Tuesday 1.7.08

Working in studio on the Paris paintings.

Wednesday 2.7.08

ditto

Thursday 3.7.08

ditto and dentist.

Friday 4.7.08

Letter arrives from Alan of the Loch Gallery in Toronto asking if I'd have work available for the Toronto international Art Fair in October and their Best of Contemporaries exhibitions in Calgary and Toronto next year plus the dates by which they would need images for the catalogues.

Saturday 5.7.08

Call from Michelle Blondel re exhibition. Working on Lullaby painting.

Sunday 6.7.08

Today it's Edward and Alyson's 30th wedding anniversary party which starts with a concert by the Dowland Project, part of Cheltenham Music Festival, (sponsored by them) at the Pump Rooms. An amazing group of four musicians, voice, violin/viola; early guitar and saxophonist. They experiment and play music from the composer Dowland and his contemporaries. the instruments are wonderfully versatile, sounds from many traditions and cultures echo through their beautiful music all dedicated to love in its spiritual or physical forms. Richard turns to me during the second piece which is very lively and says it sounds reminiscent of the circus music we had heard the week before - I'd had just the same thought. We are really delighted to be introduced to this music which we hadn't come across before but did find a good article on them in the Weekend FT. After this wonderful treat for the soul we make our way to the marquee; amongst the other guests are Sid Powell and his wife. Sid was a teacher at Cleeve School but is also a musician and member of The Butchers Band who we regularly see at the Cheltenham Race Festival. He is also a toastmaster; a lovely jolly man. We are on table number 2, (the insect table), where Richard was sat next to Patricia Broadfoot (vice chancellor of the University); I am sitting next to her husband David, a scientist who teaches and practices dentistry. Edward and Alyson's lovely daughter Shioban is also on our table and a very nice old colleague of Alyson's from the Abbey School where they both taught. Nathan had been a pupil there as had George, Edward and Alyson's son.

Monday 7.7.08

Reworking Al-Dirriyah

Tuesday 8.7.08

R drives up to London to deliver a couple of paintings whilst I have a meeting here with John Courts about Gloucestershire First, its aims and what it hopes of its ambassadors ( I have been invited to become one).

R arrives back at about 6pm so contrary to our expectations we do have enough time to go to the pv of exhibition at Prinknash Abbey for the opening of their Cotswold Art & Artists exhibition. I've agreed to loan borrowed works to on an understanding that we might possibly collaborate for a Start event next year. It's a strange building as the ground floor was the monastery pottery and the upstairs was the shop and cafe; but it has now been taken over by the Simon Chorley auction rooms. My borrowed works are hanging downstairs with a separate 'room' to themselves. I'm in good company with the engraver FL Griggs , the painters John Piper, Kit Williams, Wilson Steer, William Rothenstein etc. We then go upstairs to see the four pieces by my wonderful Star artists, David Finch (who we meet there with sweet wife); Jim Beale; James Castle and Richard.

Wednesday 9.7.08

I ring Nathan on our way back from Cheltenham to make sure he's arrived home safely after his weeks holiday in Spain. During the conversation he tells me that one of his colleagues had e mailed him to say had he seen the cover of the NME as there was photograph of the mirrored donkey head he's made for and being worn by Lovefoxx, the lead singer of the Brazilian group CSS, with an even better photograph of her inside where you can see an even fuller costume. We stop at Tescos en route home and Richard comes out proudly brandishing two copes of the NME. Nathan doesn't think he's been given an accreditation but R very quickly spots one running vertically down the side of the first page.

Thursday 10.7.08

Call from John Hudson of The Western Daily Press saying he had seen my paintings in the Cotswold Art & Artists exhibition - had I got anything exciting coming up and could he come and do an interview with me next week, followed by their photographer. I remember that he wrote a very good feature in the Life Time section for the Day at the Races exhibition. Shortly after his call, one from Anna at the Museum as the paper had also contacted them for an image of The Smell of the Horse, the Roar of the Crowd which the Museum had purchased from that show.

