Sketchbook memories
As always, I was delighted to receive The Artist through the post this morning. I was doubly delighted to see featured an article by my friend and sometime painting buddy, Richard Bond (summer 2021 issue), whose loose watercolour technique I have long admired. There is also a very interesting article by Carole Baker, who sings the praises of keeping a sketchbook. Her beautiful, strong illustrations are clearly the work of someone who certainly knows her craft.
I can boast of having a long interest in art. Throughout my life that interest has had its ups and downs. It flourished greatly when, after retirement and the loss of my wife, I had time on my hands. I started to use a sketchbook to fill time and to record places I visited. Over the years I accumulated around 24 of these books and I was persuaded to go into print with some of the iIllustrations they contain – and I have to say that I’m proud of the end product. Although not up to the standard of Carole Baker's work, a glance at the book (above) brings back so many happy moments and the people I have met – they demonstrate the life-enhancing benefits that art bestows.
Denis Pickles, by email