Artists are just children...

Backblipped 27.07.21


who refuse to put down their crayons - Al Hirschfeld


Peter joined David and Lola on their moor walk this morning, another lovely sunny day.

Back in time for brunch then we headed over the hill to Aberfeldy, well Fortingall to be precise, to visit the Fortingall Summer Art Exhibition.

I have followed Rochelle McConnachie, a Perthshire artist, on Instagram for quite a while now, and she kindly invited me to the exhibition today as she was going to be there all day so we would finally get a chance to meet.

The drive over to Fortingall via The Sma' Glen was as lovely as ever and Fortingall itself is such a wonderful place and home to one of the oldest living things in Europe, the Fortingall Yew Tree, thought to be around 5000 years old.  Fortingall Hall is also lovely, and a wonderful setting for an art exhibition.

We arrived and sure enough Rochelle was there.  It was so lovely to meet her.  We chatted for a few minutes then I headed off to catch up with Peter and David.  

I can't describe how fantastic is was to be there.  I can't remember the last time I visited an art gallery or show.  There was no point as within ten minutes of being on my feet, my arthritis would have me in great pain.  To be able to make my way around all the exhibits at a leisurely pace, double back to see certain work again, stop and chat to Rochelle some more, then head to the opposite end of the hall to look at some amazing ceramics, had me giddy with joy.  And there is nothing like looking at other artists' wonderful work to inspire one to pick up a paint brush.

There were also a some photographers exhibiting work too and that was lovely to see.  And the cherry on the cake was we bought one of Rochelle's paintings.  One of her silver birch tree trunks that I absolutely adore.  A future blip no doubt :-)

After chatting to Rochelle some more, we headed home via Loch Tay and Glen Quaich.  More wonderful scenery.

Smoky chipotle chicken with corn on the cob and sweet potato wedges for dinner and again we ate outside, although the wasp was back and kept dive bombing me so I retired indoors to eat my main course.  

We had summer berries for dessert (Peter is on a health kick and has transformed himself!  I was gobsmacked when I saw him.  He has inspired me to get my act together!) which we ate outside in a different part of the garden, away from the wasp...and were blown away by the fact we were still outside chatting at 9.45pm, without cardigans or jumpers, in SCOTLAND!  Unheard of! 

All too soon it was time for Peter to head off.  So lovely to see you P!  We will get another get together in the diary soon, and definitely before 18 months!  Damn covid!