Friday 11.7.08

When I rise I can smell the aroma of the food Richard is preparing for lunch. We drive to the Pump Rooms in Cheltenham to meet Margus (The Estonian Ambassador) at 10.45 and there he is, smiling as R drops me off while he parks the car. It's really good to see him; it seems a long time from when he came down for the Starat auction. When we go in we're greeted by the honorary consul, John Beevor, who I haven't seen since he took us out drinking in the early hours to a fashionable bar in Tallinn. An exuberant man who so obviously enjoys his special relationship with Estonia. The Estonian composer Veljo Tormis is in a pre concert conversation with Meurig Bowen, director of the Cheltenham Music Festival, about the music he has written and his experiences through life, working in both Russia and Hungary. He saw Stalin in 1950 and was taught by people like Shostokovich. Aarvo Part was a pupil. His life's work has been to re-establish Estonia's hugely important folk singing tradition, forged by Cyrillus Kreek in the early 20th century. The singing is quite magical, at times it seems impossible that these sounds can be made by the human voice; it is exquisitely beautiful, moving and spiritual. The male bass voices were wonderfully deep. In his closing address John Beevor says that we have not only the Estonian Ambassador with us but also the Latvian Ambassador and reminds us all that it is the 90th anniversary year of Estonian independence. After Margus has greeted all the people he needs to we introduce him to Anne Strathie from the Art Gallery & Museum, we then beat a path to the door. J Beevor seems to be rather surprised and teases me that he had booked a table for us for lunch but I tell him we are 'kidnapping' Margus, who follows us in his diplomatic car driven by an Estonian driver who had at one time driven racing cars. It is such a joy to offer our humble hospitality to Margus, who has always been so kind and generous to us, especially in Tallinn where he organised my joint exhibition with Juri Arrak, to coincide with the Queen's first visit there. After lunch we have a quick trip over to the studio before it is time for him to depart.

Saturday 12.7.08

Working into the new shoe shop as part of the series of paintings entitled 'Objects of Desire' for the Paris show.

In the evening Richard prepares a joint birthday supper for Rosemary and me. He's made lots of little cakes to put on the new two tier cake stand my Mum gave me for my birthday, putting candles into the cakes on the top tier. My Mum, Minnie, Richard and Rose, come and a good time is had by all.

Sunday 13.7.08

When Margus was here on Friday, he asked if he might suggest that we put postcards and other items that reproduce the work, on the website for sale as he felt that he and other people would like to be able to buy them. So having taken his advice, a new page shop has now appeared on the website which offers postcards, greetings cards (with envelopes), books, catalogues, posters, prints and jigsaw puzzles etc. And we've also decided to offer signed giclée prints.

Monday 14.7.08

Working both on new small painting at Richard's request, to hang next to Dance Perpetual in the Paris exhibition; he liked the small paintings that I'd painted within that painting so thought I ought to create a similar little work to accompany it - and also on the Shoe Shop.

Tuesday 15.7.08

A box of newspapers had arrived from Toronto on Friday by fedex and another one with the Winnipeg Free Press came today by regular post (to create a new painting for the Toronto Art Fair). Coincidentally also a letter from the Bank saying they had received transfer from Toronto for the Wheel of Fortune painting sold in their 'Best of the Contemporaries' exhibition.

In the afternoon call from the journalist John Hudson who says he is running 20 minutes late so Chas the photographer gets here first and we are half way through the photo session in the studio when John, a very affable man, arrives with Richard. Chas seems really good and also quick ! He's already been to Ross on Wye twice today and to Slimbridge for the new Wetlands where it seems a lot of children were having great fun jumping into the water fully clothed and emptying their wet wellington boots over each other; sounds just like Isaac's sort of place!

Wednesday 16.7.08

When Kev and Henrietta were here he showed me the new website for his design practice. particularly interesting for us are the photographs of Henrietta that he has used on the first page. It's fascinating to see examples of their work and their clients.

