When I open the door, Chops goes straight to the cowhide and just sits. He probably thinks it's a Dalmatian.
Sit, Chops. Sit. Good boy.
I wish I could draw like that…
My goddaughter made this self portrait. It looks remarkably like her. I love the way she draws and she is always fearless. If she makes a mistake she goes straight on to the next line – and the one after that. She doesn't erase anything either, she doesn't have time for that.
Tuesday by Tuesday.
That one's got sand on it…
Thanks to Geoff and Carly Lloyd, the extra footage for the book trailer for Chicken Smith is in the can. Not only do they have this beach in the front of their house, but the surf club does chips like this all day long. They're the best – ask a seagull. Thank you Lloyds.
You can see the little film here.
Photographs by G & C Lloyd.
A little more to the left… up a bit…that's it…
The Australian winner of the screen print competition has received his prize and has displayed it like a peacock. Congratulations!
Photograph by D. Trollip.
I don't remember drawing that…
The Very Hungry Memorial…
I was at a school to give a talk to a group of children and noticed this.
The windows were covered with children's drawings and works of art too: you could barely see the outside world. There were things made of newspaper and string hanging down from the ceiling and glittery paper plates as far as the eye could see.
Over the years, I've learned that teachers habitually attach things to walls at jaunty angles to give rooms some kind of dynamic that squared-up attachments just can't offer. I like how the children's project has upstaged the professor's years of service to the sunday school, but I immediately felt like I should at least do something to correct this for the sake of his legacy. Maybe I could lower the poster just a few millimetres if I stood on a chair? Just then, the doors opened and the children streamed in and – once again – the professor was (momentarily) forgotten.
The truth can now be told.
Don't wrap it up, I'll wear it out of the shop…
Perfect for a trip in the countryside, this outfit is made from hardwearing, dyed suede. The hat is felt and the boots are the best Tuscan calfskin. The gloves are kid. If I were fashionable I'd certainly wear this as a driving costume. I didn't design this outfit, but it has inspired me to think of my own clothes designs. I never thought I could do it, I really didn't. And after a few attempts I am convinced that I can't and most importantly MUST NOT. I had the same experience with sculpture a few years ago. I will leave it to the experts.
I would look much taller and slimmer, and it would take 5 years off.
Happy Birthday Jacqueline!
My sister in the dress she made herself. (I buy strictly off-the-peg).
It's not designed for that…
Birds using the playground equipment in central London park. They're very patient and well behaved.
According to the sundial we can go in now…
A copy of Waiting for Chicken Smith has arrived. This one is shown in Italy where it is hot and sunny as in the book itself. Unlike the story, this copy is a long way from the seaside (120kms). The nearest body of water here is only a few metres away, however diving is forbidden and you must wait at least an hour after you've eaten before you can get in. It's far too hot for that.
No running, diving, splashing, loud behaviour and definitely no eating in the pool.