Sometimes making a painting is challenging and then sometimes

it can go way beyond that. Then even sometimes you push yourself even further,

way beyond what you even

imagined you were capable of. I’m mentally exhausted after this effort.

Here’s the final, about-to-be-varnished layer

on my copy of my favourite painting of all-time. I’ve slaved over the drawing,

tones and transitions and probably over-painted it, but have learned

so much in the process. I do need a break.

There are thoughts hovering on my mental horizon suggesting

doing this again, but a lot more elegantly. We’ll see.

I’m off to France in just over a week and will be taking this with

for an exhibition in the beautiful village of Grignan in Provence during the

annual Festival De la Correspondence. I’ll be exhibiting at my good friend

Mireille Favergeon’s place – she’s an amazing ceramicist of

deservedly international repute –

check out her work site:

http://mireillefavergeon.blogspot.com/

Girl at Dusk (After Charles Weed)

500mm x 400mm

Oil on lead and chalk-primed fine linen

2011