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More thoughts on the situation-self isolation and all that.
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Message
Posted
My wife has been ill for a couple of years, so we haven't been able to get out much. Mostly it's been shopping, visits to our GP and hospitals etc. (On occasion, when my wife has felt better, we've made a break for freedom.) So I've had plenty of time to draw, which is why I'm always posting pictures.
This is similar to self-isolation, but definitely NOT the same. So I expect I'll have more time to make pictures.
Many of you will have been in a similar situation.
So I've been thinking how I can fill the time, without spending too much time contemplating my navel about what I'm going to draw/paint next.
Dawn's postcode idea is great, and will get added to my list. I like drawing cartoons, this may not appeal to everyone. We're all in a serious situation, with us oldies most at risk, so it isn't a thing I take lightly despite making cartoons about it. Humour seems built into our system. (I'm reminded of Spike Milligan's grave-stone...he wanted 'I told you I was ill' put on his headstone, and it has been...in Irish.)
So if anyone is offended by my posting cartoons on this subject, let me know and I'll stop.
I also been pondering a comic-style story (I did one recently about a couple on a cruise). The good thing about this is it makes it easier to come up with ideas. It'll be about this fella....
It'll be a while before I post anything...I have to think in 'pages' with up to six pics on them...although often the pics can be very simple.
Also, I have some pictures on my walls, it's time to change them. I've been thinking about it for some time, but done nothing yet. Our spare bedroom contains my computer and I've crammed pics on the walls...they've been up for a few years so a change is in order. Here's a dodgy pic of one wall...
So bags of things to keep me amused. Maybe you have better ideas.
(The thing I have to watch out for is me...the great procrastinator.)
By the by...I posted a cartoon about self-isolation. It's an old pic I made a couple of years ago. I use it for my profile pic. This is not a self-portrait. But I must admit a kind of reverse Dorian Gray effect has kicked in...I'm slowly turning into the fella in the picture.
It'll be a while before I post anything...I have to think in 'pages' with up to six pics on them...although often the pics can be very simple.
Also, I have some pictures on my walls, it's time to change them. I've been thinking about it for some time, but done nothing yet. Our spare bedroom contains my computer and I've crammed pics on the walls...they've been up for a few years so a change is in order. Here's a dodgy pic of one wall...
So bags of things to keep me amused. Maybe you have better ideas.
(The thing I have to watch out for is me...the great procrastinator.)
By the by...I posted a cartoon about self-isolation. It's an old pic I made a couple of years ago. I use it for my profile pic. This is not a self-portrait. But I must admit a kind of reverse Dorian Gray effect has kicked in...I'm slowly turning into the fella in the picture.
Posted
Great post Lew, and good to see your wall of pictures. I think your cartoon are excellent and you are following a very British way of dealing with adversity, that is to laughter and taking the pi— out of the situation. The British humour has help this nation to get through many conflicts and situations. It’s also baffled other nations who have not understood our humour, please keep them coming as it adds some light in the darkness we are facing.
Posted
Some really good ideas Lew and I do like your young artist.
I wrote a few ideas for the next few weeks/months earlier this week.
1 limit exposure to tv and radio news, you need to keep up but not to drown in it. Maybe tune to Classic FM instead, or whatever floats your boat.
2 get that big lump of a book down off the bookshelf it’s been sitting on for years, waiting for the right time to read it, the time is now.
3 read (or even write) some poetry and use ideas for painting.
4 go for walks if you’re able, you can pretend you have a dog if needed, he’s just wandered off!
5 go for a drive, take a flask and sandwiches, oh and of course your sketch pad. If you haven’t tried plein air, nows the time if only from your car.
6 phone friends, family, neighbours regularly to keep in touch and see how they’re coping. I’ve been making a call most days so far and that can fill time.
7 try an online food shop. I’m waiting for my first to arrive tomorrow, and hoping not too many weird substitutes.
8 do the garden if you have one, if it stops raining.
Any other ideas? Post them here, and keep smiling!
Edited
by Tessa Gwynne
Posted
My wife has been ill for a couple of years, so we haven't been able to get out much. Mostly it's been shopping, visits to our GP and hospitals etc. (On occasion, when my wife has felt better, we've made a break for freedom.) So I've had plenty of time to draw, which is why I'm always posting pictures. This is similar to self-isolation, but definitely NOT the same. So I expect I'll have more time to make pictures. Many of you will have been in a similar situation. So I've been thinking how I can fill the time, without spending too much time contemplating my navel about what I'm going to draw/paint next. Dawn's postcode idea is great, and will get added to my list. I like drawing cartoons, this may not appeal to everyone. We're all in a serious situation, with us oldies most at risk, so it isn't a thing I take lightly despite making cartoons about it. Humour seems built into our system. (I'm reminded of Spike Milligan's grave-stone...he wanted 'I told you I was ill' put on his headstone, and it has been...in Irish.) So if anyone is offended by my posting cartoons on this subject, let me know and I'll stop. I also been pondering a comic-style story (I did one recently about a couple on a cruise). The good thing about this is it makes it easier to come up with ideas. It'll be about this fella....Oh, don’t take the Manet down Lewis, it’s wonderful!
Posted
Some great ideas there, Tessa. We've thought about online food shopping, but there seems to be a delay at the moment while the supermarkets catch up with the demand. My son will get our shopping. Luckily I have a small garden, and we will also go out in the car, if only for a change of scenery.
I won't be taking the Manet down, Frank. It's the only painting I've had properly framed. But all the other pictures are in frames that allow very easy swaps of pictures.
Actually that's given me another idea for the months ahead...the Manet was painted with an acrylic underpainting with oil glazes on top. Not my usual mediums. I recall getting a little messy painting it. When the weather improves I could have another go in my shed.
Posted
Thank you Frank. Manet's 'A Bar at the Folie Bergere' is one of my favorite paintings, and I think this copy is the best thing I've ever done. But it is a copy, made using the grid system, so not quite mine. What I learned from it was even greater respect for Manet. I did post it at the time.