Launch a Memory

 

When the RNLI wrote inviting me to remember Eamonn on a new  Shannon Class Lifeboat, to be launched at Wells next the Sea, I didn't hesitate. The invite came in time for Eamonn's birthday, 2021. 

The Duke of Edinburgh was launched in September, and made its way to Wells in October. 

Day 1 20 October 2022

I started an A5 watercolour of the still from the video of the boat's arrival at Wells at the Get Painting group. It is the first time I've attempted to paint an object. Given my lack of drawing skills, I was worried about if I could capture the spirit of the lifeboat in action.

Day 2 23/10/2022

I let the colours do the work and filled in the details right at the end.

Rather pleased with the way it turned out.

Murphy

 When I was a child, my Dad's nickname for me was Murphy - or Spud. He used to take me to watch Manchester City play. A footballer who once played for the team, and England. William Murphy (23 May 1894 – 11 June 1975), often known as Spud Murphy, was an English footballer who played as a winger for Manchester City, Southampton, Oldham Athletic and Tranmere Rovers.

I was thrilled when Kate told me the name of her new puppy - Murphy.

Looking at the photos the breeder sent, I noticed a similarity with my dog, Whiskey.

Day 1 

I decided to try a watercolour in a similar style of that I'd used for the portrait of Whiskey

Day2

It didn't quite turn out as planned. 

Day 3

Bold strokes of colour served for the outline and wavy coat.

Day 4

The features needed a more detailed approach.

Finished and Framed - 16/10/2022

Found the perfect frame.

Whiskey

 My first dog was bought as a birthday present to me in 1963, after my sister was married.

He died in 1970, just before we moved to the South of England.

He was my best friend throughout my teenage years.

I wanted to depict Whiskey's fun character, so added colour to the original photo, to use as a prompt.

Really pleased with the finished watercolour. Attempted a pop-art type cartoon.