My latest venture.

Hello foks. For the last six years I have been caring for my dear wife, Jean, who contracted Parkinson's disease. It got worse just about twelve months ago, when she also lost the ability to support her weight on her legs. This meant I was unable to manage her care alone. It was decided by my local, Unsocial Disservices, that she should go into full time care. (Apologies to any truly empathetic Social Services workers). I have just about come to terms with the way in which she has deteriorated mentally since she left home. Anyhow, no whingeing and whining; I am accepting it as a inevitability of the disease. With all the hassles I had my own health problems, which ruined my ability to play my guitar as well as I once did, and I was going to close down my YouTube channel (Jazzwayze). But I realised that as I could also paint, there was no need to close down. Instead I bought myself a small camcorder, which I am learning to use, with the aim of recording myself painting, in the hope I can pass on my knowledge, such as it is, to others who are interested. There's very little art related on there yet; but a couple of talking head videos (Complete with Brummie accent) about art and my reasons for changing horses. So if you are interested, just log onto the YouTube, and search 'Jazzwayze'. You might like the guitar playing at least! Maybe you will join me there in due course for the painting stuff. (I'm hoping to have a similar channel to Dave Usher, if any of you are familiar with his work. So eventually there should be something there for most painters to enjoy, or criticise. Thanks folks; bless you and lots love to you all John Walker (Artwayze)

Hi again folks. My wife is still quite well, but she is slowly forgetting who some members of the family are. I have been unable to visit her as much as I'd like due to my own health, but I am grateful for my 'bus pass, and I have to use that now. So that helps. I have got used to fending for myself, except for high-up cleaning and standing on steps. So I have to employ home-help for that sort of stuff. Anyhow, I realised it's time I got painting again, as I shall be an octogenarian next week (If I am spared of course) and it's high time I did some new work I can't go plein-air unless I use a taxi, as I have cataracts and can't drive safely. I can see well enough to drive, but I can't decipher number plates at the required distance (Unless they are in the old format. This new case they use is useless, and using the letter 'I' is confusing as it looks like a '1' to me! Lol! ) I am told my eyes will be fine once I have had them 'seen-to'. I have my studio more or less organised and made space for all three of the premier mediums. I have recently bought some plywood boards from my local timber yard, and I am busy covering them in canvas. I get about 8 boards from a full sheet of 5mm plywood.. Much lighter than MDF and no difference in surface once they are canvassed over! So I will see you later everyone; and it's good to be back! John