Thursday 17.7.08

R goes to the Building Society to pay in a little cash for making the Starart money up to £42,000 and withdraws a cheque for the same amount. in the evening we drive up to the National Star College receiving a call from michel and Elizabeth jones to say they are about fifteen minutes away. They have already arrived when we go in and are chatting to a student about her photographic work. Michel is a keen photographer so talks enthusiastically and knowlegably to students. It's once again a marvelous exhibition and it is interesting to see the development in the work from last year. We have already been given the names of the three students who will receive the awards and it's particularly interesting that Michael Jones also comes up with the same first prize as do Richard and I. It is always a joy to meet new students and reacquaint with other whom we have met previously. The CAPA evening is always a highlight of our year, we are always bowled over with the beauty and brilliance of students' achievements, very much down to the wonderful partnership they have with the staff who nurture and encourage all through the year. Thee is a particular wonderful performance called 'cyber-surfing' that the students have taken out to primary schools in the region, culminating in three performances at the Everyman Theatre; a very moving dance duet had opened the show - a visual highlight was the funky fashion show. Gail de Jong and her art department staff have encouraged the students to make the most brilliant outfits which they also model. There is always a strong Vivienne Westwood feel but lots of influences like the Banksy type motifs on Spencer's well cool outfit which he models with great attitude. At the end of thee performance I'm called up present the cheque which I do on behalf of all the people who so generously supportd the event; the artists and collectors who donated works including staff from the art department of the Star College and all my friends, collectors and College supporters who came along to purchase; our auctioneeer Richard Chatham who was here tonight celebrating both her birthday and their anniversary and Weekend Magazine that ran the print offer. I forget to mention, when I present it, how much it;s for, so very nicely Helen looks at it and tells everyone it's for £42,000. I say I hope there will be more to come as I see it as an ongoing project. It's lovely to see so many dear friends here amongst the students, staff and guests including Ronald and Lyn (who had purchased four works), Ros and Eric who had bid for and won the box at the Races; Anne and Jeremy Davies who acquired the Ken Howard, Alf Stockham and June Berry from the Starart exhibition and were delighted to be invited to exhibitions b them all as I always try to pass on the names of the collectors to the artists for just this reason. It was great to see two of last years grduating students back here, Frank and luke have both been working with Gloucestershire Dance over the past year and Luke is going on to do a Foundation Course in Swindon. After the barbequed food a staff band who formed only two weeks ago, takes centre stage to play for the studnets who dance with such obvious joy. The vocalist only knew what he was singing this morning. It's 10.30 by the time we leave having congratulated Paul Tarling on his students' performance and Gail on all she has achieved with those in the art department over the fifteen years she has worked there; but it's tinged with saddness as she is leaving this year having given her all it's now time to replenish and concentrate on her own work and family. I don't know how they will replace her.

Friday 18.7.08

After a spell in the studio we break to go into Cheltenham late afternoon for the Thanksgiving Service for Tracey, Anthony Oliver's lovely wife, a dedicated teacher and mum of the two most delightful little boys. The church is full and it is particularly nice to see small children running around. Anthony is the Appeals Officer at the National Star College, who previously worked for New Hall, Cambridge, again as a fundraiser. A gentle, sensitive man who has combined lovingly caring for his wife and children through her illness, with working at the Star College. I am pleased to see that all the Appeals Department are here and their affection and support for Anthony is movingly evident. Refreshments were served afterwards which gave us all time to linger and talk. By the time we leave it's almost 7 and I have become a little chilled so we decide that we'd be rather late for the Calor Gloucestershire Villages Competition and that as the event takes place outside I don't want to become colder still as unfortunately it's a rather grey and chilly evening.

Saturday 19.7.08

Working on all fronts in the studio

Sunday 20.7.08

ditto.

Monday 21.7.08

ditto.

