Today I spent time deciding which w/c paints to take - that took a bit of consideration  and have decided on a limited warm palette since the landscape in Malta is very warm. Quin red, scarlet pyrolle or pyrene (i think that's the name; quite an orange-red), quin burnt orange instead of burnt sienna, raw sienna & indian yellow, Fr. Ultramarine, cobalt blue &  turquoise, mineral violet, and added  perm. rose as my cool blue-red just for contrast, but mostly warm colours. I did throw in Quin. magenta and opera just for fun. In the end, it was pretty much the palette I use most often any way except for the opera (does make a fabulous neon funky orange!). 2 reds, 2 blues, 2 yellows, and as extras 1 cool red, phthalo turquoise, a violet, magenta and opera. Should work really well. Just need to sort brushes and some paper to start off with. I can buy my fav there, Bockingford 250 cp but might end up using Arches 140 cp.   The acrylics are so heavy, but those colours have been edited too and are being packed regardless.  I may end up with very few clothes in my case, but I can't even begin to think about leaving all these supplies behind for the next 3 months! 

 

 

 

 

Across the Harbour, pastel on watercolour paper 15"x5"

I did pack some pastels in a small box to take since I did a quick experiment this morning on a scrap of acrylic coated watercolour paper.  Don't use pastels too much, hence my technique is a mess but I do love a painting in pastel. Wasn't going to, but since they were out...you know.    I've also sorted some graphite pencils and must remember to grab an empty journal or two off  my book shelf.   Must get on with things for now, but will stay in touch.

Keep well and God Bless,

 

Walk with me....

thought you might like to walk a way on Mermaid Street, Senglea, Malta with me.   The street is very narrow but you can't see it as I'm unable to upload my video. If you could see it you'd notice lots of steps along the way to the highest point.  The climb is worth it as at the end is a beautiful view of the Grand Harbour.  I'll try to upload a short video but this is a picture of the street from below.  The white buildings on the right are at the end of the street.  The other picture is of part of the view from up there looking over from the white building.  (that was owned by an Uncle of mine years ago).

view across Grand Harbour looking towards Valletta, the capital city. 

It's getting closer and the excitement is building.  The two art shows are completed now and art work is again arranged on my walls at home.  A few more private art tutoring sessions which I will miss doing, but look forward to being the student instead of the instructor.    Maltese Easter traditions to observe such as the annual Ravioli Dinner on Good Friday at the club  and then the Sunday Service which is always inspiring and includes wonderful music which clearly conveys the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Then I can concentrate on other things to get ready to leave.    It's amazing how much needs to be arranged when you are gone for more than the usual work or school vacation time.  I'm not complaining to be sure.   Time for dinner will get back to you soon.

Blessed Resurrection Celebration

Right, I think I have some of this figured out now.  Lets see,  I'll send you the address to find me and we can keep in touch that way.  I am beginning to think in terms of what I will need to buy to pack and am beginning to count the days .  I'm still learning where to keep my hands on my little notebook here as I keep deleting and highlighting and sending my cursor in the wrong direction.  You'd think I just started to type.  Well, I;m just rambling, but it's good practice.  Can't wait to really start this journey.  God bless and keep well. 

Mermaid Street. It is a very old street in the city I was born in. Actually, everything is quite old.  Senglea has a very long history which I can come back to later.  For today, my goal is to set up a new blog so I can keep in touch while we are away for an extended time in Malta.  I plan to have photos and information to pass along to you which I hope will be of interest to readers of this blog and new art of course.