It's been an interesting few days: went to Tate Liverpool to see the Glenn Brown exhibition – nine rooms' worth of paintings. It took us all day to go round, with a break for lunch – a very intense experience. Apart from all its' other attributes, the work is a masterclass in the manipulation of perception. Back home, looking at my old copy of "Eye and Brain" by RL Gregory I realise how out of date it is. Ditto Gombrich's Art and Illusion?? Must find something more up to date – if I can understand it.
Spent part of the weekend talking about medical education with friends – a GP and a just-qualifying new medic. They were enthusiastic about the idea of incorporating "proper" drawing into the student curriculum. When I got home I found an email from a colleague saying much the same things, so I hope I can deliver the results.
I also received an email image of a tiny votive figurine excavated locally by the husband of a friend. It dates from the 1st century AD, and they've called it Colin (don't know why). It's an amazing object – sorry; he's an amazing character – and I've spent all afternoon trying to capture the essentials of his appearance and charisma. He has a rather square jawline and his nose has gone giving him the appearance of a prizefighter (or gladiator?) Also, his feet and lower legs are missing. So far he's generated a couple of pages in the sketchbook and some unsuccessful monoprints, but I think he's got star potential.
