10.30 am. in the fitting venue of the school’s local Church. It is of course mmmmmmagical and Isaac sings and bobs to the music with all his little classmates and says his line beautifully. Spend the rest of the day with dear Samuel 2yrs 11months before walking to collect Isaac ( 4yrs 10 months ) from school. In the evening we are able to watch them decorating the Christmas tree before we head off home to Gloucestershire.

Saturday 11.12.10

Back to work on the Star miniatures

Sunday 12.12.10

Ditto

Monday 13.12.10.

Go into the Summerfield Gallery to see the Lisa Millroy and Jeremy Duncan exhibitions where spend an enjoyable time in this beautiful space. The Millroys are on the ground floor ‘Shade to Black’ we’d heard her talking about it on our brief previous visit ( before the Hon Co talk and supper in Gloucester, after the awards ceremony at the University on the 30th) but hadn’t seen the Duncan's which Edward Gillespie had said he was very impressed by - I could see why. In contrast to the Millroys, these are full of colour, very beautifully executed architectural mainly Paris and New York subject matter again in contrast to the Millroy powerful still lives which included shoes, lace and cameras as the subject matter - more painterly and larger in scale.

Back home as Kate Green is coming from the National Star College’s Appeals Office with Sarah the intern. Discuss the recent Open Studio event and the Big Give and look at the total sum raised with a lot of help and goodwill from my friends, which is now about £95,000 so I am still busy creating tiny works for people who missed out in the hope that I can boost it to the £100,000 in the next month or two.

Maureen and Gordon come to supper such a joy to spend longer with them

Tuesday 14.12.10

In studio still working to finish the miniatures for the Star Art

Wednesday 15.12.10

Karl and Sharron travel all the way down from Yorkshire. It’s wonderful for me to meet them at last (though Richard already has). they have been collecting my work since 2006 and also supported every charity event I have done for the National Star College. Today they have come not only to share a meal with us but to collect the ‘cello and viola they bought at the Cheltenham Music Festival auction in the summer plus Haute Cuisine and the Four Forty from my recent Open Studio for the Star. We visit the studio and then sit talking into the early hours; Karl is nocturnal too. Fascinating conversation, so enjoy getting to know them.

Thursday 16.12.10

Finishing Mark and Julia’s little paintings.

R comes back from the RWA in Bristol bearing a copy of a beautiful book “Pictures in an Academy” and points out that there is a full page reproduction of La Prunelle de mes Yeux which they purchased from an exhibition I had there in the mid 90s.

Friday 17.12.10

Up early to travel over to Gloucester for the Bishop’s Breakfast; weather conditions not as bad as forecast. Meet Mark on the way in which is useful as I am able to give him the package containing the two little paintings that he and Julia have purchased in aid of the National Star College. Meet Brigadier Paddy Allison of ARRC when Ceri introduces me to him; I’m interested to learn that that he paints and that Ken Howard has been one of the Corp’s war artists and I recall a large painting that he exhibited at the RWA of graffiti on a wall in Northern Ireland. Home briefly to write more cards then off to Worcester for lunch at Janet and David’s, dear friends from art student days as are lovely Joyce and Janet’s brother John who studied architecture. We don’t see each other often but when we do it’s wonderful.

Saturday 18.12.10

Glorious snowscape through my circular studio window

Sunday 19.12.10

We were looking forward to going to Beverley and Peter’s Christmas celebration today but as the winter has taken us hostage in its glorious whiteout I phone to apologise and speak to their lovely son Tom, who is at university in Birmingham. he tells me the people I can hear in the background are those who could get there on foot. Speak to Beverley too and also apologise for not being able to deliver the three little paintings they had bought in aid of the National Star College. Time divided between painting, finishing other small works for the Star and helping R pack presents. In the early hours R brings the laptop down to play something on the BBC iPlayer. He’s obscured the photo on the screen but I’m soon aware by the sound of Kirsty Young’s voice, that it’s Desert Island Discs and am delighted to discover that it’s our lovely friend Nick Park who is exactly as he is in reality - no pretensions or ‘grandeur’ just a genuine joy and huge enthusiasm for what he has created - the indomitable duo Wallace and Gromit. His choice of music is very interesting, very personal and includes Elvis Costello, Bob Dylan, van Morrison and a most beautiful piece by Joe Rose, Plain Song. Joe is the son of his close friends Martin and Kate Rose who he met when they were art students in Sheffield in the 70s. We had the pleasure of meeting them in October and had much in common as they are also artists (and painted the portrait of Martin Kiszko).

