russartworx blog - news and stuff

2012-01-29T18:59:00.004Z

Did a bit of photography at Swiss Valley lake and then the WWT Centre yesterday morning while it was cold and crisp. New filter holder cracked on first use, so hoping to get it replaced from where it came from.

Have a busy few weeks ahead now, but when I have chance I am re-reading a biography on Queen and, believe it or not, a book on the history of Airfix! I used to love making kits when I was younger, saving my pocket money, then eventually hanging the planes from the ceiling on fishing line! Those were the days.

Should be firming up the dates for the local exhibition very soon now, and plan to put together a mix of art and photography.

extra photos

2012-01-17T21:27:00.002Z

Added some extra pics to the website tonight.

all calm

2012-01-14T17:25:00.003Z

Having been out of action with the camera the last couple of weeks, it was good to get out for an hour this morning even though the light was poor.

Just bought a new wide angle lens and looking forward to giving it a proper road-test soon.

Currently reading the authorised Ernie Wise biography (recommended), listening to music from Hendrix to Phillip Glass to Art Garfunkel, and have been watching Frasier Series One again.

Soon to be looking at what to plant in the garden this year, and just bought the seed potatoes this week. My first attempt at some veg last year worked out quite well, so onward and upward this year.

website update

2012-01-01T21:06:00.002Z

Well, New Year resolution no.1 has got under way, and the website has been updated a little with a scrollable gallery for some of my watercolour paintings.

I decided to keep a simple i-frame in order to whizz between thumbnails more conveniently than opening then closing flash-style images. At least I will keep this temporarily and see what the feedback is like.

NY Resolution no.2 (to avoid the excess tin of Cadburys Roses) has been broken already, so will be due for a rewrite by tomorrow.

HNY

Russ

Happy New year!

2011-12-31T08:08:00.003Z

Wishing you all a very happy new year and all the very best for 2012.

Thanks again for all your support and good wishes, and for the continued feedback I have been receiving.

The first news for 2012 will follow soon!!!!!

Russ

what the people have said .......

2011-12-23T11:50:00.008Z

Just a few comments from emails received:

"Hey you have kept this talent under wraps!!. What great pics, its time you gave up the day job and made this your vocation, great site Russ will be in touch soon, Andrew"
- AP - The Lizard, Cornwall (Dec2011)

"Russ, Amazing pictures as always!"
- DW - Midlands (Dec 2011)

"Nice one Russ"
- RS - Leicester, (Dec 2011)

"Just had a quick nosey at your website, you've got some great wildlife shots"
- LW - Cheshire (Nov 2011)

"The wallpaper arrived this week. I could not resist opening it and it is looking good!"
- South Wales (Oct 2011)

"Dear Russ . I am a gallery assistant at Agora Gallery, a contemporary fine art gallery in New York. Can I send you some information about our gallery and about an upcoming exhibition that you might be interested in?"
- AC - New York (Sept 2011)

"These are absolutely fantastic shots the sooner you give up your day job the better! "
- GW - Swansea - (Sept 2011)

"Cheers Russ, some great shots on there! i love shots with water and light, they always make the best photo. I can imagine several of those making really nice wall murals!"
- PS - Leicester (Sept 2011)

"Marvellous photos Russ. Very inspiring, I must get myself sorted with a camera one of these days." - SH - Barry (Aug 2011)

"Thank you for sending the photos through – really impressive!"
- NW - Llanelli (Aug 2011)

"Brilliant update Russ. Pleased to hear things are going well"
- DW - (August 2011)

"I’m not surprised you’re getting good feedback on your photography, You’re very, very good at it and I’m sure you could sell some of your photos to wildlife photo libraries and publications, if you wanted to. I hope the Slimbridge exhibition is rewarding too"
- PA - Carmarthen - (July 2011)

"I looked at your website a while ago but only now have got the chance to email you about it. Only got back from my field trip yesterday. You have done some really amazing work, I loved them all- you have a real talent!!"
- KE - Gower - (April 2011)

"Thanks, Russ. You really do have a talent. Keep up the good work."
- EK - Llanelli

"Thank you so much for permission to use your print on the Pastoral cards we are hoping to distribute to all our membership."
- Rev.DJ - Llanelli (Dec 2010)

"Some beautiful photos so hope it goes well-let us know how things go won't you."
- CH - Kent - (Sept 2010)

"I was not aware that you had such talents after all these years of knowing you. Good luck with the competition".
- LP - Sept 2010

"Blinkin' Good."
- RC - Barry - (Dec 2009)

"Kool Pix Mr Myners. I guess this is what you do in your spare time. Obviously I won't make the exhibition.....unless it tours Scotland.....but I'll be checking out the website."
- SH - Aberdeen - (Oct 2009)

""Good stuff Russ........that lens is better than I thought, or is it the craftsman behind the lens?"
- RC - Wales - May 2009

""Hi Russ. I really do like your watercolour. It's beautiful. You really do have a talent for painting. I'm sure we can arrange an exhibition so please do ask me again"
- EK - Llanelli (Nov 2008)

"We have been meaning to email you just to say how truly happy we are with our pictures and they everything we hoped for and more. The large picture has brought so much warmth into our lounge and I don't think we'll ever get tired of looking at it. We've already been showing it off too everyone and they love it too so don't be suprised if you get more orders. Take care Russ. Thanks once again "
- JLW - Llanelli - (April 2007)

"I happened to stumble across your website. Had been going through it. I must say I really liked your work. The photography section is especially AWESOME. Keep up the good work!!"
- JP - INDIA - (Oct 2006)

There`s always hope for 2012!!

2011-12-16T20:55:00.002Z

Wishing you a very Happy Christmas, and a peaceful 2012.

Thanks

Russ

2011-12-04T09:17:00.004Z

Well I managed to catch the Starlings roosting at Penclacwydd yesterday despite the increasing poor light. Really breathtaking at times.

This photo shows part of the flock when it was beginning to join up from all different directions.

I will plan a late afternoon visit when the sun is setting without the heavy cloud cover. Magnificent sight though.

Early winter spectacle

2011-11-27T18:00:00.004Z

If you haven`t seen it on the local news, or read about it in the paper, it is well worth visiting WWT National Wetland Centre Wales at Penclacwydd now to see the late afternoon Starling flock, which has now built up to an estimated 100,000 birds. The onsite staff can tell you where best to view the roost (on the reed beds past the Heron`s Wing hide).

Barry Stewart took this video on 23rd November.

My original watercolour painting of WWT Penclacwydd is for sale at £175.

For those who have asked, unfortunately I haven`t been able to enter the WWT photography competition this year due to the new rules (no staff or volunteer entries).

2011-11-26T06:43:00.003Z

Last weekend - well last Friday actually - I managed to catch the end of the Leonid meteor shower with my youngest son, although too windy to get the tripod out and try some photography. I am nearly always jinxed by either bad weather or cloud, so good to catch what I did.

Last Saturday I again went out with the camera for a few hours, but for some reason all had gone quite quiet. Managed to get some decent Little Egret shots though although, as usual, I missed seom potentially good opportunities of Sparrowhawk by no more than a second or so each time.

Still head down in work. The stress is lifted a bit by listening to my ClassicFM Carols CD in the car, and reading the Frasier companion book (which I managed to find on ebay for the sum of £2.89!) Have spotted a great book on the history of Airfix that might well be my next buy. I used to love making my planes, and after the painting and transfers these used to hang from the ceiling, and used to look up at them from bed when I was young. Those were the days.

Christmas is coming soon and will probably end up sacrificing daylight hours today for some online shopping and urgent work needed around the house. Loads to do. Garden still untidy, but if the sun pops out I might just do so as well.

Website will be updated shortly, so keep an eye out.

2011-11-15T07:41:00.002Z

Very pleased with the way the long-awaited digital wallpaper has worked out. Will use the company again.

Came across a party of Fieldfares last Saturday, a sign of colder weather to come. In a way it will be good when the cold starts - will be pleased to get rid of the biting mozzies when i`m out in the WWT grounds at the weekends. I seem to react a bit, particularly to the cleg flies, and end up with red lumps on the arms most weeks!

