New Year Resolutions

It’s that time of year again, when we reflect on the past twelve months and make New Year resolutions.

I’ve decided, after half a century of sailing and more than 25 sailing a Solo, to hang up my wetsuit and sell my boat – Don’t Wait Up – to a younger man. The Solo before last was called Back Soon but I never was …

I’ve also hung up my spade and relinquished the shed key for allotment 5E. I wish the new incumbent many happy hours of digging and cropping, while enjoying the most amazing view across the estuary and hills beyond.

What will I do with my time in 2017?

Always to the Hills, from an original painting by Nikky Corker

I’ll be mostly painting, although, as this year’s birthday card from wife Anne hinted, we need to spend more time together, walking and enjoying the fresh air and beautiful countryside while we still can.

Anne purchased the card from Ashburton Post Office where they have a great range, including ones by the artist, Nikky Corker. In this one, Nikky captured these aging but fit folk heading for the hills. Us in 2017?

We’ve lived here in Salcombe for more than a decade now. While we enjoy fortnightly visits to the chiropractor in Ashburton, and make a point of buying fresh fish at the excellent Fish Deli, we rarely make time to head up to the moors.

Such excursions are clearly high up on my list for 2017!

What am I planning to paint in 2017?

The first challenge is to create enough new artworks for the Salcombe Art Club Main Exhibition – and handing in day is Saturday 1 April.

As a full member of the club, I’m invited to exhibit five new original paintings. I had better get my skates on!

What art classes will I attend in 2017?

I’ve already booked to attend Michael Hill’s watercolour / acrylic class on a Tuesday plus the full-day oil class with Ian Carr on a Friday. I’d also sign up for Ian’s Tuesday evening but I know I’d be too tired after a full day class with Michael!

Attending these classes is a great opportunity to meet with fellow artists and enjoy their company while learning more and more techniques.

Where are the classes held?

All classes are in the Loft Gallery, the home of Salcombe Art Club.  The Loft Gallery is situated behind the Fortescue Inn, and above a popular shoe shop, on a delightful footpath called Victoria Quay. And, Low Tide at Fishermans Cove – the featured image above – is the view from Victoria Quay.

See you there?

I can thoroughly recommend your joining Salcombe Art Club and attending classes between now and when next year’s Exhibition open at Easter time.

Make it your New Year’s resolution? See you there!