Lemur from Dudley Zoo

This Lemur was a photograph taken in Lemur Wood within Dudley Zoo. It has been recreated in coloured pencils. I have yet to post up my thoughts on Dudley Zoo, but they will follow shortly. I seem to have a lot of thoughts since my holidays and am struggling to find the time to blog them all. As long as my head doesn't burst, no doubt I will get there in the end ;-)

Quantum Leap ~ Charles Darwin Memorial

There is rather a lot of controversy in Shrewsbury over the Quantum Leap Sculpture. The sculpture is being erected together with the Charles Darwin Memorial garden which is located across the from the newly built Severn theatre. It used to be a small bit of garden with a few seats.

The idea behind it all is to commemorate the 200th birthday of Charles Darwin who was born in Shrewsbury.
It was initially forecast that the cost would be £200,000 but I rather suspect it has doubled that due to a series of issues. There are also cries that it looks nothing like the original concept.

There is still a raft of work going on around it and as I went into town today, I think the crane is busy removing the structure used to erect it.



Many of the critics are citing the cost and the fact that it is too futuristic for Shrewsbury. Shrewsbury is a medieval town with Georgian and many black and white buildings.



I do think the newly built theatre also came under fire for the same reason. In fact, I had huge reservations about the theatre when I first saw it. It is such a mismatch of materials and textures. However, I am pleased that they managed to utilise the old warehouse that stood to the side of it, once inside it provides the bar area with real interest. To be frank, after a few visits, it is growing on me. I rather like that you can stand on the balcony and look at the Severn in the interval or with a pre-theatre drink. The wood incorporated within the structure is already beginning to weather and lends itself to this historic part of town whilst still looking interesting.



Back over to the hive of work opposite, I do think the ongoing work around the new structure at the minute prevents a proper viewing.



I was also surprised that looking down Mardol that it almost blends into the trees and wonder if the original concept may not have some merit. Visitors to it will turn a corner and then be greeted by a big, bold structure. It is 40 feet high and 57 feet wide. I rather think that when standing right beside, it will be an awesome sight.

What do I think about Quantum Leap? To be honest, I am not sure and I rather think that I will wait until I can see it without all the building works before I pass comment.

One thing I do know is that many people have already judged it as being ugly and there are numerous protests both on the BBC Shropshire and Shropshire Star website regarding the cost and suitability.

I very much doubt that it will reach my "ugly" scale. This building that replaced the old black and white market building is No 1 on my "Ugly List" in Shrewsbury.



In fact, I confess find myself wondering if the iconic concept may indeed be fulfilled, anything that generates such controversy invariably attracts considerable attention. Rather amusingly, I do think the tourists will probably like it more because the residents don't! You can check it out here live on the webcam from the top of the theatre.

Clay Pigeon Shoot Memorial

Andy and myself had both been invited along to a clay pigeon shoot today arranged in memoriam of Andy Clowes.
Proceeds of the shoot were all going to charity, air ambulance and equipment for a local Chemotherapy Unit.
As I am still feeling weak and under the weather from my cold, I decided that I wouldn't shoot this time. I know from a previous experience that the kick from the gun can give you a few aches and pains and right now I have enough.....but, it was a shame because they are a good crowd and it looked lots of fun.

Instead I enjoyed myself with taking a few people shots.



Everyone being briefed at the start



Paul and his Dad work out a strategy!





Nige above and Andy below under instruction from Paul An observation from the photographer, it did not look easy!




This gentleman looked rather more practiced in the art.



Onlookers in the background



Dave at the front of the group setting the standard.



Chris, although a newcomer is doing great



Andy's shooting buddies who all posed for the photo....eventually!

For those that saw me that saw me picking sloes, be assured they are all now prepared for soaking in alcohol :D

Everyone ajourned to the pub for some liquid refreshment and a lovely lunch. Well done to the guys who arranged it all. The good thing was that by the end of the day over £500 had been raised.

It was good to see old friends and meet some new and I am sure that I wasn't alone having a quiet moment thinking of young Andy too.

Red Fox

Right I thought it was time that I put up some art, well some art that wasn't experimentation. I haven't done anything very much since I got back from holiday as I have been struck down with a cold and sore throat.
However, whilst on holiday I did work on a few projects. This is the first in what I hope is several in a british wildlife series.
I thank Rich Mason (his Graphics website can be found here) for a lovely photograph that he allowed me full use of for reference material.