My art side is still quiet purely due to every evening still being committed to other things. I think I will book at day or two off just to relax and paint (wishful thinking)

Greenfield now have new pastoral cards with a copy of my watercolour on the front.

2011-11-06T18:23:00.002Z

Well it`s been a lovely weekend, and I managed to do a bit of photography yesterday morning. Missed out though on a lovely Red Kite flying low over me in the afternoon after I had put my gear away.

At long last I have finished the Des Lynham biog - I just kept falling asleep after a few pages at a time, so it has taken me ages. A sign of getting older!

Should see the digital wallpaper up this week, and if all looks okay I will add that to my portfolio of photography that I can offer.

2011-10-30T09:25:00.005Z

With autumn well embedded now, I decided that it was time that I must get some of those pre-winter jobs done yesterday, the `severe-pruning` types of things, taking bags to the tip, etc etc. The very overcast and wet day was not ideal for photography anyway.

Now working on clearing my study area at home a bit, this being the fall back space to paint until I find somewhere else. I might see my desk again one day. I have been using daylight bulbs of an evening but I must say they aren`t fantastic.

I released a short update by pdf this week and good to hear that these still get read! A few people have asked about the New York offer, but i`m afraid the financial side of it is in a different league to me. One day, who knows. Still it is encouraging when someone makes the effort to say they like what you do.

This week looks busy yet again, but once the study is cleared up I should be able to keep the watercolour board up. Good job I haven`t been commissioned for that at the moment!

Greenfield is running it`s annual `alternative-to-Halloween` party tomorrow, and I wish them well. Kids need to know the hidden dangers with being unaware of the celebration of halloween, and i`m glad the church has been doing something about it for a numnber of years now. Good for them.

Looking at updating some Topaz de-noising software this week to try anad improve on my flight photography. I have had many shots that I haven`t been happy with, and I occasionally use Topaz elsewhere (only when necessary). Must catch those Peregrines this year!

Have a good week

afterhourscreative

2011-10-22T07:53:00.003+01:00

Pay a visit to Peter Saunder`s graphic design website www.afterhourscreative.co.uk

Peter has recently produced my new business cards based upon the designs I sent him, and turned them into high-quality gloss products.

His excellent reputation, particularly in the Leicestershire area, ensures that his business remains very busy and satisfies the most discerning clients (and fussy ones like me!)

I have been doing some digital wallpaper work, and planning various projects for the winter. With a busy week behind me i`m off out to check out the `autumn arrivals`. The light is poor this morning but i`ll see what happens....

all quiet

2011-10-15T07:27:00.002+01:00

My life sems to be all work and running around still at the moment, so fairly quiet on the art and photography front.

A bit a spare time last Saturday morning was dashed by very poor light and activity. With the geese now turning up things should pick up.

Cold weather is forecast soon so might see if there is a chance of some photography before work if there are some nice ground mists around.

Currently assessing some new printers and frame manufacturers, and plan to give them a whirl.

2011-09-30T20:35:00.003+01:00

Managed to enjoy some of the unseasonally warm weather the other evening, and took some pics of the sun setting over Carmarthen Bay. Hope to get out for sunrise tomorrow.

Very sorry to say goodbye to four people from work, Jenny, Ieuan, Dawn and Elisabeth. I am sure they will do well in their new venture, and I wish them all the very best.

Received an email from New York tonight about a possible exhibition opportunity. Also received some favourable comments re. some recent photography, so thanks to all those who have been in touch.

Hoping I might find time to rescue my Sedge Warbler watercolour from the doom of a pigmented brush. Also will try and blitz some of the garden as, believe it or not, snow seems to be forecast in a few weeks time, despite Yorkshire hitting 29.4c yesterday.

Currently listening to: Gerry Rafferty, Focus, Lennon, Supertramp and others, and reading the Des Lynham autobiography (still).

have a good weekend

waterfalls

2011-09-18T07:50:00.005+01:00

Currently working on a waterfall project amongst other things. The increasingly autumnal rain has started filling the streams and rivers, and managed to get some shots in at Aberdulais yesterday.

Thanks to Gail for the comments re. my art work this week. Very much appreciated. It`s been a grim old week work-wise, so a good `shot in the arm`to have some positive feedback on my work.

Here comes Autumn....

2011-09-11T19:11:00.004+01:00

Autumn is coming fast. There are already some nice colours out and around, and hope to be able to grab some free time to record some of this this year.
The gales at the beginning of the week flattened my poor tomatoes, and the chance of them ripening now and next to nil. The continuing sad saga from the bottom of my garden.

Everything art-wise had to go on hold this week as I needed time to go the westcountry urgently. With some priority work also piling up in the office, it could be a week or two before I will find the free time to get back to things.

I am very keen on trying out the facilities of a local photographic studio soon, but really, really desperate to find this long-awaited place to use as an art studio. This has been going on so long that any offer of a free bit of space in the Llanelli area might be useful. Thanks!

2011-09-02T05:57:00.003+01:00

Took some time out with the family at Tenby on Bank Holiday Monday, a good way to recharge before facing another busy week.
I`m beginning to really love that place, and enjoyed looking through the art and photographic galleries in the side streets and soaking up the atmosphere of this lovely seaside town.

next on the board ....

2011-08-27T16:26:00.004+01:00

I am going to have a go at a picture of a Sedge Warbler, taken from one of my own photos. Fab little birds, with a chaotic little song, but a real sound of summer where there is a lot of bramble and sedge around.

At this stage shown I have literally `mapped out` the main areas of the subject, and will next mask out the all important highlight to the eye and possibly one or two other areas. These will remain masked until near the end of the painting.

I managed to do a brief card-drop around some businesses in Swansea this morning, and called in to a photographic studio in Llanelli that I may use sometime time the future. Thank you to all those who willingly accepted a few cards while I was doing my rounds.

Yesterday, along with hundreds of other people, I got caught in the storm that went through the Neath & Port Talbot area that resulted in flash flooding. I only went out for a yorkie bar, and ended up having to go through pavements more than ankle-deep! Still trying to dry out the shoes and suit trousers now! That will teach me for having a chocolate moment.

Might try and get a bank holiday BBQ in this weekend - that is almost bound to be an omen for rain.

Have a good bank holiday.

all fixed

2011-08-21T08:24:00.004+01:00

The Javascript issue has been fixed, so some more photos have been uploaded.

I have deliberately mixed the photos together rather than catgorise at this stage, as it reflects really the way I work. Eclectic, as Frasier would say!

It was really sad to hear the news of the Red Arrows pilot being killed yesterday. Red 4 was on the right of the famous `diamond nine` formation, and having taken well over a hundred photos at the National Air Day, I have uploaded a few to remember such an excellent display.

THANKS - to Robert Lloyd for his blog entry regarding my recent exhibition at Slimbridge and other bits and pieces:

http://sirgarblog.blogspot.com/2011/08/artist-russ-makes-his-mark-at.html

week off

2011-08-20T21:21:00.004+01:00

It`s been good to be off work this week and take advantage of some occasional sunshine.

Went to Llangennith yesterday for a walk up Rhosilli Down and to Burry Holmes island, before eating some more junk food at the cafe (it was nice junk food though!)
Must get back to the healthy eating next week.

Thanks to those businesses in Llanelli who accepted some of my new cards today.

I have been trying to update my current gallery on the website but some pesky javascript issue is playing up in Dreamweaver, so will have a go at it another evening.

Hoping to get the next painting mapped out over the next few days. More to follow soon.

Greenfield watercolour `welcome cards`

2011-08-14T17:51:00.005+01:00

Greenfield Church (Llanelli) now has their new welcome cards with the image of the watercolour I painted in 2008 on the front, and a transluscent image with text on the back.

The `welcome cards` are for anybody to pick up when visiting the church, and for distribution amongst the community.

(image (c) russ myners 2008)

Soon to come out:
Online survey to help me judge how my work and website is seen in the eyes of others

pleased bunny!

