Well a new year and let's hope I can be more productive. Have only been to art group once in January because of lousy cold and bad weather plus laziness. Drawing group went very well though and we had lots of laughing over our attempts at drawing John. Now that the weather touch wood seems to be getting better I have no excuse but to start painting. In fact have drawn out two watercolours but still not attempted to put paint on the paper - and I seem to have stopped oil altogether. But again am inspired by reading my painting magazines. Interesting letters on themes of professional vs amateur teachers. I have at time found adult education qualified teachers a bit disappointing and got a lot more out of holiday weeks I spent watching and learning from professional artists. Paul Banning was great for watercolour and I then got into plein air oil painting with Roger Dellar. Being away for a whole week with nothing to do but paint and talk to other people interested in painting has proved to be very productive. Went to a talk in the village hall by Bruce Ronaldson on Cubism, Expressionism and Surrealism. It was really good. plus now I think I understand some of it - plus great lunch. Well must go now am off leading a walk on the Blackwater at Maldon