The birth of Bon

Had a good little 'at peace with the world day' today; all ticking along like tickety-boo. Woke up early but not tired and received my regulation tea in bed (can't fault the boy for that one) before driving aforementioned boy into his work. Okay, maybe a shade of blackmail involved but who's counting? Returned in the morning drizzle to complete my business plan - as ever the finishing was very much a whimper rather than a bang - and patted myself on the back before heading 'cross town to Ritchie's gallery. It has been a long, lean winter of Sundays gallery sitting - I enjoy the solitude and peace to paint but feel faintly guilty being paid to do it. Today at last we had a return to form on the customer front; I have heard echoes of this sentiment during the week, that the great hibernation was over, but it is good to see it in person.

Helped that it was Valentine's eve, so quite a few seeking cards and gifts, including the very lovely individual who treated his love to one of my Angel/cat paintings. I know in my heart that it is never a bad thing to paint cats, but fear it as the pigeonhole is daunting. Mad cat lady. I know I'm headed that way in a fast car anyway and think Bridget Bardot had far more credibility in her animal sanctuary years, but there is still a nub of resistance...

Also had one of those wonderful and spontaneous days of painting when it all just goes right. Been pondering colour again and why I manage to screw it up so often; I think it is the fear. When I am relaxed and 'in the mood' it all comes together because I have no reticence in application. Sad mood or blue mood = blue. Literally. Seems I can't break away from the colour when I am thinking too much and before you know it there is yet another tonal study in shades of sky and ocean. Would matter less if it was a picture of sky and ocean, but it rarely/never is.

So tonight, in between thinking about a new website and writing a resignation letter, I am gazing lovingly at the second stage of 'Parade for the birth of Bon'. Bon, of course, is the butterfly on the logo of my new business, so the painting is self explanatory in an autobiographical way. Time for a small box canvas to keep me on my toes; the big one can wait for better light.