Tuesday 22.7.08

Rise early for the Star College's Award ceremony 2008. When I arrive at Helen, the Principal's, office for coffee she asks me if I'd also present the student awards that were to be given by Leanne Gross, author and entrepreneur who unfortunately was unable to make it today. These are just prior to the PJ Crook photography award. The first people I spot when I enter the office are Henry Elwes, the Lord Lieutenant and his wife Caroline, who is a vice President of the College; she is also presenting awards. It's a beautiful morning as we walk down to the marquee the bright sunlight always enhances these magnificent grounds. The first prize for my photography award is won by Michael Chambers, a wonderfully enthusiastic young man who shows great talent and flair as a photographer; I present the second award to Abigail Price who has likewise demonstrated commitment and great creative ability behind the lens; third prize goes to Jamie Hazel, a sweet girl who so obviously enjoys the subject in which she shows a considerable talent. It's a day of great joy tinged with the sadness of leaving for the students who have completed their third year. Also sad because Gail de Jong, the wonderful head of art, is leaving. She has such enthusiasm and managed to ignite and motivate the talents within her department; she will be a very hard act to follow. The art department has flourished under her guidance but she sustained a spinal injury earlier in the year which made her realise it was probably time she took a break to concentrate on her own work and family. After chatting outside to students like Aaron who is finishing today and staff, we drive back home to do a little work. On our return we receive a beautiful RHS card from Elizabeth and Michael Jones enclosing a most generous personal donation for the College.

Change for dinner back in Cheltenham, where we are guests of Patricia Broadfoot, vice-chancellor of the University and her husband David Rockey who, as we discover later in the evening, apart from teaching and practising dentistry also makes jewellery. When we arrive we are introduced to Andrew Stonyer whose name I recognise as being a fellow academician at the RWA; he tells us he's also professor of sculpture at the University. I'm sat next to Dan Howard who is the current Dean of the Arts and Media campus but is finishing this month to take up a similar position at Birmingham. The Dean of Oxstalls campus in Gloucester and his wife are also guests. Patricia asks if we had seen any of the publicity on yesterdays experiment at the University using the drummer of Blondie wired up to measure heart rate and energy levels which proved to be as elevated as that of an athlete or sportsman (Nathan, having been on tour with groups like Gossip and Pre, says the drummer is always the healthiest members of the band). Lavinia Sidgwick from the Summerfield Trust, Patricia and I have an interesting conversation about being passionate about Gloucestershire (Lavinia's term). Patricia thinks it would be good to bring more opera perhaps in the form of a festival to Cheltenham whilst Lavinia thinks more dance; it's wonderful to be amongst such enthusiasm for the arts within the County.

Wednesday 23.7.08

Back in the studio working on the small urban cityscape painting/construction for the Paris show.

Thursday 24.7.08

It's my Mum's 86th birthday; she's wonderful, still doing aerobics, skittles and bowls. She is at the latter this afternoon when we drive to Bourton House Gardens taking with us the painting that I am donating to the friends of Cheltenham Art Gallery and Museum for the winner of the draw. Bourton House and its gardens look stunning in this glorious sunshine; there's a lovely atmosphere with people sat at tables under sunshades or standing in groups swaying to the music of the jazz band. Lots of familiar faces like Douglas and Jenny Ogle who greet us as we enter and Daphne and Michael. Everybody tells me that their name is on my painting as they have bought raffle tickets including the Mayor of Cheltenham in his splendid gold chain. Alec Hamilton, chairman of the Friends of Cheltenham Art Gallery & Museum is a very exuberant and affable man who makes a short speech announcing that this event is to launch the Friends Appeal towards the new architectural development at the Museum a sentiment that I reinforce with my brief speech before I pull a ticket out of the enormous box of stubs and give it to Alec to read out; I can't believe it when he reads "Mr A Hamilton" - I think he's joking first of all but no, I really have pulled out his ticket. But being chairman of the friends he's very noble and gets me to pull out another. It's a Mrs Minnett in Prestbury who doesn't seem to be there although a very nice lady in a white hat who is friend of hers says she will deliver it. We chat to lots of people and then Alec gets us a cup of tea after I've bought some plants as presents for my Mum's birthday.