2011-08-13T18:47:00.006+01:00

Well i`m very pleased with the new business cards I have had printed up which arrived this week. I decided to opt for two designs - one for photography and one for my art - and with a bit of final tweaking from Peter at `afterhourscreative` (Fleckney) the final products from the printers are fab.

This is also the first time I have experimented with adding the QRcode to my website on the reverse, and it all works really smoothly.

Peter is an excellent graphic designer with an increasing client base. His website http://afterhourscreative.co.uk is currently under redesign, but he can be emailed from his current holding page. I have seen some of his other work, and I had no hesitation sending my mock-up designs off to him to deal with, and I am fussy about things like that!

Missed out on trying to photograph the Perseid meteor shower last night due to heavy cloud and even heavier rain. Same every year! The weather has been a bit of a pain of late, but with some time off coming up I might find a chance to get out and about when it is half-decent.

The veg update!:
Gales and heavy overnight rain this week meant that my ever-struggling tomato plants had a battering. The `greenhouse` tent blew clean away, and some severe snapping took place! They don`t look too healthy. Bless.

Now reading:
Finished the Simon King bio and now started Vulcan Test pilot, a gem I picked up from The Works this week at a bargain price. Those of us of a certain age can remember Vulcan`s appearing at an airshow and stealing the scene. Loved the noise as well. Could be a long and technical read.

Now listening to:
Lionel Ritchie, Holst, Focus

Still wanted:
ANY INFORMATION ON A FREE `STUDIO SPACE`. Seems impossible, and I have tried to find an alternative to my community hall arrangement for many months now. Please email me with any information.
Thanks

storm on the horizon?

2011-08-06T19:14:00.005+01:00

With the weather not making up it`s mind whether it`s summer or an early autumn, i`ve been planning ahead for some projects for the latter part of 2011. Not too sure though what I will be painting yet - it`s been so busy I haven`t even been able to stretch my paper - but it might well be something taken from some of my photography in West Wales.

Like many other people, my day job is looking increasingly fragile. I plan to try and increase my art & photography profile.

My new business cards should be finalised and ready for distribution in the locality over the next couple of weeks.

Currently reading: Simon King`s biography (still!); the essential Spike Milligan.
Currently listening to: Thin Lizzy collection; J.S.Bach and some best of David Bowie.
Currently painting: zilch!

`Veggie tales`:
Anybody that knows me would be aware that I am trying my hand at growing some veg and stuff for the very first time. This is very much an experimental year with the grow bags, but the spuds and Little Gem lettuce have done well, carrotts and strawberries still growing, and tomatoes considering whether to grow or not. At least the plants are alive, which is a miracle for my deft touch.

Photography:
Happy to consider any assignment or freelance work (within reason). Please email me with any request.

Thanks

To look out for:
The release of the remastered Sladest album with bonus tracks, and the exploits of the Juno mission on the NASA website.
Also ....... major changes to my website (whenever that will be!), and the next exhibition when a date and venue are arranged.

exhibition feedback

2011-07-30T16:41:00.009+01:00

Hot foot back from Slimbridge, and i`m glad to say that the exhibition there has been a success in terms of the comments I have received.

As a bonus my original AVOCET watercolour was sold at the exhibition, so it was off to the cafe for a celebratory bacon bap!!

Ironically the Avocet is being used as one of the two designs I am having put together for my new business cards.

Thanks to the staff there for their help and, again, positive comments about the work I decided to show. Thanks

(pic: a visitor admiring my Stag print while I was there.)

2011-07-24T18:47:00.002+01:00

What a week. It came and went, that`s all I can say.

I made the mistake yesterday of buying a new barbeque that, after four hours, proved the microscopic instructions were incorrect. Incorrect hinges meant that the heavy lid would not be able to support itself at 90 degrees, so with the fact the edges were as sharp as a knife I was surprised I still had all my fingers when I gave up after midnight! Lesson - watch what you buy, who from, and don`t expect the instructions to bear any resemblance as to how you put the thing together. Count all your fingers before and after, and don`t expect it to be a half hour project.

O2 also seem to be surpassing themselves with`No service` more often than not on my phone. I`ll have to select where I breakdown or get mugged in the future

Other grumphs: (quite a few, and it would be better if I didn`t go into them.)

The good bit: Felindre walk, a couple of Nuthatches, and a Wood Warbler, the first time i`ve been able to photograph one.

good ol` Bro

2011-07-20T21:07:00.002+01:00

Received an email from my radio producer brother this afternoon to say that he had been working with Brian May of Queen today.
Neil is currently co-producing a series of programmes celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Old Grey Whistle Test with (whispering) Bob Harris, and sent a pic of Mr.May and himself just to make me jealous!

And what was I doing today? ...... same old, same old.....

work on display

2011-07-16T09:15:00.006+01:00

Just a reminder that I currently have some watercolour work on display in the Wildlife Gallery at Slimbridge WWT.

I have exhibited some originals and prints, some of which are for sale. All enquiries should be made through the WWT shop

I have been reviewing some of my photography of the Red Arrows last week and plan to have certain images available for sale soon.

Good news and congratulations to the senior choir at Stradey school (Ysgol y Strade) on coming 2nd out of 17 countries competing at the Llangollen last week. There was only 1 point in it, so well done everyone.
The video clip of their two songs can be seen and downloaded here: http://llangollen.tv/en/clip/cor-ysgol-y-strade/

Pic: above Print of my `Stag in mist` watercolour currently with other work in Slimbridge (original sold)

back from hols

2011-07-09T23:37:00.003+01:00

Had a good few days in Tenby during the last week, although dodging heavy rain at times. Went from torrential downpours to hot calm moments around the harbour in North beach,

Looked in on some wonderful galleries in the side streets, some fantastic landscape photography.

Decided this morning to go to the national air day in Swansea, and managed to get some decent photography in, although I got burnt to a frazzle unknowingly (it was cool by the coast, and i`m suffering for it now).

Back to work on Monday. Say no more.

Slimbridge

2011-06-18T06:13:00.003+01:00

18th June 2011:

Off down to Slimbridge today to take nine of my watercolours in readiness for the WWT staff & volunteers art exhibition being held in their gallery in July. Although there was the option of some photography, space may be limited so on this occasion I decided to keep all the same media.

This week work has been very busy so haven`t had much time at all to plan the next project nor work on changing the website, but hopefully more soon.

2011-06-14T20:25:00.003+01:00

Finished putting together my list for the Slimbridge exhibition - nine in all, if space permits in their gallery.

I took a few shots of this Lapwing on a tranquil day in an area now inhabitated by some noisy, breeding Black headed gulls. Once I have altered my main website I will have a lot more of my recent photos online.

I`m now pretty desperate to find a new venue to paint and draw in or around Llanelli area, as without that I don`t have the space to spread out a bit! Please get in touch if there are any offers or free, suitable space.

Thank you

watercolour finished

2011-06-04T20:09:00.008+01:00

And finally! ..... the old Post office at Tintagel has been finished and framed.

Some artistic licence was required to make sure it wasn`t as dark and gloomy as the original building (although I love it that way). The undulating roof and weathered stone and slate of the original building make it a mini tourist attraction, with the added bonus of just being across the road from where you can get a huge clotted cream tea!

Back down to earth, it was quiet yet again on the photography front today, a number of birds hidden behind foliage, and everything else blowing around in the wind.

Some good hoverflies, damsels, hawkers, etc around, though difficult to photograph with everything swaying in the constant wind.

waterfalls

2011-05-29T09:31:00.004+01:00

Good to be out and about at the falls in the Vale of Neath yesterday afternoon after such a miserable morning.

Good selection of wildlife to brighten the afternoon, including a bat that had obviously been disturbed.

I managed to take a series of photos going up the river, some of which will soon be available for sale.

possible work for show at exhibition

2011-05-25T13:11:00.006+01:00

Here is a thumbnail list of the proposed artwork to be taken to the `staff & volunteers` exhibition at Slimbridge in July. I might well change the watercolours taken, but this is likely to be close to the work (flash plugin required)
Slimbridge Exhibition Price List (provisional)

The WWT page for the Wildlife Gallery exhibition for staff/volunteers can be read here (scroll half way down)

Thanks

stage 7

2011-05-18T21:29:00.007+01:00

A little bit more done tonight before the light started going. Always best to stop when you realise the light is on it`s way before too many mistakes are made.