Monday 20.12.10

E mail from Loyola University Press who are reproducing St Jerome in a book and on a poster and are checking to get the credit right. I am touched when Ms Miracle tells me that they at Loyola Press (in Chicago) love my work.

Snow still thick on the ground. Friends who were flying to LA today for a special Christmas with family friends had their flight from Heathrow cancelled as most flights have been. I’m concerned as Nathan and Ruth and hoping to return from Sri Lank where they have been taking a break for the past three weeks. They were due back tomorrow so I’m surprised when I get a call from Nathan at about half past midnight, not from the airport in Sri Lanka where the were stuck overnight for twelve hours but from London as they’ve just got back home - big sigh of relief!

Tuesday 21.12.10

Lovely card from Bishop Michael and Alison; produced by the Friends of Deerhurst Church of which Bishop Michael is President. Thought to be the oldest representation of the Holy Mother and Child in Gloucestershire. This Anglo Saxon treasure is a 9th century sculpture over the West door. And another from all the staff at Cheltenham Art Gallery & Museum a reproduction of a mono print made by the Gloucester based sculptor John Hosking (1921-1990) in 1963. Also an exquisite hand painted robin from Isaac and Samuel. Plus a statement from the Bridgeman Art Library listing this quarter’s reproduction - most seem to be in America.

Wednesday 22.12.10

More snow, temperatures still low so it’s not thawing. R walks down to the village and carries back a six foot Christmas tree. When he’d gone down yesterday to Arnolds, our local greengrocers (which Joyce Arnold started with a little handcart on the pavement many many years ago and who still braves the cold with the help of her two sons in running this open fronted excellent and friendly shop - we buy our logs from one of her grandsons), the trees had been stuck in their truck which they couldn’t move as the diesel fuel had turned to jelly due to the severely cold temperatures.

Working on the swimming pool painting until late.

Thursday 23.12.10

R’s put the tree up so we start to decorate then drive into Cheltenham for the first time since the 17th, to deliver the little painting to Gina and John who have bought the tiny lighthouse as a Christmas present to one another. Then R drops me at Cavendish House where I’m meeting Peter Cottingham in the cafe. We are shortly joined by Beverley then later by their handsome son Tom, who is a great Manga enthusiast; I’m delivering two of their paintings. Richard arrives shortly after with the third which he had taken to the Darkroom to be photographed with the swimming pool. Unfortunately he tells me that the post office wouldn’t take the double box parcel that he’d made to fit it for Special next day delivery due to the backlog caused by the bad weather, at which I’m rather disappointed, not by their service, which has been excellent but as I’d hoped that it would be there for Christmas. Then off to do shopping. On our way from Cav to Waitrose receive call from Pete Bungard who is going to come and collect his lithograph after we get back. He times it very well so that he comes in carrying some of the shopping from our car, followed by Carole and his mother, who taught teddy bear making for twenty years. We sit and have mince pies and a cup of tea amidst the chaos of all our packaging paraphernalia and newly wrapped Christmas parcels.

Friday 24.12.10 Christmas Eve

R’s up early go and collect the turkey from Colin Pilcher (not Pilkington or Pilchard as I used to mistakenly call him) in Winchcombe; he’s been a butcher all his life starting at the age of thirteen (his Dad was a farmer). His shop was at one time located on the basement food floor of Cavendish House which was then a wonderful emporium of the exotic. Still more post arrives including Alexander Thynn’s (Lord Bath) enigmatic scraper board drawing from Longleat, a self portrait with dogs and I think his son Caelwyn. He has had a long tradition of producing these wonderful cards and Christmas would not feel like Christmas without one. I’m buzzing around making preparations for the arrival of Henrietta, Kev, Isaac and Samuel from London early afternoon and likewise Nathan and Ruth early evening. The little boys are so excited they keep asking me if they can open presents now. So we let them unwrap a parcel from Sheila which is very appropriate as it contains painting sets for large wooden fridge magnets (with which I’m able to keep them occupied for some time). And paper chain sets; R tells Isaac you have to hold the two sticky parts together until you’ve counted to Eight which seems to be a successful formula.

After they are tucked up in bed with stockings hanging we enjoy R’s fish melange which includes Halibut steaks, monkfish and tuna. There’s still a little wrapping to do after they’ve all gone to bed.

Saturday 25.1210 Christmas Day

My sister arrives from Bedford. The tree had already looked exceedingly full of presents underneath the bows but now the parcels flow out into the room filling the floor and there’s still my Mum’s contribution which arrive after Gill has collected her. I later discover that one present is an enormous book (for me) on magic published by Taschen, to accompany the brilliant book on the Circus ( of last year, in the same series) again from Nathan and Ruth, again with the most fabulous illustrations.

