Painter

Another amazing day @nant_gwrtheyrn learning and practicing Welsh. Y dydd arall dysgu ac ymarfer Cymraeg, dim ond y iaith ond hefyd y tir ac y diwylliant. Discovering that it’s not just speaking but feeling the language, culture and land. It’s all connected and you really can’t understand the language if you don’t consider and learn about the culture and country. Last night we walked (we needed it after too many full breakfasts and puddings!) up ( and when I say up, it really is up) to the village community pub to listen to the choir rehearsal. (Damn I forgot my sketchbook!) Neithiwr mi cerddeden ni i fyny (wir yfyn)i’r dafarn i clywed i’r cor. Roedd o’n ardderchog. Well worth it, diolch am y cor. This evening we were treated to a selection of performances from the young farmers club. A great mix of talents, that had us one moment silently awe struck and another laughing along, diolch Pawb. And a birthday, so an opportunity to sing something even learners can join in with. Noson dda. #dysgucymraeg #ymarfercymraeg #canu #singing #performance #sketch #community #sharing #iaith #culture @clwbgodrereifl

I’m away on a residential welsh language course at Nant Gwrtheyrn on the Llyn peninsular. The weather has been so kind, mild and bright. The lessons are fun and the company generous and patient. I feel privileged to be here. This afternoon we took a trip out to Oriel Ynys Mon and I drew from the minibus. Once there we drifted around the Christmas fayre and then I wandered into the Kyffin Williams Gallery to an exhibition of his work. Having been working myself with simple line sketches and washes I found the exhibition of particular interest, although I enjoy his work any day. I was particularly taken with 2 sketches side by side, and the roof line in each piece. Different materials and a different line but clearly the same building. I sketched more as we travelled onto Caernarfon where I spent my time in a book shop. Dark had blotted the views on the final journey home. Anyone who has visited will know the stomach churning decent to Nant G, I’m not convinced it was any easier as a passenger in the dark! Heddiw mi aethon ni i Oriel Ynys Mon, i weld y arddanfosfa ac ffair. Mi braslunodd i ar y tathio yno and wedyn wedi mwynhau i gwaith o Kyffin Williams. Ron i’n edrych am ei lein o. ffordd yn ol, arosodden ni yng gaernarfon. Maen hyfryd yma ac dwi’n ac dwi’n mwynhau fy amser yma. @nant_gwrtheyrn #dysgucymraeg #sketching #gallery #artist #braslunio #llunio @orielynysmon #oriel

Morning sketch on the beach! And then back after lunch as part of a Welsh lesson. Great. Brasllunio ar y traeth bore ma, yn ol eto ar ol cinio i dysgu cymraeg allan. Gwych #dysgu #dysgucymraeg #welsh #learningwelsh #sketch #pendrawing #beach #stones #traeth @nant_gwrtheyrn

Another day out, to Ruthin Craft Centre, wrapped in mist for most of the day but we were warm and dry in the education room where I hosted a sketchbook and sketching workshop looking at the restoration of the Ruthin town clock. Lots of fun and laughter, thanks to some great participants. We also took time to step outside for 11 o’clock and hear the 11 bells and 2 mins silence. #sketching #sharing #community #sketchbooks #clocktower #heritage

Wonderful day @the.landing.project pop up exhibition. Thank you so much for the invitation to exhibit my sketchbooks alongside 4 other artists (and work from the local school children!) in such a unique space. It was something very special. Thank you also to the many visitors, who walked, talked, listened, shared and enjoyed our works. I’m so grateful. @andhowenow @mollybrown.prints @paulnwakelam @emily.f.wilkinson #artist #exhibition #popup #nature #farming #agriculture #observation #sketching

All set for a pop up exhibition and sketching at Berllan Deg, with @the.landing.project Do come and visit us from 10-4 today. Walks, listening and looking. More information via @the.landing.project #walking #sketching #farms #regenerativeagriculture #agroforestry #nature #nurture #observation #artist #collaboration #oswestry #welshborders #welshborderartists

I found my glasses!! Thank you and apologies to everyone hunting them. #community #lostandfound

The teapot of Froncysyllte choir is back up, along with the dragon. That site has all the panels freshly painted and varnished. Just the Trevor mural panels to complete, an epic task. #mural #painting #colour #localhistory #community @thestreaminthesky

Lovely autumn colours, but does prove more challenging out walking Henry. Not just where’s my dog poo, (full sensory workout!) but where is my dog? #walk #walks #autumn #colour #nature #observation #senses @thestreaminthesky

More sketches of the intriguing footpaths that weave (up and down) the village, across the roads that run across the village. I’ve also been collecting stories of the footpaths and their colloquial names, which often reveal more of the history and story of the place. #footpaths #sketches #pendrawing #artist #local #community #onmydoorstep #localhistory #readingthelandscape #readingbuildings #architecture #rooftops #landscape #line #pen #character #history #names #placenames #placemaking #walk #observation #listen #document #record #reportage @thestreaminthesky