Coincidentally....

It's strange that my latest drawing resembles a scarf after some of the lovely comments on my last floral drawing. It is a complete coincidence as I had done this drawing before I saw your comments but watch out Marianna - I may well take you up on your offer!

This was inspired by gifts from a friend of beautiful yellow dahlias and ceramic blue plate.
© 2013 nicky linzey

Olives

My olive trees have produced a lot of fruit this year and I always have the urge to harvest it. I tried this once, with the naive and romantic notion of picking the olives, putting them in some pretty jars and eating them when friends came round on a summer's evening .. I didn't know they had to be cured which is a laborious job of cutting a slit in each one, immersing them in water and changing the liquid every day for 6 days. After that they need to be stored in sterile jars in brine for 5 weeks, then drained and flavoured with lemon, garlic, herbs and stored in olive oil for two weeks. Then ... you can eat them. I threw the lot away after a few days as they looked foul, however I am tempted to have another go this year.. I'll let you know how I get on.
© 2013 nicky linzey

creativity

My need to draw has come back - think it must have been the week off. It's so hard when creativity deserts you but the worst thing to do is worry about it - says I who does just that! I find that getting out and about, walking and taking lots of photos helps. Loving instagram at the moment as you can see from the past month.

© nickylinzey 2013

Away

I've been away from my computer for a week - a good break, although the weather change was a bit of a shock. Definitely picked the wrong week there!

A lovely new restaurant found and a content Jack Russell - a holiday isn't the same without him.

Some stormy walks, a trip to Dorset, an inspiring painter and wilderness.

The old and the new

I walked around Old Portsmouth for the first time the other day and saw lots of interesting things - I liked it, which I didn't expect to do.

at a glance

My August in pictures

smile

The very last August Break picture and I'm feeling quite sorry it's over. Taking a pic every day of a subject not chosen by me was more challenging and tiring than I thought but very inspiring too, thanks to Susannah Conway for organising it. This one is a bit of fun to end the month!