I’ve always been a glass-half-full type, but I will freely admit to wondering if the promised light at the end of the tunnel was in fact, an oncoming train in early December when I was laid low by COVID: the illness itself, together with the news of rapidly growing cases, followed by tighter restrictions here in the UK, all conspired to make me feel uncharacteristically gloomy, especially at the prospect of a Christmas without seeing any family at all. I know now it was the virus itself making me feel down- I’m out of the other side thankfully, and can see lots to be hopeful about in the coming year, not the least of which will be the return of my workshops and demonstrations together with a weekly Youtube video( interrupted by the virus).
As a great end to a not-so-great year, I received my copy of paint magazine from The SAA and was delighted to see a double page feature on some grumpy old Yorkshire bloke….you can get a free copy when you join the SAA ( great discounts on leading art brands, lots of online film tutorials) but here’s a collage of the article itself.
Let’s hope that 2021 brings with it the much needed return to some semblance of normality- Happy New Year to you all, with grateful thanks for all your support and kind comments.
Am so sorry to hear you caught Covid and happy you survived. We are in lockdown in Sydney also at this time. My point in commenting is that you have bought me great joy this year and taught me much. I am an urban sketcher. My main medium is watercolour. But Since I saw your video’s am into ink and watercolour instead of pencil and watercolour. My sincere thanks to you in the difference you made to my urban sketching. May 2021 bring you joy.
Margaret
Margaret – Thank you so much for writing…I’m so happy ( and very humbled) when I hear that my humble scribblings actually help folk.
All the vert best for 2021..
John
John so glad you are getting better and survived your brush with COVID-19 as my brother also did about the same time and we all looking forward to your inspirational drawings /workshops and tutorials as and when you are fully recovered.
A very happy and healthy New Year
Cheers Bruce, happy to hear your brother’s well. Here’s to a return to near normality in 2021.
All the best
John…
So sorry you got the virus but happy to hear you are on the mend! Drawing, painting has really got me through and seeing other artists work/videos who I follow has really helped! Thank you for sharing and all the best for 2021!
Thank you Margaret…yes, I think we’re lucky ( me and Mrs H) in that our experience with COVID was only like that of a really nasty heavy cold….onward and upward.
all the very best for 2021
John
I’m so happy you’ve recovered from Covid-19 and come out from under the gloom to the joy of being in the SAA magazine — bravo! Wishing you a healthier new year from Vancouver, BC and looking forward to enjoying more of your blog and videos. Thanks for sharing all your tips, John!
I was dismayed when I read you’d caught it but am pleased and relieved to now read you’ve recovered. I’ve enjoyed all the content you’ve been creating here, Instagram, YouTube. I look forward to more. You’re an inspiration.
Hi John. Thank goodness that you have recovered from your encounter with Covid-19. I know from experience how debilitating it can be. As ever I have been enjoying your work and demos. With so much time on my hands, they have really helped to keep me occupied. I am still looking forward to attending one of your workshops once the virus is under control. Best wishes. Stay safe