My "Fisherman at Sunrise" or Portuguese translation "Pescador no Nascer dosol" piece evolved from the abstract wash of Inks and Watercolour to a scene that was reminisce of early mornings at the wharf watching the fishermen selling their fresh catch from the back of their boats in Portugal. The above crops show the detail of the painting which has a more complicated atmosphere where the viewer does not always see the scene at first sight. There is still more details to be found when you view the entire piece. Below is the first wash and the final painting. So it's like a game of spot the difference using the crops above. If you get a chance to see the Original see if you can see the other fishermen and Squids that also within the painting.

I have it on good authority that "Asno no Luar" translates to "Donkey in the Moonlight" in Portuguese, from my Brazilian niece, Luara.

The reason for the translation is that this painting was inspired by my trip to Portugal 2015. We stayed at a beach-side hotel in Lagos and at sunset every evening we would be visited by a donkey returning from his  long day in the sun to rest till morning.

He emerged in this abstract wash of Inks and Watercolour. The Image shows the 3 stages of the painting. To my surprise the painting I will feature tomorrow came from another abstract wash made at the same time and also evolved into a scene from Lagos, "Fisherman at Sunrise" or "Pescador no Nascer do sol".   

I have had a busy year with travel around the Globe so there are plenty of stories to tell. I was fortunate to spend 2 weeks in China holding joint exhibitions in Beijing and Nantong Universities as well as overseas trips to New Zealand, Scotland, Ireland and Amsterdam and local trips to Dunsborough and Exmouth. Just making it back in time for my Open Studio Events.

Please join me for a relaxing meander around my Studio and Garden display for the Spring Sundays in November. For the 3rd year I am once again extending an "Invitation to be Curious".

My first photo to share with you is my new installation of a wrought iron sculpture that is right at home adorning my poolside.

It was designed by me and then expertly crafted by Richard Cussell from Ironstein Wrought Iron. It was installed shortly after my last Studio Openings. it is 1.5m high and 4m long. Its dancing reflection and shadows on the wall makes it even more fanciful.

Each day, for the next 7 days I will include snippets about my paintings and hopefully make you curious enough to come and visit and see them up close!

Tomorrows blog will be the story behind the "Donkey in the Moonlight" painting featured on the invitation below.

Enjoy