I have been using daylight bulbs now and again, but I find in the evening the cross-over of light can play tricks on the eyes - well mine anyway.

I`m not going to over-complicate the final painting, but I still have a few evenings left in it.
Back down at the feeder life has resumed to normal after the Sparrowhawk attack. There is an air of a false sense of security, and one of these poor things probably won`t make it until next week!

The nestbox was overlooked again this year, so no little feathered people. Shame.

jinxed week

2011-05-14T19:25:00.006+01:00

what can I say about this week ..... too busy for any painting, iphone dropped down the loo, iphone not very happy and stuck in recovery mode, laptop nearly deceased, new laptop wiping out my next lens fund, list of things to do increasing .... and it`s another `relaxing` Saturday evening.

On the plus side I want to say thanks to Peter for the new software (whenever I get around to trying it). The week has had it`s one brighter moment! Visit his site at http://www.afterhourscreative.co.uk/

In between burning my eyes on the screens this afternoon I managed to finally put my long-awaited tomato plant (singular!) in and earth-up the spuds for a second time. Heard a Nuthatch from not far away while I was out there.

I`m hoping that this week coming will give me a bit of space on Wednesday eve to continue the watercolour, depending on how much work I have on again. Plan to contact a few agencies when I can.

Stage 6

2011-05-11T21:06:00.000+01:00

Got back to the watercolour for an hour or two tonight, and beginning to look like the Old Post office a bit more now.

Still a lot more to do.

Wanted - desperately:
a place around the Llanelli area to use as a `studio` / place of peace and quiet one evening per week.

Please email any details.
Thanks

7th May

2011-05-07T12:20:00.007+01:00

Well I went on the 6am Dawn Chorus walk this morning, which we managed to complete before the rain set in. Although no photos were taken, we had a reasonable mix of birdlife, including Reed and Sedge Warbler, Whitethroat, Whimbrel, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, etc. Prior to that a foraging Badger outside the main windows was a nice surprise at 5.30am!!

The other surprise of the week was when a Sparrowhawk took out and ate a bird at the bottom of our garden the other night. Unfortunately the light was poor and I had to shoot inside double-glazing (inc.dirty windows) but a few images were okay. At last my jinx is over and can add Sparrowhawk to my library.

Our cat managed to eventually spook the bird before coming to sniff out what was left of the ready meal.

Work has been flat out and the evenings taken up, so much so that no progress has been made at all on my watercolour painting. Whatever happened to free evenings? I planned to get on with some painting this afternoon but ended up dozing off in the chair! A sign of my age creeping up on me after such a busy week!

dawn chorus

2011-04-29T20:44:00.003+01:00

Next Saturday, at 6am, there is a dawn chorus walk at WWT Penclacwydd. I`ll be there as a volunteer rather than taking pics.

Booking is essential. Contact the Centre for details.

29th April 2011

2011-04-29T06:58:00.002+01:00

Royal Wedding fever hits the max today.

I hope they have a long and happy marriage as I have had so far. At least I don`t have my every move scrutinised as they will.

Bob Geldof once said that Charles and Diana had "no easy gig", and I think it will be even harder for them. I wouldn`t want to swap places with them despite all their priviledge, and I genuinely wish them well.

Gallery exhibition

2011-04-26T20:15:00.003+01:00

Just thinking about what items to `exhibit` at the WWT staff and volunteer exhibition at the wildlife art gallery at Slimbridge.

The dates run from 10th July to 1st August, and a basic advance notice can be seen by scrolling down on this page .

The exhibition is limited to art work, so at this stage I do not think I will be able to show any photography at the time.

More details to follow later.

Tranquility

2011-04-25T19:20:00.004+01:00

It`s been a good week off, although my recent dieting has taken a blow with two barbeques and three ice creams this week! Back to the five fruits per day from tomorrow.

With the weather being so nice I didn`t spend much time indoors at all, so decided that the painting would take a bit of a back seat to gardening, family (half-term) time and, of course, some photography.
Although I only had my old compact digital camera with me at the time, and enduring image of the week will be the above shot of a couple of people walking their horses on the exposed sand at Three Cliffs Bay. Such a tranquil moment. I wish I had my Canon at the time.

Back to the suit and tie tomorrow.

2011-04-24T07:48:00.004+01:00

Well my week off is nearly over, but I have been lucky enough to have some of the best April weather we have had for years.

A bit of photography yesterday rounded things off, despite having some of those frustrating moments when the camera powers-off just at the wrong time and the autofocus has a bad hair day.

It`s Easter Sunday today, and having watched the news earlier looking at all the problems elsewhere in the world I feel so fortunate to be living in Wales, and fortunate to be living close to areas of real beauty.

Back to work this week......

Happy Easter

2011-04-21T20:01:00.009+01:00

I`ve continued to have a play around at my first attempts at infrared photography, taking advantage of the lovely weather while I have been off this week.

As a complete novice my subjects so far have been anything at the bottom of the garden, but looking forward to finding some interesting places to try things out.

I managed to do a little more to my watercolour (stage 5), but still a long way to go.

Photography was all a bit quiet this morning for some reason, but this livened up when a Buzzard upset everything else that had settled down in the sun. I did manage to photograph a Whitethroat, but at lot of the bugs, beasties and just about everything else seemed to avoid me.

It looks like it is going to be a good Easter weekend weatherwise, which will be a bonus for our `outdoor` service on the lawn at Greenfield tomorrow, Good Friday.

Have a happy and peaceful Easter.

Spring has sprung

2011-04-17T09:44:00.004+01:00

Lovely that Spring is now full-on. I`m hoping the weather will hold up this week for my `week off` for half-term.

Had a good hour or two yesterday with ChiffChaffs and Blackcaps singing everywhere, along with loads of Great Tits (in photo).

Will continue a bit of painting this week and see how far the Tintagel watercolour gets to by the end of the week. Loads planned, and it`s Holy Week leading up to Easter so looking forward to the Easter services as well. Will try not to be tempted by the Eggs as i`ve managed to lose 1st 6lb since January!

Stage 4 ........ and counting

2011-04-13T21:20:00.003+01:00

... only another 43,217, 672 stages to go .... or at least it feels as though it may take that many evenings.

I`m still hooked on listening to Lux Aurumque and Sleep from the Light and Gold album. Fantastic on the headphones while you are painting.

Just finished the `Thirty Minutes in Heaven` book, and will probably get back to my Himalaya (Michael Palin).

Veg is beginning to grow in the garden - a miracle for me. Whether it will survive is another thing, knowing my growing skills.

stage 3

2011-04-10T09:25:00.003+01:00

Back on the watercolour last night, and a bit more of the wonky roof done. (The roof will be `weathered` later`).

I had another day in the garden yesterday trying to keep on top of things rather than being out and about with the camera. The few photo opportunities weren`t effective (Sparrowhawk whizzing through before I got my camera, etc), but these things happen.

Will try and set aside a bit of time for some art this week although I can see most evenings are taken up already. I`m off an annual leave next week so should have an evening or two free.

2011-04-07T20:09:00.004+01:00

I was saddened to hear of the passing of a friend of mine (and many), Burt Hopkins, who first encouraged me to spend time watching and listening to birds when I was young.

Letting me borrow his binoculars ( which I thought were fantastic) on a trip up the River Tamar to Calstock, Burt would point out and explain different things, and seem to have endless patience with my questions. I saw my first Avocets with Burt - I must have been about 10 or 11 at the time

This positive impression grounded a deeper interest in nature which, many years on, has seen me now get involved in volunteering outdoors, photographing nature, and having an interest in other stuff such as fungi, pellets, tracks, etc. A seed was sown early on, and I am very grateful for the time and knowledge he shared.