A Quiet Corner

I have previously alluded to the fact on facebook that I have been having a play in watercolours. Sadly, my watercolour technique requires rather a lot of work but I am breaking out of my comfort zone and undertaking a little experimentation.
Andy and I have been discussing these two results and because of that, I would be very interested in readers views to which they prefer and why?
No 1


No 2


Feel free to be critical/truthful, these are both an exercise as such. They have been more of a learning curve than anything else and not too time consuming. Incidentally, also quite fun ;)

Skywatch Friday - Skies of Skiathos

With rather changeable weather on our holiday, we got to see Skiathos under some very different skies.
Here are a few of them.









Meanwhile back here in the UK this week, there have been some very spectacular sunsets to go with some rather nice sunny days. So I will sort out a selection of those for next week :)

Other skywatch images for this week can be found here.

Painting in Skiathos

Before we went to Skiathos, I had also made arrangements to possibly meet up for a drink with another blogger! I have always enjoyed Yvonne's blog Painting Skiathos because of my enjoyment of the images of the island and the articles on the local artists and shops. They always make a good read because some of the places are easily recognisable whilst others provide some ideas for future visits. But, I confess to a little trepidation of ringing someone that I didn't really know. I am not the most sociable person in the world either, preferring to spend time in the company of a few likeminded people when I do break cover! It is also difficult to gauge a personality from a blog, especially one that is in place to promote a business. However, I am so glad I rang; Yvonne is warm, friendly and has a wide ranging knowledge of the arts and the island. The conversation flowed and it was lovely spend time in the company of someone with similar interests.
Her Dad was over for a visit and having spent a number of years living on the island was a mine of wonderful tales and history, he is a character for sure and I could tell where Yvonne gets her inquiring mind. Another added bonus was that Mary Dillon was also there to hold a water colour class at Yvonne's art studio. Mary can only be described as vivacious, candid and enthusiastic about everything.



Myself, Mary and Yvonne ~ Left to right

Yvonne very kindly invited us a long to take a look at the studio and it was like being in a candy shop. I wasn't really quite sure where to look. The studio is set in the lovely grounds of Villa Nicara which is inspiring in itself. Sadly, we didn't take any photo's. There is a very exciting array of art materials which is extensive to say the least but even better than that, there was art everywhere. I simply loved it.

It was fabulous to look at everyone's work, it is so lovely to see art and chat about it. Yvonne's recent child portrait is delightful and she has painted some wonderful images of the island. Looking a little closer I saw a fabulous painting of a poinsettia, which she told me she used for last years Christmas card. I could have spent hours mooching about in that Aladdin's cave ;)

Yvonne is running various art instruction classes throughout the year and I cannot think of more convivial surroundings in which to spend some time if you love creating.

I did so much admire Mary's art, the vibrancy of it astounded me but I guess it reflects her personality pretty much. I have to say that she has inspired me to pull out my watercolours again which have been neglected as late. But, just looking at all that vivid colour……..wow.

Later that evening I also met some of the local artists. For someone like myself that creates almost entirely in isolation apart from blogging, it was all very inspirational.



Despina and Despina

I couldn't really make out who everyone was but think that both of these ladies are called Despina. It seemed they both have various projects on the go at any given time and it was very enjoyable interlude meeting them both, their energy was tangible :)

Some of us went up the steps to eat and an example of Despina's handiwork can be seen behind Andy.



Andy

In fact this photo was taken on a return visit to this restaurant on our last evening. Having experienced the chicken with sun dried tomato on the evening of our meet up, we went back on our last night for a repeat performance and yes that is a recommendation!

So here is another view from our last evening.



Old Port from restaurant

Sadly, all holidays have to come to an end, it is time for us to leave and maybe we will get to explore some more again next year!

Now that I am back to the grindstone, I probably won't have too much time to put all the inspiration into action but at least I was energised by meeting some wonderfully creative people and the island itself. Meanwhile, I have made some notes which should provide me with numerous sunny projects to keep me going through the winter months.

You may have gathered from my posts that we normally spend our time on Skiathos just chilling together in quite an insular manner. However, on this occasion due to the open nature of likeminded people, we experienced more than we have on previous visits. It is fair to say, meeting lovely people made our holiday and our thanks and best wishes go to all those people mentioned above :)

Wildlife In Skiathos

It wouldn't be me if I didn't undertake a little dragonfly and butterfly hunting whilst I was there!
Skiathos has a nature reserve at Koukounaries which is lovely to take a look around but to be honest there are many areas that are a haven for wildlife and you don't have to look very far. Andy and I both have a love for Kolios beach, somehow it soothes the soul and on a nice day, the peace just washes over. You can sit and watch the locals go out in their fishing boats and the smells of food waft there way from the beach taverna.



Kolios

Over the sea the Scarlet dragonflies can be seen scooting across the water in all directions.
To the side of Kolios and in front of Vromolimnos beaches on the Kanapitsa peninsular there are reed beds which provide a haven for insects. Many a content hour was spent watching the dragonflies flying over the water and then trying to capture them when they landed. I observed several of the Migrant hawkers which can also be seen in this country. The picture isn't ideal, they were very active and this one the only one that I managed to capture whilst resting.



