The windmill

'Inspired' by my own photograph of a windmill in Copenhagen, I drew this sketch.  I liked all of the lines created by the scaffolding.  The sketch hasn't turned out as I had hoped though.  I had in mind a superb picture of a shipyard I had seen in a gallery recently, draw in charcoal, and I wanted to attempt something similar here. Unfortunately I was unable to replicate what was in my mind's eye.

Forget me not

I found this in one of my sketch books.  I'm pretty sure I was sketching a celebrity but I've no idea who.  I can't remember who I was drawing and it looks nothing like anyone so that doesn't help either. Answers on a postcard.......

Christianshavn, Copenhagen

Mujibnagar Road

The Round Tower

a section of one of the pieces
currently on display.

The Round Tower in Copenhagen was built as an astronomical observatory.  It is connected to the Trinitatis Church.  You reach the top of the tower by a ramp, not a stair case, which makes the height  much easier to ascend.  The interesting part, from an art point of view, is that an art gallery is reached from the tower.  The gallery is in the roof space of the church which used to hold a University Library.  The gallery space is large, light and airy. There were some very good contemporary art works on display and I recommend you visit if ever you are in town.

Nationalmuseet

I also tried rhubarb juice
for the first time in the
gallery cafe.  Delicious.

During my trip to Copenhagen I visited the National Museum.  I had time to draw a quick pen sketch in my little moleskin sketch book of 4000 year old pottery on display in the Department of classical and near eastern antiquities.

Louisiana

The view from the grounds at Louisiana.
Sweden is just over the horizon,

Half an hour north of Copenhagen by train is the Louisiana Gallery of Modern Art.  I've just returned from a trip to Copenhagen and my friend and I decided to take some time out of the city to visit this gallery.  It was well worth the trip and is probably the best modern art gallery I've visited. The unassuming buildings are set into a pretty landscape by the sea.

Richard Mosse's stunning film "The Enclave" captured on 16mm Kodak
Aerochrome film, once favoured by the military for surveillance.  The 25 minute
film explores war in the Democratic Republic of Congo.  The above is one
of Richard's still images.

My friend and I arrived at 11.00 a.m. when the gallery opened and we didn't leave until 4.00 p.m.. There was so much to see and we were lucky to arrive on such a beautiful day.  There are two wings to the building which are packed full of wonderful art works.  We also spent time in the sculpture garden, enjoying the art and soaking up the sun.

There were several exhibitions taking place and there are also pieces on display from their permanent collection.  We also
enjoyed a delicious lunch in their
cafe.

Art on a plate.  This is a smørrebrød which is a danish 
open sandwich.

A view to a small lake with some Giacometti's on display.

Live from Lauriston

I've just discovered Periscope; it's my new favourite thing.  I decided to take a walk to Lauriston Castle this afternoon. The sun had come out after there had been a spot of rain earlier in the day. I decided it was a great place for my first live broadcast.  I've uploaded it to YouTube if you want to check it out.

I had my Iphone in one pocket and my sketch book in the other and I drew a quick pen sketch whilst I was sitting in the Kyoto Friendship Garden.  I also took some photos of Lauriston Castle while I was there too.  If you click here you'll see my favourite shot from today.

It was a very productive afternoon!

Portraiture/Caricature

There is perhaps a fine line between portraiture and caricature.  This attempt at the wonderful character actor Michael Sheen clearly falls into the latter category and he has also unfortunately ended up having something of a broad resemblance to my Kim Jong Un sketch, however maybe that's just my style coming through!  Having said that I'm actually pleased that this has a more life like feel to it. 

Mespelbrunn Castle

I'd love to say that this fairy tale image came from my imagination but it is a real castle in Germany

The actor plays the dying man