Why I've been so quiet....

I realise that it was ages ago that I posted the last blog entry. I do apologise, but I haven't had any chance to paint for quite a while. Firstly, I was away for nearly all of February - visiting Ecuador (Amazon and also volcanic region) and the Galapagos. A wonderful place with such diversity for a small country. I have taken absolutely loads of photographs, which need sorting out and then hopefully I'll have a good selection to choose from in terms of painting. I did take a small amount of art equipment, but frankly the days were pretty full-on and the timetable just didn't allow for sitting around sketching.

The other reason is that at present I do not have an area to work in and all my equipment is piled up in a guest bedroom - with difficult access to stuff I need.

This is the bedroom that is opposite my studio, on the top floor of the house. As you can see it is presently out of action!

Sadly I didn't take a photograph of my studio before the renovation. I have had a great space to work in (in other words it is my space to do with what I will), but as it is in the eaves of the house it means that I couldn't fit any decent tall furniture in to accommodate all the equipment. This meant that I was using ancient old melamine furniture (that dates back to when I was living with my parents) and miscellaneous boxes - some posher than others! I also had no sink with running water up here, meaning that I had to take things down a few floors to wash items. So I have been using a big party-size bottle filled with water and a bucket for the waste for the best part of twenty years....

After that long, I thought it was time for a change and luckily my husband agreed with me.

My problem now is - how will it all fit back in again? Just before moving everything out, I had a real sort out and threw quite a bit away that actually had no use now. However, there are still things that probably go into that category - not least a pile of books that were really useful when I got them, but I don't need them any more. They are off to the local art club I am a member of, to swell their library, along with a pile of art videos. I still like them, but don't have a video machine any more - and I believe some of the members still do, so I am sure they will be delighted with them. Anyway, before moving things across the landing to their final place, I am vetting everything and (hopefully) being ruthless.

The room isn't finished yet - but it is getting close..... The cupboards, drawers - and most importantly, the sink - are in on the left side.

The bookshelf is in, awaiting my art table under the window...

and on the left of that will be my plan chest.

Unfortunately, due to the high winds and rain we had in February, damp came in on the far wall - as seen by the patch of dark next to the window. The builders have been out on the roof, found the problem and it is now drying out. When that is repaired, the last bit of this wall, to the left of the plan chest, will be an open area with uprights at intervals, to hold paintings, canvases, art folders etc.

What's left to do? Repair the damp section, paint the old fireplace and take up the protective cardboard to reveal a beautiful wooden floor (what a change from the 20-year-old cheap offcut of carpet that was down before).

I do need to get everything back in and sorted promptly. There are two exhibitions this year and I need to do more paintings - want to try out some different techniques as well. Only thing that will be missing - a comfortable place for Amber to have a sleep while I am working (Benson doesn't come upstairs generally). A hard floor isn't quite the same, so will have to find an old duvet for her to snuggle down on!

Can't wait.....