Migrant Hawker

Amongst other species, there were also Red Veined Darter and Blue tailed damselflies.



Red Veined Darter



Blue Tailed Damselfly

There were some lovely yellow birds amongst the reeds and some time was spent time moving up on them closer and closer. Then I cursed that fact that I didn't have my 300mm lens!

As yet, I am still trying to identify some of my captures so am posting them up and will add the correct names as I discover them but think this may be a grey wagtail.



On the beach one day, I saw the largest swallow tailed butterfly that I have ever seen. Sadly, it was in flight, so I have no idea of it's identity but later occasions saw them resting up in the Branches of the Pine trees.

I could imagine that the butterflies may be more plentiful earlier in the year but, there was still no shortage if you look closely. Meadow browns, Small whites and painted ladies were could be spotted much the same as the UK. On Kolios I also spent some time photographing what I thought to be an Argos but was unfamiliar with my new camera and none of the resultant shots are very useful.

These little brown and blue butterflies are plentiful over the blackberry bushes.



Short Tailed Blue (Leptotes pirithous)

At Vromolimnos, this lovely blue butterfly was found on the bushes which looks a little like our Holly blue but with a wider black edging.





I also came across a small orange one nectaring in the same area which is about the same size as a small copper here. In amongst the pine trees there were some that are clearly tree dwellers which can be seen by the camouflage of their wings.



Lattice Brown (Kirinia roxelana)

For one reason or another we only got to Tsougrias the once this year but I love going over there. Tsougrias is a small uninhabited island near to Skiathos and can be reached by boat in about 10 or 15 minutes. The place just makes me smile. I would very much love to spend some time there when the weather is not so hot. There is no doubt that it is a gorgeous beach and I rather suspect that there is another across the other side but much of the magic can also be found behind the beach in the surrounding area. There was a glimpse of a green lizard just before he saw me coming. There were butterflies among the olive trees and it is easy to miss the wild flowers growing in the crevices. Down in the rocky steps that form a path, wild cyclamen was growing.



Cyclamen

Sadly whilst viewing all this, I missed the dolphins across the bay. But, hey you cannot experience everything in one go! Walking up the path, a few photo's were snapped overlooking the beach but it was quite warm for venturing too far.



Tsougrias bay

Besides, there is a wonderful taverna on Tsougrias and I was looking forward to my lunch, I have waited months for this!



Greek salad

Our holiday in Skiathos

My trip away was a holiday to the island of Skiathos in Greece. Andy and I have been on a number of occasions previously and although we travel elsewhere, we do keep returning. We love the relaxed atmosphere of the island and visits can now almost feel as though we are returning home on a visit.

Once again we stayed at a different place, this time the Hermes apartments which is listed as being in Kolios by Thomson but it is nearer to Nostos Port than we realised. This was not a bad thing, the weather was a little mixed this time and we did get to explore the Cape of Kanapitsa which we had not previously uncovered. The Hermes was a nice place to stay. The rooms were pretty much like most Greek accommodation but kept exceptionally clean and the food at Hermes is very good and the garlic bread is recommended for sure :) Costis, the owner is very hospitable and I rather like his sense of humour.



View from Hermes Studios

There were some changes over the twelve months since we had been there as you would expect and for some reason it did seem a little quiet compared with previous visits (apart from the busses). As the weather was a little mixed, we did spend more time in the town than we have previously. It is always a good pastime to amble around the port and suss out the boats, imagining who they belong to or who has chartered them.



Boats

Skiathos town is always buzzing compared with the resorts and it great for people watching. The best place is probably down the main street but for me my favourite place for watching the world go by is on the Bourtzi. From here you can watch people, boats, planes and the ferries. The strawberry milk shake, although a little expensive, is to die for!



Bourtzi View

Skiathos town is one of those places that comes alive in an evening. It is fabulous to wonder around and the shops in the back streets are intriguing. The atmosphere is different to the daytime and the cocktail bars in the old port lit up by candlelight give it and air of enchantment. Although, I suspect I wouldn't like it so much in August when it becomes the "in" place to be.






Steps of old Port

Our list of favourite places to eat is growing with each visit. We do enjoy a special meal at Napoleon's which is always a cut above. But, for a totally different experience we also enjoyed the grill bar one street back from the Old Port, both the food and the service was exceptional.

Outside of the town, it was great to go and eat at some old favourites. We love to go to Jimmy's at Aghia Paraskevi, the owner is always welcoming and the traditional food is always good. If you are in the area, it is also good for a breakfast!



Jimmy's Taverna