"There be gods ..."

Visited the Ashmolean Museum again; feeling like I have my hand in the sweetie jar. The more I sketched this statue the greater my respect was for the skill of the original artist. I continued my unfinished sketch here using Photoshop working from my photo. I need to go back and draw it again from life. I am sadden by the number of photos that were taken of this god whilst there but no attempt by the visitors to 'see it' personally.

 Yes ...  he is sexy from the rear!

Post Box behind Bartholomew Rooms

I improved this sketch in Photoshop by making more contrast between the darks and lights. I find it difficult to get this contrast when sketching with pencil. It is interesting to see that the tonal difference between the red of the box and the warm honey of the stone behind is very close.

Ashmolean Museum

Lucas Faydherb (1617-1697)

'Omphale'

terracota

Visited the refurbished Ashmolean Museum for the first time today. I was blown away!

I confess that I was worried that they would turn an historic museum into the homogenised exhibition spaces seen in so many refurbished museums these days. The major galleries kept their old character but the lighting and seating have been improved. The newer galleries were clear and easy to see. The new layout of the museum with it's expanded space is reminiscence of the Portrait gallery in London in it's lightness. My only criticism was that I could do with clearer signage within the museum for the galleries and especially for leaving the place ... I got lost. The Shop is still the same; selling overpriced tat which is sad but I suspect needful.

Wintle Farm

I have began to be more adventurous with texture with oil paint.

Winter Sun

We had a day of some warmish sun so I sat and did a sketch outside. Needless to say the sun has, now, taken fright and disappeared. I am beginning to get dragged down by the length of this winter now.

3 Mill Street

I am enjoying allowing the coloured acrylic imprimatura to show through the painting.

Lonely Tree

pencil and watercolour

Flood Gate

Tonal pencil