Camogli Stones

I'm working on my new series of drawings 'Camogli Stones'. We hung out at Camogli in Liguria, Italy this summer and I was mesmerised by these stones on the beach - in the water they sparkled and glistened, with the richest deep green and black colours. When dry, they revert back to their more subtle greys with white streaks and pale green markings
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I've spent hours at home drawing them in bright sunlight.

Pontobosio Mist

I've enjoyed playing with ink in the last few days, remembering atmospheric walks in Italy at new year. Now I'm back in London, it's fun to recreate my own abstract version of the morning mist-covered mountains that were all around us, near a village called Pontobosio.  Here's a small selection: 

Cloud Collage

Panicale, Italy

As we get to the tail-end of the summer, and inspired by my trip to Italy, I'm in the mood to make a cloud collage of my pics from different countries. 

Here it is...... all going on my Cloudtastic board on Pinterest. 

Tao Fong Shan, Hong Kong

Gotland 1

Chongqing, China

Gotland 3

Gotland 2

Dali, China

Cinema Paradiso

Watched a big projection of the Italian classic on the wall of the village square, thanks to our very own 'Alberto' from London. 

 

Alberto and Toto

Tuscany studio

Not many jewellers get to go on holiday and find a bench has been set up, with stunning views across the hills.

liked the knot of wood on the edge which worked well as a bench peg

I did a few hours of filing in the best studio space ever, looking out across the valley at Panicale. Was relaxing to do a bit of work - followed by sunbathing, then eating, then a bit more work.

Wouldn't mind working from a hilltop studio in the future.

It's easy to work when you have views like this.....

Italy mountainscapes

Just back from Tuscany and the two weeks have been chillout time - and pretty productive too. We had a big art studio set up for kids and adults. Some varied creative approaches to painting! 

I did some paint play, using my Chinese brushes (and a bit of salt) and 

am happy with these dramatic little pieces. It's just fun to have a go.