Studio

Work has now started to convert our integral garage into a studio so hopefully it won't be too much longer until I can start doing my trompe l'oeil workshops again. It will be fantastic to get my own working area back again
It will also have a lot more space compared to my old home studio and will be at ground level rather than up two flights of stairs.





Work is also still going on around the rest of the house - every room has been affected and the dust looks as if it will continue settling for the next few months. I am still putting my daughter's room back together which is taking longer than I intended. I may also be plastering this weekend if I can fit it around my daughter's cinema party.

Long Distance Trompe L'oeil

Over the last few days I have been helping a distant student paint a trompe l'oeil mural as a surprise for her husband.

I say 'helping' but Diane, from Newfoundland (Canada), has proved to be a very capable artist and despite my interfering she has produced this wonderful stone arch window for her stairwell wall.
Diane also painted an Australian Galah Bird perched on the window sill.

I'm so glad I was able to help - Diane had originally ordered my books to help her in completing the project but when she realised that they would not turn up in time she got in touch with me.
She gradually worked on the mural and emailed photos as the painting took shape - I was then able to make suggestions to help the mural along.

I have also just heard from Diane who informs me that her husband was very impressed with her trompe l'oeil - she was very worried as to what his reaction would be - but how could he not be happy with such an artistic surprise.
Diane also gave the mural a more personal touch by adding the date 1958 chiseled into the keystone - the year they were married.

Thank-you Diane - you are an inspiration

x x