A fine Christian man with a great sense of humour, he made an impression on me as a young lad, and I know many others have been affected by his passing.

stage 2

2011-04-02T20:23:00.005+01:00

Well I had an unusual day more or less inside today to get started on the watercolour (stage 2).

The wonky roof and mixed slates of uneven sizes are bound to encourage somebody to think I have got all the proportions wrong!

This one will takes ages to do, but I want it to have a bit of character, just like the old Post office itself.

Outside in the garden there was little activity, but managed to sneak into the private world of this Bee inside one of the flowers that was almost completely closed up.

water(colour) music

2011-03-30T20:23:00.005+01:00

(Stage 1) Just mapped out the old Tintagel Post Office from a photo I took a few years back while on holiday in Cornwall. There will be a little bit of artistic licence to it by the end i`m sure. Just need a bit of time to get going on it now.

While I was in the car on Saturday I heard, for the second time, some choral music of Eric Whitacre from the album `Light and Gold`. Very Tavener. I decided I had to track down and get the album off Amazon, along with some Supertramp and ZZ Top. Quite a mix, but that`s me.

mumblings at the end of March

2011-03-27T07:39:00.011+01:00

After another working week it was good to get out and about yesterday with the camera.

I am definately, definately no `twitcher`, but the chance of seeing a rare North American bird at Sandy Water Park couldn`t be missed, so an early visit brought reward.

A Blue Winged Teal had been seen during the week and , as luck would have it for once, I managed to get a few shots of this chap.

Moving on to Penclacwydd there was plenty of activity. Although I missed a sitting chance of good shots of a young Sparrowhawk, (it saw me before I was ready again!) the light was good enough for some decent photography most of the morning.

We had our first BBQ last night, watching the burgers being initiated into an annual fireball, but with the fine weather it`s just so nice to spend a bit of extra time outdoors. The first of the bats started doing it`s aerobatics ( no pun intended), a sign that summer isn`t too far away. Watching that whizzing around and listening to the evening birdsong was so much more worthwhile than watching Saturday evening telly.

I am just about to start another watercolour, this time of an old building I have been thinking of doing for some time - the old Post Office at Tintagel. It`s a very photogenic little building, weathered by storms over the years, and a roof that seems to have done it`s own thing over time. I`ll see how it goes.

Thanks to those who have been very complimentary about my art and photographic work recently. It is appreciated as usual. Thanks

A site worth checking out: http://www.realeasteregg.co.uk/. FairTrade Easter Eggs available with packaging explaining the real Easter story. Good one.

Currently reading `90 minutes in Heaven`; listening to Bowie, Fleetwood Mac and Classic FM in the car; working on my revised webstore (still); considering what direction to take over the next few months.

And so it`s time to prepare for another working week tomorrow. Head down for an hour or two now ....

pottering in the garden

2011-03-19T18:24:00.005Z

Spent the day today doing various `Spring-like` things like cleaning the patio, strimming the edges in the garden, weeding, scrubbing the furniture etc etc. With such a lovely day it was tempting to go off with the gear, but decided to have it ready in case something turned up. It didn`t!

So I decided to keep the evening free to catch the `large` Moon forecast for tonight. After a beautiful day it became overcast bang on time. No photography today.

Work and other commitments have regrettably continued to eat into my time, and I have reached the point of now looking at making some decisions for the future.

Having visited my favourite art store (The Range) I bought some new replacement brushes and a couple more paints that I had been meaning to get for a while. With a recent Electricity and Phone bill to pay, my spending will have to be a bit more miserly for a while.

Must go back to Tenby again soon (see pic). Now is the best time - out of season but the weather fine. I could do with a week there, wandering the harbourside and streets, the galleries and the coffee shops. I might just do that if things get madder.

Currently reading Himalaya (Michael Palin diary). Got my eye on the box set of diaries in The Works. Might just take that with me for the Tenby escape!

2011-03-06T18:45:00.002Z

It`s now been quite some time since my last painting and over a month since an evening of life drawing and all I seem to have been doing has been more or less work-related in my `free time`. The more you do the more it becomes the norm, so i`ll have to do something about that.

I have not been able to find a venue / studio-type place to continue my art (it`s all too cramped in my study at home). The word-of-mouth search continues in the meantime.
I`m hoping that I might actually have a free evening some time this week to at least finally map out the next watercolour - I have been saying this for weeks but so many things have cropped up or come my way.

Just finishing off reading the Gerry Anderson biography before deciding on the next one for my `bedtime reading`. Currently listening to a mix of music in the car, inc. Bowie, Classical Chillout, Jan Hammer, Worship album 3 and Fleetwood Mac! Eclectic or what.

Works looms on the horizon and another potentially very busy one this week. This Tufted Duck isn`t bothered, he has other things on his mind this time of year.

made it to the big 50!

2011-02-25T16:28:00.002Z

Well I had a great day with the family yesterday, heading off to Tenby for an easy stroll and a nice meal.
Can`t quite believe that I`ve hit 50, as if the age has any significance at all, but seeing the boys growing up did make me realise how time has gome quickly.

I like Tenby this time of year, being able to wander through the streets and walk on the beach without the crowds. We really are lucky living in this part of the world.

Thanks also to those friends who also gave me cards - it meant a lot after another tough week in work. Thanks!

this weekend

2011-02-13T18:08:00.004Z

Well another long week just gone and another around the corner. Spent an hour around Roath Park lake yesterday and took shots mostly of Black-headed Gulls. It`s funny but I felt I couldn`t take the longer lens as there are so many people around - you get conditioned to feeling paranoid due to the fact that there are families around and you don`t want to be mis-judged. The light was playing a few tricks, but on the whole some of the shots I was pleased with.

I went to Haverfordwest to the MCS workshop today (skipping Greenfield!!) and realised that I know so little compared to the coastal experts. I went out of interest rather than any expertise, and I did find it worthwhile. It reinforced just how many interesting things there are out there in the enviroment (where I would rather be) away from the necessity of the day job.

With every evening taken up over the last week I seem to be getting further behind with my determination to start the next painting. It`s a good job i`m not commissioned at the moment as I would have to consider painting into the early hours. With going out at 4.30am for a run each day I can`t pack much more in at present!

update

2011-02-05T07:35:00.007Z

Well January has flown by. Last weekend I was on the road most of Saturday so I was unable to spend any time on photography.

I did manage to get back to some life drawing this week (all very rough sketching in charcoal) and I realise just how rusty I have become.
This last fortnight I have made an effort to go out for a short early morning run to try and get a little fitter and lose a few of the Christmas pounds, and I have already felt the benefit of it - although a long way to go. It`s blowing a gale this morning (Sat 5th), and going up hill against the strong wind was a struggle!

Work has been busy, and most evenings i`ve been tied up in some shape or form, so the next watercolour is yet to go on the board. It`s one of those moments when I need a bit of inspiraton from somewhere.
I intend to get a few bulbs in today unless it tips down, so might defer the painting prep until tonight.

Still in need of finding another location to use as an art venue / studio, so this regular topic is now becoming a bit urgent. Any free space anywhere please let me know
Thanks

looking forward

2011-01-16T07:26:00.004Z

With such lousy weather yesterday it was a day of catching up with some web work, so I managed to add a few photos to my online gallery (which I have been meaning to to do a while now).

Must say that I am beginning to look forward to Spring, and going to try and make a bit more of the garden this year. I`m no gardener, but always wanted to have a go a growing some veg - so this could be the year. Will also need to fix the nestbox soon so see if we can get the Blue Tits back.

Currently reading Harpo Speaks for the third time, a really good autobiography of Harpo Marx that shows you how hard early showbiz (vaudeville) was long before the days of X-factor! Listening to a bit of Clannad on and off when I can, but normally Classic FM in the car.

I hope to confirm the local exhibition dates soon, so the site will be noted as and when.

