A productive week in the studio getting together reference drawings, sketches, small oil studies and starting to think about which works will become big paintings…
Newcastle (Staffs) Foodbank were also kind enough to give me some of their very valuable time. I met them at Newcastle Congregational Church and was humbled by the warmth and kindness of the volunteers providing emergency food supplies for so many people in crisis. If you can support them or need support please get in touch here.
With any project like this the rewards comes from the unexpected as much as the things you plan. Fridays and Saturdays – market days – have become the highlight of my week. Rushed visits to supermarkets, grabbing the essentials, dodging trolleys, head down and worrying about work have been replaced by an afternoon of living in the moment. You could almost call it mindfulness.
Walking around a local market is a joy. Eye contact and a chat with traders who have fast become friends – all conducted outside at at social distance. A half-hour produces bags full with wonderful spring greens, vine tomatoes, lamb shoulder, fresh cod and Whitby kippers. We even found a hidden patch of wild garlic on the walk home! My daughter can accompany us, weaving happily for the Queens Gardens on her scooter. Moments to be cherished.
~ Ian Mood
