Scribbling Singing

Here are a couple more sketches I did at the Plygain celebration last weekend in Swansea. Plygain is a Welsh language carolling tradition going back at least to the 13th century. It had almost died out but is now going through a healthy revival. In the past, families would have precious books of Plygain carolsContinue reading “Scribbling Singing”

Toffee Evening, Noson Gyflaith

I carried on sketching at the Welsh Plygain celebration, while all the rest sang. Traditionally, Plygain took place in church at around 3am on Xmas morning and ended at first light. People generally stayed up all night, doing all sorts of things to keep awake. One that was popular with younger people was the makingContinue reading “Toffee Evening, Noson Gyflaith”

Drawing The Singing

Husb and I went to a Plygain celebration this evening, a very traditional Welsh singing event. Plygain was at it’s height between the 17th and 19th centuries, although there is a mention of something similar in the Red Book of Hergest in the 13th century. But by the early 19th century opposition from the churchContinue reading “Drawing The Singing”

Anointing The Apple Trees.

  In two days on January 13th it will be Hen Galan, the ‘old’ New Year in Wales, which is heralded by the tradition of the Mari Lwyd (Grey Mare). It’s a pre-Christian custom rooted in the worship of the ancient Celtic horse goddess Epona, known in Welsh culture as Rhiannon.     Husb andContinue reading “Anointing The Apple Trees.”

Quizzing

A couple of quick sketches at our local pub quiz. We were abysmal, 28 out of 40 – the winners scored 38! I’m getting back to normal after the mid-winter shenanigans where I took a bit of a break from doing art – or anything much else to be honest, apart from eating my ownContinue reading “Quizzing”

Michael Sheen Is Finished!

I finally stopped working on Michael Sheen lunchtime today – I’ve been stitching him up for a week and a half. In my spare time mind, not 24/7. He’s nestled with all the other Michael Sheens down at GS Artists on Swansea’s High Street right now, waiting for the big exhibition opening this Saturday atContinue reading “Michael Sheen Is Finished!”

Will It Ever End?

Still at it, stitching my portrait of Michael Sheen. Getting there but not got there yet. I must hand it in by lunchtime tomorrow. It’s going everywhere with me at the moment, to the pub, to the art gallery. I’m sitting and stitching like the knitters in front of the guillotine back in the FrenchContinue reading “Will It Ever End?”

Yeah You Guessed It ….

Yeah you guessed it …. I’m still stitching that portrait of Michael Sheen.  He has a mouth now and the beginnings of eyebrows and his face is nearly finished. I think I can get his hair done this evening. I have about 36 hours to finish it.

Switching Stitching

Still working on Michael Sheen. I’ve nearly finished stitching his face so I had a bit of a change and switched to working on a few curls. His hair is quite salt and pepper in the reference photo, which gives very good definition to the curly bits. I’m making this for the 9 to 90Continue reading “Switching Stitching”

Still At It With Michael Sheen

Doing it slow ….. very slow ….. will I finish this by the deadline?