Red Kite

2011-01-05T06:08:00.003Z

Back to work now ........ but before that we had a Red Kite soaring close to our house when I was out tidying up the garden. This is my `high-noon` take on one of the photos I took on a really gloomy and overcast day.
I haven`t yet decided what the next painting will be but intend to get something off the ground shortly. Hoping to also try seom night sky photography it we do get back to dark, clear and still nights during January and February.

another year begins

2011-01-01T15:10:00.007Z

Well I am able to say that I had a lovely Christmas with family, with `Wilson` the Pineapple taking centre stage on Boxing Day! (It`s a long story).

2010 was a mixed year, but with so many good things far outweighing the hiccups best put to one side and forgotten.

On the art side of things, I managed to complete a limited amount of watercolour painting, but the life-drawing never took off in the end.
The photography came along well, and I am grateful to the many who passed on some very favourable and pleasant comments. Thank you.

Time was still my greatest problem, often having to cancel planned painting evenings. My advert for a replacement life model was protracted, but having finally lined somebody up we began the Christmas period, so it was agreed to delay that until 2011. I did however manage to continue to do my volunteering with the WWT, which I always enjoy, completely redesign and re-launch the Church website, start putting together my e-commerce site (alomost but not yet finished), and launch two portals for work.

One of the sour points of the year was being hit by a lorry, as it took until December (and legal action) before an admission and settlement was made. How some people can be dishonest is beyond me, but i`m glad to move on from that now.

Who knows what 2011 will bring. Work is uncertain (like so many people), so I am keen to develop any area of my art and photography that may prove fruitful. As for new year resolutions, those are best kept quiet for fear of breaking them straight away! I do however have a number of photography projects `in my head`, and with the possibility of a couple of exhibitions at least I hope to raise the profile.

Enjoy the rest of what remain of New Year`s day. I`m off for a resolution-breaking pizza for tea (whoops, gave one away).

Stay tuned....

Russ

Tuesday before Christmas

2010-12-21T16:18:00.004Z

Well I missed the lunar eclipse this morning due to some uncooperative cloud but I did take this shot at the end of last week of the Moon hanging over our snow-hit countryside. I still find a beauty in things like this that we can often take for granted when normally rushing around.

The disappointment of the eclipse out of the way I did see a Rough-legged Buzzard not far from J.47 of the M4 this morning. This is the third winter I have seen one around the area, but unfortunately I was `cameraless` (happily driving along listening to Christmas Carols!!!)

Downside today .... the BT bill arrived. Can`t win them all.

snow place like home

2010-12-18T20:32:00.008Z

With a fair bit of snow yesterday today has been a real winter wonderland.

I suppose now is the time you look back at all that has happened this year - good and not so - and wonder what 2011 will bring. Hopefully some doors will open, and i`ll be able to take forward all those projects and ideas that i`ve been wanting to make time for.

Thanks to all those who have again been complimentary during 2010, to my friends and colleagues at work, Greenfield and Penclacwydd who have been supportive, and to everyone else who have been in touch during the year.

Thank you

Russ

2010-12-07T21:36:00.001Z

Image of the Kestrel watercolour sitting temporarily in a frame prior to being remounted with correctly-sized mount card.

stage 5

2010-12-05T08:12:00.004Z

A little bit more done on Saturday afternoon, a fair bit left to do. Hope to try and finish this within the next week if I camn.

Planning some infrared photography as well as `drip` work next year. I have never tried infrared so really looking forward to that.

Sunday evening update:
Came in from my afternoon work at WWT to find that I had a layer of frost forming on my woolly hat!!

2010-12-04T12:54:00.004Z

It`s pouring with rain and cold outside, and the end of another `fun-packed` working week.

Photography is out today because of the weather and the light being so poor, so will dig out the brushes and do a bit more painting with my slightly numbed fingers.

Life drawing has been postponed until at least the new year, and the online shop area has not yet been finished due to my time constraints.

With three weeks yet to Christmas there is still time to contact me if you wish to arrange a purchase of any of my work. In the meantime i`m still keen to find out af any spare facility I could use as an occasional studio.
Thanks

PS: with the freezing weather that came in over the last week it looks like my forecast of 31st Oct was correct.... the Hen Harrier and significantly more wintering geese turning up en masse knew what was coming!

2010-11-21T18:44:00.001Z

Kestrel - stage 4 (a long way to go)

2010-11-20T19:41:00.005Z

Well I had a disturbed and therefore not very productive evening painting the other night. Unfortunately the hall I use is also hired by other people, and someone who mislaid something on a previous day decided to call in and search for it while I was using the room to paint rather than wait until the hall had become free again.

Add to that a little later I had the joy of someone using the metal shutters as a goal for their football and you can guess I wasn`t too pleased.

The hall has always been the best of little options around, but I really must try and renew my search for an alternative `studio-sized` place to work.

Anyway here is a pic of stage 4, not going the way I wanted it to go, and I definately lost my concentration and decided to pack up and go home early!!

No photography again today as I went to support a fund-raising coffee morning in aid of Jared who is raising his own funds to help at the Nehemiah and Ezra Mission next April, home-building in West Africa. Good for him. Anybody who would like to help financially please contact the Rev.David Jones at Greenfield.
Following that a spot of Christmas shopping, followed by "making a periscope" (!) and cooking tea, meant no time for photography today. With some work to try to look at tonight and tomorrow night, and Greenfield and Penclacwydd in between, it will be back to Monday morning before I know it.

a bit of painting begins

2010-11-12T13:48:00.005Z

I managed to finally get a bit more painting done last night for an hour or two just to get the watercolour off the ground. Not sure how much more will be done before next week.

With reduced booking options now available to me, i`m back to the stage of having to look around yet again for an alternative place to use for my art evenings. THis has been a bit of an issue on and off for the laast couple of years, but ideally I would like to have use of a quiet place around the Llaneli area. Please get in contact with any information that might be of interest.

Thank you.

2010-11-06T17:21:00.007Z

Well I still might not be getting much art done, but a visit out today with the camera gear was looking just as fruitless until this little chap appeared. Everything until then was disappearing out of frame, diving for cover or simply eluding me, so the Kingfisher brightened things up.

Should now be starting the life drawing in a couple of weeks, so both the painting and drawing should definately be getting back off the starting blocks now all my web work for Greenfield Church has finished (well, it will be continually developed).

If anybody is interested in purchasing either photography or artwork for Christmas please contact me via the anti-spam e-mail page on my website.

I have added a few more photos into the photo gallery of my website with more to follow when there is time.

A tough week ahead, so head down and getting some prep done now ......

winter on the way?

2010-10-31T10:00:00.005Z

At first glance this rather uninspiring and poorly defined photo that I took yesterday looks a bit ordinary, but it was a 2 second chance of catching a male Hen Harrier at what must have been three or four hundred metres, just moments before it was going to disappear behind trees.

It is in fact one of my favourite birds, and the last time I saw a male was about 15 years ago, so although the enlarged and cropped photo is poor I was quite chuffed.

Hen Harriers normally drift down from the moorland a little later, so whether this is a sign of another hard winter to come who knows?

Thanks to all those who voted for my photos recently, and for the very positive feedback.

2010-10-26T20:55:00.003+01:00

A back wash, some masking fluid and a few preliminaries tonight to start off the Kestrel watercolour, but within the hour had to move on to other things (again). The initial stages of any painting I do always seem a bit odd, and I have to remind myself that eventually it will come together.

Missed the Cattle Egret at Penclacwydd (flown on) but was priviledged to see a Kingfisher and Great Spotted Woodpecker only ten minutes apart, with a Buzzard snacking on a very deceased rabbit in between. There are some real spin-off benefits from volunteering for the Trust.

2010-10-24T09:36:00.004+01:00

Stage 1

We`ll we`re off ... just. Finally got around to simply mapping out the Kestrel i`m going to have a go at from the photo I took in Devon, but - as with most of my plans - other things cropped up and no painting was done again yesterday. At least it`s ready to finally start this week.

There`s been some good birds reported in the area this week - a Cattle Egret at Penclacwydd and a juvenile Osprey around Neath Marshes. There is a good bit of video online from when it popped over to Crymlyn Burrows.
I hope I might be able to glimpse the Cattle Egret this afternoon. Last week I had the priviledge of two or three minutes close up to a Treecreeper, but unfortunately I didn`t have my camera gear.