As we are leaving I also buy her a pretty scarf from a shop upstairs in the barn. We haven't been home for long when my sister Gill arrives, having driven down from Hertfordshire where she is head of standards and schools' effectiveness and a deputy director for children, schools and family. She's here especially to see our Mum who arrives a little afterwards from bowls. We are very fortunate and grateful that she remains so well and active. Dear Minnie is next, she doesn't get out so often now as she has difficulty with balance and walking. I hear a noise at the door and it's 91 year old Tommy, with his son Bill (both members of the Club). Tommy now has a walking frame, although his legs are not what they used to be he's still as bright and articulate as ever. As a boy he got a cup for being the best scholar in his school and won a scholarship to Perth Academy which he didn't take up, preferring instead to work on a farm. he went on to become a stockman eventually moving from Scotland to England ending up at Snowshill Manor where he continued to breed and show longhorn cattle. In his flat there are many photos of him and the late Queen Mother receiving the cups. Minnie too tells us about her time doing war work, working on the engines for Lancasters, whilst my Mum worked for the British Telephone Company in London. I love listening to their stories. We're also joined by Rose who has spent a lot of time recently helping her Mum, a feisty Glaswegian, who fractured her pelvis.

Friday 25.7.08

Michelle Blondel rings to discuss the images for the card and cover of the catalogue with Richard.

Still working on the urban street scene.

Saturday 26.7.08

In today's post a CD from Karl Monday who has kindly recorded Thursday's Cash in the Celebrity Attic programme for which I painted the tiny Angel in the Garden to go towards funding Macmillan Nurses, the charity selected by Toyah, who was the programme’s celebrity.

Also the most charming letter from Alec Hamilton, chairman of the Friends of Cheltenham Art Gallery & Museum, thanking me for the painting of the Journey of the Lion and the Angel which he would have won after I had drawn his ticket first if he had not been noble enough to return his ticket.

Refining the Shoe Shop and the Club des Arts so that they can be photographed on Monday morning.

Sunday 27.7.08

Jane and David come to supper. We haven't seen them since the day before New Years eve. In the meantime they've been back to Australia and bought what sounds to be a most beautiful open plan house on the Sydney waterfront. They've come from the hospital in Gloucester as poor Jane's Mum isn't too well at the moment.

After they've gone I have another bash until 4 am on the two paintings.

Monday 28.7.08

As I come out of the bathroom Richard, who's been up and to the photographers with the paintings (for the card and catalogue cover ) says there's good news and bad news which do I want to hear first. I say the bad, which is actually the same news as the good in that Rob Whittle has just sold the Journey to the East which we had also been counting on for the Paris show. But hey, it's a new collector. Poor Richard has to spend another hour taking photographs of me at work so that we can select one for the catalogue; there were a couple from the last session that I'd liked but unfortunately parts were out of focus.

I'm up rather late painting another little water-colour to donate to the Royal West of England Academy for their 150th anniversary exhibition for which they asked Academicians to send in works for £150. The idea is to attract people who might not normally collect art, so I'm sure it will be a treasure trove of goodies. Am also sending and donating a drawing of an elephant. Meanwhile Richard is printing out yet another colour variation on the information board for the 'My Gloucestershire' exhibition at the Cathedral which opens at the end of this week. It's a celebration of older peoples' creativity. I've been very picky about the colour so R has to keep trying to make subtle changes which isn't always easy with programmes like Quark or our printer's imprecision.

Tuesday 29.7.08

A very nice letter from Margaret Minnett who won The Journey of the Angel and the Lion, saying how she and her family love the painting and that she would like to bring her grandson to one of my exhibition openings to meet me as he will ultimately be the owner of the painting. It's actually very touching as she turns out to be a relative of Charles Minnett our 95 year old neighbour who was the longest serving chorister at St Michael's and All Angels from the age of 8 to almost 90.

Wednesday 30.7.08

R collects the Information Board from the Darkroom who have printed it and mounted it onto foam board - we pack it up in a chinese box that came from Sotheby's( with one of the paintings in it ) and send it off to Gloucester.

Thursday 31.7.08

I've been working further into the larger of the two Evensong paintings but decide to open it out, turning it into a tree lined avenue leading to a park. Richard says it reminds him of Heaven and contrasts with the urban three dimensional painting where the small carved men appear to be walking out towards us with an industrial cityscape behind them. he says they remind him of Blake's Songs of Innocence and Experience. The latter being a vision of dark satanic mills whilst the former a vision of England's green and pleasant land.