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”
Tag Archives: Wales
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”
The Cheeky Mari From Pembrokeshire
This is another sketch of a Mari Lwyd I did last weekend at the Hen Galan festivities in the Gower Heritage Centre. This Mari came all the way from Pembrokeshire and her keeper knew who she was when she was alive – she was a stallion! But he’s been reincarnated as a Mari Lwyd, linkingContinue reading “The Cheeky Mari From Pembrokeshire”
Rebecca And Her Riots
Husb and I went to a fabulous exhibition that opened this evening at the National Trust’s Newton House in Dinefwr near Llandeilo. It’s by Cardiff artist and printmaker John Abell. Called ‘Becca And Her Children’, it’s inspired by the Rebecca Riots that happened in the area in the early 19th century. John has been doingContinue reading “Rebecca And Her Riots”
A Dead Horse In A Sketchbook
Husb and I went to the Gower Wassail and Mari Lwyd festival last weekend, where there was a gathering of Maris. Normally they’re jumping around the place, up to mischief, but this one had been propped up against a pole and was sat quietly, so I had a chance to draw her in more detailContinue reading “A Dead Horse In A Sketchbook”
Hen Galan Hapus – Happy Old New Year
Today (January 13th) is Hen Galan, the Welsh Old New Year, based on the archaic Gregorian rather than the modern Julian calendar. And there’s a long tradition in Wales of welcoming in the Old New Year with fun, festivities, feasting and a dead horse. As you do. She’s called the Mari Lwyd (Grey Mare) andContinue reading “Hen Galan Hapus – Happy Old New Year”
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.”
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.
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