Goldfinches return
colours exaggerated
in bright winter sun
by Scooj
Tag: Nature
2774. St Werburghs tunnel (148)
I first met Sirens a few years ago in The Bearpit when he was contributing to a paint jam, I think organised by Georgie. I have had a soft spot for his work ever since. His scenes are most unconventional and unlike anything else you see in the city. Often his work contains strong horizons and vanishing points and that interface between humanity and nature.
I also know that Sirens enjoys the chalenge of painting in corners, a form of anamorphic art that needs to be viewed from a certain angle in order to make sense. This naive style is instantly recognisable and although not technically up there with some of the Bristol masters, it is original and in a way aesthetically pleasing. I haven’t seen any of his work for ages so it was great to find this one at the tunnel.
(Bio)Diversity
Dominance softened
when pockets of difference
break monotony
by Scooj
At first glance this picture appears to show only mussels, but take a longer closer look. There are at least six different species in the picture and they break up the regular pattern and dominance of the mussels to create a less threatening and stark ecology. A metaphor perhaps?
Life-long naturalist
There is some comfort
in knowing that what I do
benefits nature
by Scooj
Winter Heliotrope
Looking for the sun
where there is none to be found
a winter beauty
by Scooj
Goldcrest
Tiniest of birds
pays me a little visit
deeply privileged
by Scooj
Llangorse Lake
Autumn browned margins
offer cover for wildlife
people in hides watch
by Scooj
Imagination
.
Beneath the ginkgo
shoals of yellow manta ray
gather at the kerb
.
by Scooj
With thanks to Bill Bisgood for getting me thinking about these wonderful trees.
Viscount heron
.
Aristocratic
surveyor of his domain
goldfish pond in view
.
by Scooj
2536. Cheltenham 2019 (15)
This is an incredible piece by Fabio Petani, an Italian muralist who rarely paints at festivals because he makes his living from commissions and can rarely afford give up the time to paint ‘for fun’. So this is a rare treat and a bit of a coup for organisers of the Cheltenham Paint Fesitval.
His work is symbolic of connecting people with nature, which is something of a strong societal theme these days and his sketch-like illustration, on a grand scale, brings nature to the urban setting. I think the stark and perfect yellow ring reminds us of human endeavour and how we have divorced ourselves from nature. This is a thoughtful and beautifully painted piece.
I managed to snatch a few words with the artist on the Friday and on the Sunday I just happened to be there as he finished the piece and moved the scissor lift out of the way. I believe I was the first to photograph the completed work.
Natural adventures 