GRAFTON CENTRE, Cambridge. UK

A quick coffee break while shopping at the Grafton Centre in Cambridge.

THE CAMBRIDGESHIRE ART FAIR 2007

I spent a wonderful Saturday browsing hundreds of artworks with my dear friend Joan at the Cambridgeshire Art Fair held at Chilford Hall, Linton.

There were two artists that appealed to me greatly and both for the same reasons. Although their styles were quite different, the confident brushstrokes, courageous application, sense of motion and knowledge of subject made me stop in my tracks. These works called to me, appealing to my love of the figure and my passion for 'unfinished' or 'raw' pieces.

I was fortunate to meet Louise Mizen who was tending her own stand, her dancer collection caught my eye from an adjacent stand and I couldn't wait to feast my eyes upon her bold style. Her horses were also very appealing.

Marc De Corte was not at the fair but his art made a huge impression on many others as well as myself.

Joan and I lunched in the old barn restaurant where we were faced with a 'quiche' that tasted, looked and acted exactly the same as an egg custard with peppers in. I do not recommend this, a very unusual quiche in anyone's book! The coffee and the lemon cake were much nicer.

We broke for refreshments again at around 4pm, not realising how quickly the time had passed. This time we sat on the deck at the back of the 'Vineleaf' and this is where I managed to capture a quick sketch, my only sketch of the day, in my small moleskin. Chilford has it's own vineyard and winery, so a purchase was a must before we left, I chose a Sparkling Rose which is now chilling in the fridge.

It was a fantastic day and Joan and I returned home feeling both inspired and knackered!

DODDINGTON HOSPITAL, Cambridgeshire. UK

A visit to Doddington hospital took up the best part of my day today so I made good use of the waiting time using my small moleskin sketchbook and Edding 1800 profipen.

I tried out a new handbag travel kit I've been considering consisting of two brush pens filled with diluted ink; one brown and one black and a pigment liner. Notice: no pencil or rubber, this is my new personal challenge 'Lead-free Figures'.
The diluted ink seems to absorb into the moleskin paper much easier than watercolour and will save me having to cart my watercolour pencils around for a hint of tone/colour required on location.



I enjoy a neutral or monochrome palette in art so I felt this new kit was worth a few test sketches. I am pleased with the results and the limited kit fits neatly into my slim Caran D'Ache pencil tin which, in turn, fits neatly into my tiny handbag...Perfect!

DODDINGTON VILLAGE, Cambridgeshire UK

On Friday morning my moleskin sketchbooks finally arrived and the sun burst through the clouds as if to greet them. After lunch, and the usual Friday house chores, I grabbed my sketch bag and travel chair, threw them into the back of my truck and headed into Doddington village.

The sun was deceiving, I absolutely froze and had to cut my trip short and return to the truck so I could feel my feet again!

Church of St. Mary- 2007 -

Sketchbook moleskin, coloured pencil & staedtler pigment liner.

Doddington clock tower -2007 -

Sketchbook moleskin, coloured pencil & staedtler pigment liner.

I visited the church of St. Mary briefly with my sketchbook last year too.

St Mary graveyard - 2006 - W&N heavyweight sketchbook, Sepia Pitt superfine.

Infield Memorial - 2006 - W&N heavyweight sketchbook, Black Pitt superfine.