I Invested in a 1tb external hard drive yesterday to backup my ever increasing library of pics. Seems a great buy - Western Digital 1tb, preformatted for Windows, and at under £55 in Tescos! It really is a plug and play drive as well, so really pleased with it.

It looks like I might be back having problems with a venue for painting & drawing again soon as the hall is being blocked booked. Anyone with any studio-style facilities in the Llanelli area please get in touch

Thanks

latest bits

2010-10-23T13:25:00.003+01:00

My `St.Pauls`s in the Blitz`painting has now been framed and ready for sale.

The new Greenfield website i`ve been working on is now up and running well, and more features will be added to it over time.

The e-commerce site (online store) is gradually coming along but is still in test phase.

the helper

2010-10-15T07:35:00.005+01:00

It`s often good to have an extra pairs of hands around now and again, but here is Fudge taking the opportunity to test out a frame before it all gets taped up then bubble-wrapped. Fur-lined watercolour paintings - there`s a first!

Very busy working week as usual so looking forward to getting the brushes out over the weekend when I can. Also hoping that there may be some more winter arrivals, so will try and get out early with the camera on Saturday morning.
Have a good one everybody.

web work

2010-10-13T12:55:00.003+01:00

I am nearing the latter stages of finishing the new website for Greenfield Church now live at www.greenfieldchurch.net . Although still under development, most of the work on the website has been done and I should now be able (I hope) to find a bit more time to get to my art.

I`m now awaiting the hire of the hall to start my Life drawing again, and the Kestrel project should at least be mapped out by the end of the week.

the next project

2010-10-05T20:58:00.006+01:00

A final thank you to everyone who has taken an interest in the photos I submitted and for voting, etc. A number of people have told me they like specific images, so hopefully there was something for everyone amongst those I uploaded.

I`ve decided to have a go at this photo I took of a female Kestrel as my next watercolour. This bird was using the up-draughts of the wind along the edge of Burgh Island to hunt, hovering for a while and then gliding off to it`s next position. Might be tricky in watercolour, but i`m up for a challenge!

The web work has still taken over any spare time during the last week, so must map out the painting ready to use any gaps I find doing that.

During my volunteering at Penclacwydd I have come across some fab fungi (unfortunately mostly when I don`t have my camera stuff) including Sulphurcup and Turkeytail. I did manage to get a nice image of a chap called, I think, a Mosaic Puffball (what a brilliant name). It`s a great time of year now for this, together with early winter bird arrivals , so get out there if you can.

slaving over a hot keyboard

2010-09-25T19:29:00.003+01:00

My work on a new website for Greenfield is begining to take shape and I decided to crack on with it today instead of going out to do some some photography.

The design may change over the next couple of weeks, but it will be more manageable as a CMS site once the hard work is done.

Because of starting the above project this week I haven`t had the time to start another painting this week after all, as most evenings there are family commitments of one sort or another.

Thankyou again to those who have taken the time to look at the uploaded photos and vote. Much appreciated.

the remainder of the photos

2010-09-23T15:32:00.004+01:00

Currently working on a CMS website to update the one I look after for Greenfield Church, which I hope to have ready in the next few weeks.
Finished off a CMS area as a portal for bringing instructions for RTA claims for Hutchinson Thomas solicitors. This can be seen HERE

With fresh painting when I have time, and still the prospect of restarting my drawing, I have enough to keep me quiet into the night for a little while!

2010-09-18T21:13:00.004+01:00

Thanks to those who have voted for some of my pics uploaded to the WWT site - much appreciated. (Those `in the pipeline` must be in a blocked pipe!)
One further one accepted in the meantime:

http://photo.wwt.org.uk/gallery/single/3195

(See previous Post for those online already)

Managed to catch a Kingfisher, Fox Cub and some cooperative butterflies this morning thanks to the good weather. All change soon.

More watercolour painting on the way soon, and finally hoping to recommence my drawing in October. In the meantime keep those votes coming!!!

Thanks a lot

why not vote for a pic ? (or two, or three, or ...)

2010-09-15T19:34:00.006+01:00

Hi everybody

I decided this year to have a go at the WWT Annual Photography competition for photos taken at their wetland sites across the UK.

The submissions this year have been made online, and below are links to some of my photos accepted for entry so far.

Please click on the links to see the low resolution versions, and if you would like to `Vote` for any of them please click the appropriate buttons on their website underneath the displayed image. (It`s a bit long-winded when you have to fill in a bit of info, but your efforts will be really appreciated!!)

There are more in the system somewhere, but in the meantime.....

THANKS!!
Russ

---------------------------------------
http://photo.wwt.org.uk/gallery/single/3041

http://photo.wwt.org.uk/gallery/single/3032

http://photo.wwt.org.uk/gallery/single/3040

http://photo.wwt.org.uk/gallery/single/3030

http://photo.wwt.org.uk/gallery/single/3038

http://photo.wwt.org.uk/gallery/single/3034

http://photo.wwt.org.uk/gallery/single/3046

http://photo.wwt.org.uk/gallery/single/3042

http://photo.wwt.org.uk/gallery/single/3039

http://photo.wwt.org.uk/gallery/single/3033

http://photo.wwt.org.uk/gallery/single/3044

http://photo.wwt.org.uk/gallery/single/3043

http://photo.wwt.org.uk/gallery/single/3035

http://photo.wwt.org.uk/gallery/single/3037

under the weather

2010-09-13T06:44:00.004+01:00

After a tough old week in work it`s been a weekend of feeling quite under the weather (heavy cold, temperature, aching, etc). Had to abandon my new-month resolution of an early morning run, but will be back to things this week.
Went back to bed for a while during a lovely sunny Saturday afternoon, very unusual for me, and missed both Church and WWT volunteering yesterday even though the weather was really good.

Will carry on with the web gallery work during this week as well although most evenings will be busy already, and looking to start more painting when I can.

and for a 70th anniversary

2010-09-08T21:22:00.004+01:00

St.Paul`s in the Blitz
The old `rough and ready` watercolour I started a long time ago of St.Paul`s Cathedral in the Blitz has been finished by coincidence at the time of that 70th anniversary.

It started life as a time filler one evening that I meant to finish at a later date. It then stayed partially completed on a spare board until I came across it a few weeks ago.

Happy 60th Anniversary!

2010-09-04T15:42:00.005+01:00

... to Mum and Dad - 60 years married in September.

We got together as a family last weekend, and there were the poses for photos before we left the Weald of Kent.

I have only been able to test out the new macro filters to a limited extent, but this could be interesting with the fungi this Autumn.

Managed to get a little bit of other photography done this morning. Few birds and insects around, but sure signs that Autumn is not too far away.

Will be investing in a Lightbox soon to carry on with some experimental `droplet` photography.

2010-08-31T05:45:00.002+01:00

My latest watercolour of WWT centre at Penclacwydd, Llanelli is now framed and will be for sale shortly. Details will follow on the website soon.

Before starting the next new paiting I hope to get back to and finish off my `St.Paul`s` one from a few years back! Something is bound to delay it again!

2010-08-22T09:30:00.003+01:00

With the rain coming down outside it was a good opportunity to start something I have never really done before - capturing droplets and impacts on the surface. There are some excellent photographers out there who specialise in this.

I haven`t got the gear yet, but thought I would have a go with water, milk, and in this case some vanilla colouring. It could get addictive, and although it took a lot of images some good ones were captured even with just using the single Speedlite (rather than multiple) , and no lightbox.(Next on the list). This will be a great `wet weather`project in the winter.

2010-08-20T12:47:00.004+01:00

In between paintings at the moment so looking through some of the photos I took while on holiday.

I was out in the garden of the cottage around 6-ish one morning and there was loads of activity from bugs & beasties amongst the dew. This little chap was struggling up a plant. The Hamilton-esque approach seems to give a bit of added atmosphere to the early activity in the day.

I have recently bought some macro filters for the Canon and hope the summer will last a bit longer in order to try them out with good light around. As I now have a few days break from work i`ll see if I can run them in.

and finally .....

