Artists... Row your boat gently down the stream...

Recently I was reminded of the splendid time I had when, with three good artists friends, every week we would travel together in one car and drive to a picturesque venue to sit together all day and paint. We enjoyed being together come rain or come shine, and always found a good place to paint, laugh, and enjoy ourselves. Once we sat in a shelter on a pier in the pouring rain while others stayed home in the dry, and another time on a windswept beach when the only other human being in sight was a life-risking windsurfer as dedicated to his hobby as we were to ours. But mostly the days we went out to paint were calm and inviting and often sunny, and sometimes even almost too hot. We were a peaceful little group, none of us young, who amicably agreed on venues, on choosing to go out in less favourable weather conditions or to stay home if the weather was too unpleasant. I think if we’d had a fast-pitch tent (which I now have in my garden) we’d have sat together in it in the rain, just to get out in the fresh air and to paint in artistic peacefulness with no chatterbox chattering, no gossip gossiping, and no attention-seeker demanding attention. Our little group was harmonious, creative, enjoyable, and it was a wonderful experience which lasted for several years.
Now though, life has changed as all three of my wonderful friends have passed away, all from different, unrelated ailments. Within about 15 months of each other I lost them all. The oldest was 90 and an incredibly skillful and inspiring watercolourist. With their loss I lost my will to paint. I packed up all my art things and turned away from them. And for the last couple of years I haven't touched any of them. It was just 2 days ago when perchance I happened to see another artist's outdoor sketches that I felt I could even bother to look back through my own sketches . And I found this one, remembered the day, thought of my friends, and decided to post a photo of my sketch here on blip.
In memory of 3 really good friends, who were very inspiring, patient, often funny, and all skilful artists. I miss them all.

May they row their boats gently down the stream,
Merrily, merrily, merrily,
Life is but a dream.



Many thanks to everyone for your visits, for your comments, and for all the stars and hearts for my photos. They're all very much appreciated x