Bell weather
June 23, 2004
I just returned from a stay at Richard Bell's little house in Yorkshire. Despite the lousy weather, we drew and painted every day, touring York and the surrounding little villages, wandering in the countryside, then coming home for great food and conversations with his lovely wife, Barbara and browsing through more than thirty years of Richard's illustrated journals.
Richard is such a big deal in British illustrated journals circles that he can't go out and draw without being followed by a film crew . We spent one morning in the Dewsbury market being filmed by Yorkshire TV who are doing a documentary about Richard. For some reason, they also interviewed me at some length.
I was a little hesitant to meet some face-to-face who I've only ever e-mailed, but my trip was a great experience for lots of reasons. I learned so much from drawing along side such an experienced artist; we both seemed equally addicted to journaling; Richard and Barbara were terrific hosts; and Yorkshire was endlessly draw-able.
P.S. Check out some of Richard's work from the same period.
A record of my exploration into all aspects of drawing, illustrated journaling, creativity, and the inspiring aspects of art. By the author of "Everyday Matters," "The Creative License", and "An Illustrated Life" and other books.
Comments
Thanks for this little tantaliser on York. I am hoping to be there in January and am looking forward to it very much, although I think that the weather will be a lot different to that which you experienced. After 3 Christmas trips from Australia to the UK, this is the first time I have managed to persuade my hubby that York is a worthwhile destination.
Posted by: Robyn | June 23, 2004 05:56 PM
it sounds like it was a productive trip, despite the cameras trying to inhibit you. as always, thanks for sharing.
Posted by: blue | June 23, 2004 06:30 PM
Your photo of the stack of journals was incredibly clear.
What type of camera was that taken with ? Also, do you use a scanner for your journal paintings or take photos of them to post online ?
I want to thank you ..........I feel as though I've traveled the world! Your journals have taken me to places I have yet to
explore on my own.
Posted by: Bonnie Winkelman | June 23, 2004 11:07 PM
Hi! I'm the list mum of UKPaperarts on Yahoo groups. Would you please tell us more about the film?? Was it BBC? Will it be on telly?
TA!
Patty
Surrey
Posted by: Patty | June 24, 2004 03:18 AM
!!! I HAVE to buy your book! I absolutely LOVE what I see on this site. A LOVE it. *thrill*. Where are my shoes!!?? *runs off to the store*.
Posted by: cableclair | June 24, 2004 05:48 AM
Now I feel SO homesick... your photo of Richard's shed shot straight to the heart. I'm fromthe south, but an English shed is an English shed! thanks Danny! Glad you had a great time.
Posted by: Miss Vitriolica Webb | June 24, 2004 06:26 AM
Very cool it sounds like a great time. Richard mentioned that you both drew at the airport while you were heading out...that you used his watercolor crayons and your drawings turned out much different than his. I'd love to see a comparison (he posted his online)...it would be fun to see the differences!
:)
Posted by: tania | June 24, 2004 11:17 AM
Yorkshire is amazing, I have had the good fortune of setting foot on its beautiful soil. The borders of England and Scotland are breathtaking...wet, but gorgeous.
Great drawings!
Richard looks like a cool cat indeed, and draws like a virtuoso.
You aren't so bad yourself... ;)
Lovely stuff!
Posted by: Donavan Freberg | June 24, 2004 03:25 PM
What a fun, soul regenerative trip!
Posted by: Melly | June 25, 2004 07:25 AM
Hi Danny. Just stumbled across a watercolorist that I think you'll like. Check out his gallery...
http://www.johnlovett.com/msuntn.htm
BTW, love your work!
Posted by: matt | June 25, 2004 10:17 AM
Great stuff!!
Thanks for the insight into the weekend..sounds like fun, despite the weather.. loved both your work and Richard's!
Hey, was that pocket in the front of your jacket a good place to keep the journal and pens dry?!
Posted by: Amy | June 26, 2004 02:14 AM
Your drawings in color (paintings) are so
beautiful.
a
Posted by: andrea | June 28, 2004 01:05 PM