Inspiring day

Woke to a dull day, complete contrast to yesterday's sunshine.  Walked the hound, breakfast then went to meet my friend A.

We'd agreed to meet at Kettle's Yard, a gallery about 10 minutes cycle ride from me.  Our intention to view the exhibition Paint Like the Swallow Sings Calypso.  Thank you Almondblossom.  

As we'd arrived just as the gallery opened at 11am we decided on coffee and chat first before the crowds arrived.  A had not been keen on the BBC1 series The Gold.  I think I've encouraged her to persevere with it. We had a detailed catch up on books we're reading, current affairs and our college days.  As the cafe was filling up we headed to the gallery.

A' s family are artists of one sort or another.  Her late father was a stone carver and knew Eric Gill though did not share his unseemly habits.  A's brother after a brief spell as a mental health nurse also took up stone carving particularly letter carving.  Her mother paints.  A studied art at A level but doesn't draw largely due to arthritis but does appreciate art and we've had many visits to exhibitions including the works of Dora Carrington, Henry Moore,  Singer Sargent and Rembrandt. 

This exhibition had works by a variety of artists but I was particularly struck by the work of Paul Dash which was new and refreshing.  I was so impressed by how the marks, hatching and collage effect gave depth to his paintings.  I'd not seen anything quite like it.  My curiosity was fired up to find out much more.

Headed home for lunch.  Looked up Paul Dash and other paintings.  Inspiring indeed.

Anyone in or near Cambridge do go but you've got until Sunday 19 February. 

Now to get the hound's dinner and then us bipeds.  More watching The Gold tonight.

Pleasant evening everyone.