Tuesday 20 December 2016

Happy Xmas and Prosperous New Year

The above headline is a difficult one with the disasters happening almost continuously in different parts of the World. Good news has become rarer and rarer. Ones heart goes out to the poor people -especially the children - in many of these countries torn by strife on an almost daily basis. Although there have been some isolated terrible things happening in some European countries by and large we can be thankful  for our relative stability. Still we must remain optimistic and hope beyond hope that things will improve in 2017. Although this blog does not normally get involved in politics with Brexit in the UK and President Trump in America it is difficult to remain optimistic.

On the painting front the death of Ron Ranson was reported last week in Portland, Oregon, where he moved with his American wife Darlis a few years ago. I was trying to discover how old Ron was  - certainly well into his eighties. Ron will be remembered for his significant impact on watercolour painting. Certainly his teachings and books - nearly thirty - have had a great affect and many are painting who would not be doing so without him. He was a great showman and I remember being on two short workshops at his lovely house and grounds in the Forest of Dean. This was at the later stages of his career and to some extent he was going through the motions by then, but many artists who later became well-known passed through his workshops.

As is well-known I am a follower and admirer of Charles Reid. I discovered last week that he is coming to England again in late 2017  on a Travelrite/ International Artist  painting holiday. Although  I had decided, whatever happened in the future, the workshop at Stow on the Wold would be my last I sent for details out of curiosity. It appears to be a ten day all in holiday with painting, starting in the Cotswolds and finishing in Cornwall. The price with single supplement is  over £3500! According to the company there are 20 places and 16 were already booked. See his website for details.

I have more or less decided that 2017, my eightieth year, will be the last year when I will be active on the blog. As regulars will have recognised I have been winding down this year and finding it difficult to come up with original and interesting posts. There is a lot of good stuff in the back catalogue, most of which is still relevant, so explore the Index in July 2014 if you are interested.

Finally may I once again wish all those who are followers or just interested visitors, the very best for Xmas and the New Year. Whatever you do keep painting!

8 comments:

Oscar Solis said...

As always your blog is an interesting one. As a USA citizen, the coming year is a bit nerve racking and it has almost everything to do with the fact that Trump will be president. I am still in utter disbelief that this has occurred.

Regarding your blog ending I find it to be a sad idea as every week it has been a destination since I discovered it years ago. But I can totally understand. I ended mine when I felt I'd said all I needed to say at the time.

Well, here's to you and yours having a wonderful Christmas and New Year, despite how crazy the world has become. I want you to know your efforts are truly and always appreciated.

Peter Ward said...

Thanks Oscar. Yiur comments are always welcome and appreciated. The very best to you for 2017.

Unknown said...

Hi, Peter. Like your blog. I discovered it via Leisure Painter, which from now on I have subscribed to. Also want to give you and your family best wishes for Xmas and all the good health for 2017 and on.

I do put my paintings on http://tikoproj.wixsite.com/tieskoning. Not all are there yet, but working on it

Best regards

Ties Koning

Peter Ward said...

Thanks for comments Ties. Glad you like the blog and best wishes for Xmas and 2017 to you also.

Judy said...

All the best wishes for 2017, Peter! And I hope you will continue blogging!

Peter Ward said...

Thanks Judy. All the best for 2017. I'll keep going for a little while then we'll see.

Michele Clamp said...

I just wanted to say that I always enjoy your blog and look forward to new posts. You have interesting things to say and often highlight the frustrations we painters have. I wish you all the best in life and in painting.

Peter Ward said...

Thanks Michelle and the best to you also.