2010-08-14T08:12:00.003+01:00

Finished off the watercolour of WWT Penclacwydd last night when I had a couple of hours free.

Also went back to my `St.Pauls in the Blitz` painting that has been on a spare board for a couple of years now.

The passing of Agent K (Tommy the goldfish)

2010-08-08T09:45:00.012+01:00

Sad to find our goldfish Tommy (aka Agent K) floating on the top of his tank this morning.

Having survived the rough and tumble of family life for the last six or seven years, and the intentions of Fudge our cat (see left), poor old Tommy ended up the victim of a blocked pump and now `rests` down with our Forsythia.

Bless him.

Since returning from Devon it has been flat out work, eating into each evening at home, so I only had about an hour or so to do a little more to the watercolour (now stage 7) .

Talk about slow. Might have a little bit of time this week. Loads to do on it yet, and really need to be able to find the time and space.

off on hols

2010-07-28T07:06:00.010+01:00

Time for a much needed and long overdue break, and headed off to a bit of Westcountry peace and quiet for the week. It went a bit like this.....

Friday 23rd July: Arrive at Cove View and head off to find supplies for our cottage. A simple task.... except I forgot the road to Tescos in Ivybridge. Some considerable time, a lot more miles and an evening "i`m starving" meal at a Little Chef the deed was done.

The cottage is so peaceful, and it was good to be back where the only sounds in the evening seem to be the the distant wash of the sea down in the cove at Bugle Rock and the sound of sheep and the odd pheasant.

Saturday 24th July: Planned to go to Blackpool Sands and `work backwards`. In the end we stopped off at Slapton where the water was tested by J & S and found to be very cold.
An afternoon `snack` quickly fleeced the wallet, but a drive back for a wander around Kingsbridge ended the day well.

Sunday 25th July: Normally we would be at Greenfield, but a decision to go to Bigbury on Sea was a good one. Fab weather at 25c, and it is as magnetic as ever. Didn`t want to leave, but we were actually a bit sunned-out.
Home for a simple chicken and rice. Took a couple of night sky shots, and the first time I have ever seen Venus `set` over the horizon before my eyes.

Monday 26th July: The annual pilgrimage to Woodlands, Blackawton. Boys had a great day in particular, and had the full 10am to 6pm at the park. A quick Kingsbridge divert on the way home and all got home tired and ready to chill out.

Tuesday 27th July: A bit of early photography in the gardens. A dodgy day forecast, but decided to do something different and head into Dartmoor to do Burrator, Sharpitor, Princetown, then find The Badgers Holt for a cream tea. Well my sense of direction was a bit like my old Tom Tom, and ended up going way out of our way before ending up where I thought the place was to start with (at Dartmeet). A damp day which ended up with flying ant invasion! At least the food was up to the usual good standard.

Wednesday 28th July: Goodrington today for the family to visit Quaywest waterpark while I wandered off around the coast to Paignton. Good day, with some misc photos, etc. Found that we had be given a parking fine (£50) as I had forgotten to pay and display. How many more things can happen to us considering the last few months?

Thursday 29th July: Back to Bigbury-on-Sea for a second `fix` before our week was out. A chilly day disappeared into a beautiful later afternoon / early evening, watching the tide coming in to cut off the island. We didn`t want to come away, and could have a week there easily. Wonderful.
The El Fresco Venus cafe fed us with good food before we headed back to base.

Friday 30th July: Time to pack up and leave for home. The week was quickly over, and I could go back to Cove View instead of returning to work ! If only.

2010-07-17T21:59:00.003+01:00

Back to some photography today, and had some good results amongst the many others that didn`t quite work or chances missed.

With wading through dozens of images tonight (and also cutting the grass before tomorrow`s rain), I couldn`t do any more to the painting again!

(Grey Heron - click to open - copyright Russ Myners 2010)

2010-07-15T20:41:00.005+01:00

As I upload this summer has taken a major nosedive into an early stormy and wet autumn, and our little Bee friend here (taken a couple of weeks ago) is probably a little soggy. Our Bats seem to have disappeared in the evening, and other garden wildlife is scare.
I didn`t get any photography done again last weekend, and with every evening tied up the watercolour has stood still for the last couple of weeks.

Had one or two more responses to my advert, and just hoping that i`ll be able to find someone who can commit to when I am free to draw, so leaving it "open" for now.

2010-07-04T08:47:00.001+01:00

"Baby Shelduck searches for house key" ...... well maybe not, but there was little else to report yesterday after a quiet few hours out and about.

The new lens seems to be performing well, and i`m determined to do as much as I can `hand held`. I have now gathered quite a collection of nature photos and will probably consider publishing a calendar for 2011.

watercolour so far

2010-07-02T13:35:00.007+01:00

Penclacwydd watercolour

Overlapping layers of the first stages of my current watercolour painting so far (click to view)

I have also just come across a small watercolour I never finished from about two years ago that was hidden away on a different board. The Study can be a mysterious little place some times.

2010-07-01T20:17:00.003+01:00

Another stage in the painting last night, all a bit slow I know but it is gradually coming.

Tonight the light has gone completely, with one of the most miserable evenings we have had for a while, so might try and do a bit more over the weekend.

plodding on

2010-06-24T18:59:00.004+01:00

A fraction more done to the painting last night..... a kind of stage 4.5 rather than 5. What was meant to have been a couple of hours of relative peace to paint was regularly disturbed, but all is not lost yet.

Have a busy weekend coming up that will mean that there will be no chance of any photography unfortunately. On hold for another week.

half way through the year

2010-06-23T05:41:00.005+01:00

21st June 2010 - mid summer day - and a visit to Plymouth enabled me to have a little time on the fringes of Dartmoor with the camera.

It was so nice to be back on `home turf`, although from over 20 years ago, and a quick visit to Burrator took me back to the days when I used to walk the moors and run around the 4 mile reservoir throughout the year.

A beautiful area surrounded by tors, woods and forests, with buzzards overhead nearly all the time. A place of calm.

2010-06-17T06:06:00.005+01:00

A bit more done to the watercolour last night. Quite a few more stages to go, and i`m not really sure how it will turn out.

Hoping to do more photography over the weekend, although a bit of work in the garden is required. The website photo galleries will be updated soon.

2010-06-15T05:55:00.003+01:00

Sometimes it`s good to get away from the pressure of everyday work and enjoy what is going on around you. This family of young mute swans have survived the early days so far although the risks aren`t too far away.

Springwatch on the BBC has brought nature back to the armchairs of those who do not normally venture too far, but it really is worth getting out there away from everyday politics.

Thank you (again) for the further email comments received this week, and I hope to take advantage of any good weather conditions for more photography.

Back to the painting tonight or tomorrow. I`m hoping that if the Penclacwydd watercolour works out okay I can use it as some kind of publicity for the centre.

My life model replacement advert remains open, and I wish AW all the best as she moves on to further her art career abroad. Anyone interested in occasional modelling must be available and accessible to the outskirts of Llanelli.

Thanks

watercolour - stage2/3

2010-06-10T06:33:00.005+01:00

9th June 2010:

I have been able to add a bit more added to the painting of Penclacwydd WWT. There is a long way to go yet on this watercolour, but something I am hoping will turn out okay. It is a great peaceful place to be.

It`s been good to receive some very pleasant and positive comments about my work and site, in particular regarding some more recent photography, so thank you to those concerned.

escapism

2010-06-05T19:38:00.005+01:00

After a hectic week it was good to escape for a couple of hours out and about with the camera this morning. Plenty of fantastic insects to try and capture amongst other things, but I was too late reacting to a Kingfisher whizzing over my head at warp speed (as Capn.Kirk would say). A cholesterol-filled BBQ this evening has rounded off the day quite well, although i`ll probably suffer later.

One week to the World Cup and i`ll probably forget it`s on knowing my luck. I`m not scheduled to be back at my hall until the 16th, and I think most evenings will be taken up with things that I will mean I will neither get around to carrying on painting nor see the footie. When will I actually get around to my life drawing??