Daily ”Somethings” and a (Sad but Sweet) Hedgehog Tale

Following up from the daily walks I am trying to get something visual done each day. Like all artists I need to practise, to explore and refine ideas and techniques but I don’t know what to call these daily exercises because words such as “sketch”, “drawing” or “painting” are loaded with different meanings and expectations. So perhaps “Daily Visual Notes” will have to do.

What are these DVNs for? They are for working out ideas, recording things, they are technical exercises and experiments so might seem to be nothing more than a muddle of lines and marks, but they will mean a lot to me.
So should I post them on the blog? I am indecisive. Somehow posting things on the blog indicates that I am happy with them. But my feelings about these things are neutral. They are like practising your scales on the piano.

But I do want them to become a good and regular habit, and in the past blogging has certainly helped my resolve ( I am so easily distracted!! ) and does keep a chronological record of work which is interesting to look back on.
But I don’t want them to be the point of the day. Hmm I’ll just have to see how this develops but here is Number 1.

Number 1 DVN:  Ruts and Puddles

This morning I didn’t take the camera on my walk but did have my sketchbook. Up on shady Damson Path a deep water filled rut was reflecting the sky so I made these notes, 10 mins under trees dripping with last nights rain.  I like puddles there is a mysterious other life about them.

The notes say;  “RW extension, 28th Aug 7.50 am. ruts and puddles: the thin strip of light at the edge is really important, 10 mins sketch water drips from trees above, 2 patches of sun appear as I am standing.”

 

The Hedgehog Tale

On Saturday while out cycling we saw 2 dead hedgehogs. This made us very sad and we hoped that neither of them was our garden hedgehog. One little thing was curled up on the grass by the Church. It looked asleep but was sadly very dead. I resolved to return later (rather hoping for an intervening hedgehog resurrection miracle) to bring it home and give our little spiny friend a fitting and honourable burial. 
Next morning it was still there but overnight either fairies or kind children had bedecked the tiny body with leaves, small pebbles and pretty flowers and what looked like a large sweet. A little hedgehog shrine. It seemed such a kind and compassionate act that it gives me hope for humanity.

Would that we all have such a sweet send off.