Apparently the UK has recently been experiencing a meteorological condition called anticyclonic gloom. The result is that for the past fortnight or so, we’ve only had about a tenth of the sunshine we should have had.
I think these conditions also blighted our recent trip to Paris, when aside from about half an hour, the weather was unremittingly grey.
I’m not sure whether these odd conditions are related to the cause, or just a coincidence, but I’ve also been experiencing a bit of anti-painting gloom!
To be honest, I just really haven’t felt in the mood, and that’s really rare for me. Even when I’m going through a thin patch I’ve normally managed to muster something up!
As easy and convenient it would be to blame this on the weather, I think there are other, more significant factors at play too. Uppermost in this list is work. It’s fair to say that my work is tough at the moment and it’s having a knock on effect to my painting. This isn’t intended as a whinge, but I’ve been wrestling with it a little of late and am gradually accepting that it’s ok to cut oneself some slack every now and then.
Even so, I still needed to have something to share, and something to aim for when I do feel in the mood to paint!
So here’s a quick preparatory sketch of what I think may be coming next.
It’s based on a view in Paris. On a grey day! I have a few ideas on how to treat this, but as I’m still not 100% sure on it yet I haven’t started it (but am already looking forward to when I do!)