We had a fab few days in the Canterbury area recently. We bravely left the car at home and took the train, a complex journey but not difficult. The weather wasnt wonderful but it didnt matter, there was some rain but I managed to do a little work. Had 2 meals in a newly opened restaurant (and, my goodness, aren't you spoiled for choice in Canterbury!) which was excellent and reasonably priced..Wildwood by name. It's in the main drag if you want to find it. We managed to get to Whitstable, Sandwich, Deal, Broadstairs and Walmer..all by bus..and would very much like to visit again when the weather is more enticing. I was annoyed with myself after the event to find that the Salutation (lovely garden) is in the centre of Sandwich so we could have viisited that but I'd thought it wouldnt be within easy reach of the town, and therefore difficult to reach...I should have done my homework.
Since contracting severe bronchitis some years ago I no longer paint outside whatever the weather,saving my trips out for certain days. I dont mind a little rain but cold I avoid like the plague. Our British weather has been so awful this year I've sought the sun elsewhere,wherever possible,but it is getting beyond a joke. Even my studio seems dark and I dont work with artificial light and my studio is too big for daylight bulbs. An artist friend has a much smaller studio than mine and uses 5 daylight bullbs, so her husband told me.
We took a cruise at the beginning of December visiting Rome, Livorno (for Florence, Pisa or Lucca). Monte Carlo, Barcelona, and Palma. We were lucky in Rome, the rain was lashing the coast but we had a sunny day when we got there, we passed on Livorno,etc as the rain was pelting down (though again, inland was fine we were told by those who ventured to Florence),Monte Carlo was fine, Barcelona ok(but we were too busy footslogging to paint) and Palma, or rather Valldemossa, was mixed,with a nasty wind picking up...and so I managed a sketch in Rome, 3 sketches in Monte Carlo, and one in Valldemossa. The cruise was a bargain, however we feel that might be our last, or at least for a few years as there is no substitute for staying in one place and really getting down to work. Also you cant really absorb the flavour in places you visit for a few hours. We know Rome well so that didnt count but I would certanly like to visit Monte Carlo again and also Majorca which is stunningly beautiful. Next year we are planning on Venice, southern Italy, and one other hot destination in tandem with another artist and his wife. If we can squeeze in Paris for a few days we will! |
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May 2015
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