Town and country: Exhibition hung

So the nights are drawing in and there's a chill in the air. It's a time for fires: inside and out. We have all had some good walks on local paths. The most revealing was on 'painter's path', in which you can take in the whole vista looking back down the valley to Moses. I went there when Caroline was in the UK photographing. I spent 3 hours in the sun painting the view that included Andy and Vonnies house. It is called 'Cabeco' and means 'knoll.'

On Nov 5th Caroline and I returned from Porto airport to everyone sitting around a large fire. The experience of primal warmth, conversation under the stars and the mesmerising crackle and spitting the fire makes is incomparable. I expect there to be many more of those this winter.. We have also said goodbye to Johnny, Ollie and Anna after some great times. Have a great time in India Ollie and Anna and see you soon Johnny.

On Wednesday I finally finished the series of paintings I have been working on for the last 8 weeks. They weren't what I was expecting to see as a body of work but I am happy with many aspects of it. It definitely feels like I've relaxed in technique towards the end. It's amazing how long it takes to get to that state. For the next few weeks it's back to the sketchbook and a chance to use my new watercolour set. The exhibition went up yesterday and looks good. While we were hanging we got a few enquiries so hopefully that bodes well. The private view is on Tuesaday 16th and Andy and I will go out publicising in Amieira and Sendinho on Sunday. It will also be a good opportunity to meet some more local people. The local town Oleiros (or Trumpton) had a little drama yesterday also; one of the restaurants in the square had been shut with police tape! Nothing like this ever happens here so it's caused quite a stir.

So it has been a month of industry, relaxing, soul-searching, communion and fires. Still plenty of time to make sense of our place here and beyond if that is how it pans out. We are all looking forward to the arrival of Caroline's parents, Pat and Allan on Sunday for a week. It will be interesting to see what effect this place has on them.

71: Sat 6/11/10

Sardines smoke by the terrace edge

The stump waits as a drunken seat.

72: Sun 7/11/10

Old building watches

The new friends part

The camera clicks.

73: Mon 8/11/10

Pumpkins, dog and child.

All the scene needs now is

A wise old woman.

74: 9/11/10