I’m starting to write this blog on World Mental Health Day when it is so evident that mental health problems can affect any one of us as the current uncertain coronavirus situation is causing so much concern and disruption. Art, music, theatre, entertainment and so many other dependent occupations rely on the creative industries which, with rare exceptions, simply cannot function normally now and for the foreseeable future. Gigs, concerts, exhibitions have nearly all been limited to virtual performances and displays which cannot replace the kind of social events so desperately needed to create an atmosphere of enjoyment, fun and appreciation.
I am so fortunate to be retired and don’t have to rely on the music industry (which is currently suffering badly with very little live music performance ) to pay my salary. Neither do I require a sell out art exhibition of paintings to make a living or have to produce a set number of works to pay the bills. I’m just about good enough as an artist to know that I’m not good enough, as I’m certainly my own biggest critic simply producing work which may or may not obtain a financial reward. That said, I am anxious to help others wherever possible and must think of better ways of promoting my work more effectively online. One solution seems to be displaying hung paintings in a virtual exhibition in our home. I’ve shown a few examples below.
I mentioned in my last blog that I would try and create bright, positive works and this week I hope I’ve kept to my word by producing this picture of the Great Belt Bridge which links the Danish islands of Zealand and Funen. Unfortunately, it’s not the more famous Oresund Bridge between Malmo, Sweden and Copenhagen in Denmark, which we also drove over, and is the subject of the Scandi Noir TV drama 4 part series “The Bridge” currently being revived again on BBC 4. This painting was adapted from a photo taken during our last holiday in Scandinavia from near our hotel at Nyborg in Denmark on the way back to the Esbjerg ferry and home to Harwich.
This is a portrait I made some years ago which has been slightly revised and is now framed, read to go on sale.
Finally, I’m now in the process of organising a clearance sale of paintings, many of them completed over 5 years ago, simply because we have a fairly small house and are running out of storage space. All proceeds will be donated to help anyone in need at this very difficult time so I’m currently looking at the most efficient way of achieving this objective. I hope it won’t take too long but there is a fair amount of work yet to be done.