Day full of excitement especially for the little boys - it’s almost overwhelming. After R’s wonderful dinner (I made the brandy butter with a little help from Gill and Nathan) and when the boys are in bed we play whist. of course my 88 year old Mummy makes the first win; she hasn’t lost any of her gambling prowess, she’s still as cute as ever and there’s a lot of witty repartee particularly related to her skills.

Sunday 26.12.10 Boxing Day

Everyone has gone on a hike up Cleeve Hill in the snow apart from R and I who look after the lunch and the little boys. Make spaceship with Samuel out of cardboard tube with a pipe cleaner astronauts and a red napkin coming out of the back for flames. The cold turkey and ham lunch is accompanied by a nut roast that R has prepared and bubble and squeak. Cards again in the evening and I’m ashamed to say that I win the role over kitty from last night!!!

Monday 27.12.10

My sister is taking our Mum back with her up to Blunham in Bedfordshire for a week. Henrietta, Kev, Isaac and Samuel leave about 1.30 to go to Kev’s parents, after they’ve been for a run and we have entertained the boys with a singing session. It’s very interesting that after my rendition of the Runaway Train Isaac then requests Nellie the Elephant. It’s amazing how they remember these from when they were quite tiny. Whilst singing Lavenders blue dilly dilly I also try to take photographs of them. But Isaac’s now clever enough to outwit my compositional plans. Nathan and Ruth also leave for London to go to Ruth’s parents.

I’m back in the studio mixing colours for the large Gandhi Commission (for New York) whilst also working on Edwina’s violin (for Caeseria).

Tuesday 28.12.10

Contemplating the Gandhi canvas now somewhere between Cadmium, Saffron and Turmeric as dear Vincent said yellow is the colour of happiness! Plus more to Edwina’s comely instrument.

Wednesday 29.12.10

Snowbound post from Pershore arrives today including Christmas cards from Robert Fripp & Toyah who’s currently starring (to excellent reviews) in Panto as the Bad Fairy in Sleeping Beauty at Malvern. Another from writer Cressida Connolly and her husband Charles Hudson of the Real Flower Confetti Company, a very beautiful image of sheep being led to shelter, a Medici card but no artist accreditation for the wonderful CLIC Sargant charity; along with one from David and Elinor Reid and from Bristol a Wallace & Gromit card with a large 2nd class postage stamp reproduced on it from Nick Park. And Jane (Phillips Bell) Dover’s, dog choir card for the Guide Dogs. Jane was a student at the National Star College when I first visited it in 1986. R manages to post Special Delivery the Swimming Pool painting in his double layered box which he was prepared to stand on to prove its strength but I resisted letting it undergo this extreme test!! Call from Eric Schascke to say he would like the circular painting I’ve made with him in mind for the National Star. Busy on all fronts in the studio.

Thursday 30.12.10

More contemplation; more seascape on the violin but eying up other canvases and frames, hatching ideas and schemes. only glimmers at the moment but hey, it’s not even New Year’s eve yet.

Friday 31.12.10

Visit from the lovely man who makes my frames, John, bringing the gift of a bottle. It’s such a joy to see him, he’s one of the most generous people I know - very kind, very witty, very talented. This is followed by a visit from another delightful man, Eric Schashky who commissioned me to paint one of the small circular seascapes. He’s just been up to a remote part of Scotland for Christmas to stay with his professor son and family and this year has managed to climb five Munros. He also tells me a lot about the charity fundraising that the Rotary Club do and the work he does with Maggie’s where he greets people on a Tuesday afternoon etc.

We used to have a party each New Year’s Eve but then found that we were catching a virus each Christmas from the little boys and would have to cancel; so this year decided to invited Daphne and Michael to supper as we haven’t seen them for some time and had missed an RSA dinner just before Christmas at which we would have seen them. It’s always interesting talking to Daphne, who studied textile design at the Royal College and was an examiner at many of the art schools and instrumental in the forming of the newer university arts faculties with a particular interest in the research. She has also been a carer for her husband dear Michael for over thirty years since this brilliant man tragically sustained brain damage. Before Trinity, Cambridge he’d been in the RAF where although a mathematician, he learned Russian and German and was stationed in Berlin intercepting foreign radio traffic during the Cold War. We always recall memories of our mutual friend Constance, the renowned painter Carel Weight’s cousin, who introduced us and sadly died a few years ago at the age of 91; we held a birthday party for her here in her late 80s with Daphne and Michael.

Text from Henrietta wishing us a happy new year and likewise a call from Nathan at about 12.30.

2010 has been a very good year for which I count my blessings.