I went up to my room this morning to start a painting and the desk needed a bit of shuffling around so that new things could begin. It was then that this picture actually spoke to me – really! It said “Don’t put me away! I know you’ve got some half hearted idea about sketching shells again but I think I’m much better – look at my lovely blackberry colours! You know you love to paint figs and teapots…try me”. (For those of you who are interested it spoke with a lilting Scottish accent). ((Have I gone a little crazy today?))
So I raided the cupboards and the freezer and nearly wasted time going to a china shop to set up a replica when good sense prevailed. In my cupboard is a beautiful Indian embroidered quilt bought from a stall at Greenbelt that I haven’t yet painted (don’t tell Mr L – it was a year old purchase – it will ruin my “I need this to paint” shopping strategy).
So my intention was to put together something small and simple. In reality I always go for the pattern – the more complex the better – and layer on more pattern and texture and end up with a medium size complex painting to complete! But I love it! The light has been truly awful today, so here are a few yellow photos to show what’s developing.
© Claire Leggett
