Friday 30 December 2011


Couple of sculptures in the studio of George Parsonage.
George works in the boat shed on the Clyde at Glasgow
Green. This is the base of The Glasgow Humane Society
which has been run by George for many years and his
father Ben before him. The Society is a charity who
look after the safety of those on the river within the city.
They desperately need funding for more lifebelts and
the general running which includes clearing debris and
on occasions, recovering the bodies of those unfortunate
enough to come to grief.

Wednesday 28 December 2011

Another wee painting that will be heading down to Devon
in April.

Tuesday 27 December 2011

Back when I was living in Texas in the mid seventies the
technician in the art department was a great fella called
Terry Willoughby and this was the number plate on his
pick up. I always admired it and he gave it to me as a
leaving present in '76. Still have it. Think I"ll make a print.

Monday 26 December 2011

This morning is so grey and miserable looking that I thought
we needed cheering up. I certainly do. This wee painting is
Volissos on the Greek island of Chios. It will be going to Devon
in mid April for my exhibition which opens around the 22nd.

Friday 23 December 2011

Glasgow Green. I like the contrast between the Nelson monument
and the chimney.

Thursday 22 December 2011

Doesn't look like we'll have a white Christmas but we nearly did.
This was last week.

Wednesday 21 December 2011

This is 'Thai Textile with Lillies'. Just back from the framer and
in line for my solo show in Devon in April.

Monday 19 December 2011

The Stirrup Cup







The Stirrup Cup, hidden away up a wee road on the outer edges
of Kilbirnie is a treasure trove. Owned and run by my good friend
Greta Logan, I never go there without finding something to take
home.
Drive through Kilbirnie and head out on the Largs road.
Just before the golf course there is a signpost for The Stirrup Cup
pointing to the right. This is Geirston Road. Drive towards the top
and just before it, on the right is the turning for the farmyard.
Up until Christmas there will be mulled wine or warming ginger.
I had the ginger and it was lovely.
West Bankside Farm, Geirston Road, Kilbirnie, Ayrshire
KA25 7LQ

Sunday 18 December 2011

Arran covered in snow.

Friday 16 December 2011

Rowena Comrie





Only two days left to see this lovely exhibition. I saw it yesterday.
Rowena Comrie at the Hughson Gallery, 1 Cleveden Gardens,
Glasgow G12 0PU. Last day Sunday 18th December.
Rowena was one of the finalists in the very last Aspect Prize
exhibition in The Fleming Collection Gallery in London.

Wednesday 14 December 2011


In all this winter rain and wind it's time to remember summer days
and lovely bright colours. This is in a Greek market on a hot July day.

Tuesday 13 December 2011

By the roadside in Greece

Monday 12 December 2011

Six whole days since I blogged. Unusual...what was it? The change of
weather probably. From the cold, wet and windy autumn to the even
colder, wetter and windier winter. Ah well...I'm back. And back with a
great book. Peter May's 'The Blackhouse'. This is a murder mystery
set on the Island of Lewis. Strange that I should be reading this the
very week that Lewis has had its first murder in forty years.
This is a good book, the first in The Lewis Trilogy.
I'll definitely be buying the next two.
Not the usual run of the mill murder mystery, it is enormously
informative of life on Lewis and is written with a depth of knowledge
and a confidence which comes only with practice. The story is good and
the dialogue believable. I would expect no less from Peter May who
was one of the main writers on the STV's 'Take The High Road'
back in the day when I was a cast member. From there he went to
Lewis to head up their Gaelic soap 'Machair'.
Now living in France, that wealth of experience is flowing forth in novels.
Well done that man.
I'm not quite finished 'The Black House'....maybe this evening.

Tuesday 6 December 2011

Monday 5 December 2011

Glasgow's Big Wheel



Went on Glasgow's big wheel on Friday. I don't like heights
but was persuaded to go on. Not entirely sure I could describe it
as fun but appreciate that if you don't mind heights then it
is great.

Friday 2 December 2011

The wind farm on the moor near Eaglesham.

Thursday 1 December 2011

Borderline Theatre




Been off air for a few days as I have been helping designer
Justin Wilson build and paint sets for Borderline Theatre's
new community show. It was all very last minute and we had
four days to do it. The main set is painted on a flat wall. Yes,
a flat wall....good isn't it. The show opens tonight at the
Harbour Arts Centre in Irvine. Only runs for two performances.

Saturday 26 November 2011

Went to the new Wholefoods store in Giffnock. Being something
of a chocoholic I always check out the chocolate bars. This one
I'd never tried before and it's fabulous. Made in Madagascar.
It's got such a complex taste..neither bitter nor sweet.
Hmmmmm.

Thursday 24 November 2011

Dried fish in a fish market in Kalk Bay outside Cape Town.

Wednesday 23 November 2011

Iceland

Someone was asking if I had any paintings of Iceland.
Found three including this wee sketch of lake Myvatn.
Huge midges round there. We'd read about them but
nothing prepares you for the actual thing.
Beautiful place despite midge attack.

Tuesday 22 November 2011

Candili

Painting of the house we stayed in during the summer.
It's on the Greek island of Evvia.

Sunday 20 November 2011

Dunlop Village Hall

It's the annual Christmas Exhibition in the village hall here
in Dunlop. Opening night was fun and one of my two pictures
is sold. One left.....

Thursday 17 November 2011

Just found this old photo of me drawing in Tobago.
It's a tough life.

Wednesday 16 November 2011

Ormidale House, Argyll







During the last week of March next year I shall be heading a
five day art course at Ormidale House in Argyll. Yesterday I
visited Ormidale and think it's a fabulous place.
Visiting chef Stuart Campbell made us a scrummy lunch.
Stuart will be cooking for the art course and I can't wait!
Details of this course will appear before Christmas.

Tuesday 15 November 2011

Mcauley Fine Art


Mcauley Fine Art in The William Street Gallery in Edinburgh
are having a Christmas show with small paintings and sketches.
These two are heading off to Edinburgh tomorrow for the
show. Both sketches from Portugal.
Mcauley Fine Art, The William Street Gallery, 10 William
Street, Edinburgh EH3 7NH.

Monday 14 November 2011

This is a large painting of a lighthouse in Maine.
It's going to be on a new web site which I'll tell you
about soon. All very exciting...watch this space.