Monday 6 January 2014

Happy families

Hello. The wanderer returns I got back at 6pm tonight, after a delightful couple of days with my family. Sis is happy in her new home, it looks lovely. They downsized because they didn't want to have to tidy their massive garden every time they came back from a holiday. The new smaller bungalow is not far from the old one as they like the area, and they have enough hard standing for the caravan instead of paying for it to go into storage. Everything had to be ripped out, and refitted from scratch. She has a lovely modern kitchen and bathroom, new everything in fact. Today work is starting on taking down the old fashioned lean to conservatory and a brand new one is being built which will give them an extra room.  They made the right decision to move, even though it took them five years to sell. Well worth the wait until the buyers with the right offer came along, and they found just what they wanted in the new house.

Sis had planned a meal out with friends and family last night. to celebrate her birthday. I went to the pub for an hour and had a drink with them before they moved onto the restaurant. It was very noisy, there was a duo on, singing and playing guitars. I am not very good with noisy places, I struggle to join in conversations because I can't hear what people are saying to me, then I get fed up of shouting and give up. I didn't join them for the meal, not a fan of Indian food, so I went on to Uncle Stan's house and stayed there for the night.

This morning we went to the library to see his paintings in the exhibition. He sold five last week, all the money is going to the Air Ambulance. Here he is chatting to someone who is interested in learning how to paint. Stan is always keen to encourage people to take it up, and likes to help with advice.

It was difficult to take good photo's, because of the reflections in the glass. It didn't help that they were displayed in the foyer of the library opposite the big windows overlooking the car park. I had to take some of them at an angle to try and minimise the reflections. This one with the red dot  in the bottom corner has sold.



This portrait is amazing, such an uncanny likeness. I think John Hurt himself should buy it.

 Another colourful abstract has sold. I like this one.




Stan stands beside his self portrait. Pretty good eh!
The exhibition runs till Saturday so if you are near Burton on Trent, pop and have a look. You might catch Stan there, as he likes to sit and have a coffee and watch people's reactions to his work. He would love it if you speak to him. He is amazing, I hope I am still on the go when I am 90. 
I've had a smashing day today. After a lovely lunch cooked by Pat, I went back to the town for an hour before I set off back home. I wanted to have a look round, and see how it has changed in the seventeen years since I left there. I'll post the pics tomorrow. Toodle pip

35 comments:

  1. I love Stan's paintings. I can see you have a family trait of creativity! (Is he your uncle by marriage or brother of one of your parents?)

    How amazing being 90 and still so active! Is this another family trait? To keep fit and have a purpose?

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    1. Hi. He is my father's brother. We are so alike, in looks and personality. We have fantastic conversations.

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  2. Fantastic pictures! Are they displayed in the library in Burton on Trent? I haven't commented before but have read every word since I discovered your blog just before Christmas! Jacqui here, by the way :)

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    1. Hi Jacqui. Welcome, glad you have found us. Yes, they are in the Library, just off the High Street, in Burton on Trent. Car park next to it, £1 for two hours.

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    2. Thanks for the welcome......have wanted to comment so many times, so am glad I took the plunge! Your blog has been inspirational........

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  3. I love the people on the grass picture, it reminds me of a Martin Parr photograph. My favourite though is the umbrella painting, love the colours and the point of view. Are they oil paintings?

    I think creativity must run in your family!

    BTW your uncle definitely does not look his age. Wished I lived near Burton on Trent I would certainly visit and have a chat.

    Linda xx

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    1. Hi Linda. He works in oils, pastels, and acrylics. My dad was an artist as well.

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  4. Wow, those pictures are incredible. I thought my favourite was the one of people on the grass, then I saw John Hurt and the green umbrellas, and then the self portrait. What a talented person he is, I bet you are so proud of him.

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  5. true talent & so diverse in subject.......what a great role model for ageing powerfully.........homage to this man

    Mettta

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  6. Lovely to see Uncle Stan again and he looks amazing for 90!

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  7. Great pictures. I can't believe Stan is 90, he looks so much younger.

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  8. What a talented artist your Uncle Stan is! I`m sure he will sell more before his exhibition ends. Beautiful work.
    I can see the family likeness :-)

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  9. I am not a fan of abstract work, but I really like your Uncle's. He really is a lovely artist, and very generous to donate the money to a good cause.

    Gill in Canada

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  10. Your uncle is a really talented artist and the calmness of painting certainly takes years off him. My favourite is the flower one that has sold. But i am well impressed by the one with all the people on it - such wonderful detail in all those different faces and outfits, etc. My admiration to Uncle Stan!

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  11. Oh, his art is just magical!! Love it!

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  12. What stunning art work Ilona, I would love to be able to see those in person.
    My cousin lives in Burton on Trent, I will tell him to go and have a look and maybe meet your Uncle.
    I am glad that you had a nice weekend, you always do such interesting things.
    Take care.
    Pam in Texas. xx

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  13. I think having an "Uncle Stan" nearby to visit would be an inspiration for everyone. He is so talented and I would never guess his age at 90.
    Nancy from Northern California

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  14. Such gorgeous paintings! And your Uncle looks incredible! Can't beieve he's 90! Amazing!

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  15. Very impressed with your uncle's work, love his colour boldness. My absolute favourite one is the three green umbrellas in front of the wall. Pam

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  16. Such amazing paintings, he is very talented. So pleased you had great time.


    X x

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  17. I look carefully at the piecing that you do on your patchwork and I can tell that you are very accurate. Also, your choice of colours/prints are very unusual so it is from your Father's side of the family. I bet with those paintings your Uncle does, people are surprised that they are done by a pensioner? Nowadays the young rule. Natalie

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  18. What an amazing talent. Uncle Stan's pictures are incredible and so kind of him to donate the proceeds to charity. Looks like you've inherited some of his artistic flair with all of your crafty projects.

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  19. Just to let you know that I've just stumbled onto your blog and I'm a fan! I am trying to cut my spending and start a more frugal lifestyle and you are definitely an inspiration.
    I live in Grantham, so it might not be too far from where you are. Stop by my blog if you have a moment :)
    www.hellothemushroom.com

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  20. Uncle Stan sure doesn't look his age! And what talent! Beautiful art work!

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  21. Red is my least favourite colour ,but I absolutely love the red abstract! Why's that? I'm betting your uncle Stan would be able to tell me.
    You look so much alike too.
    Jane x

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  22. 90! Wow! Amazing, he looks 30 years younger! Very talented painter as well, does he exhibit annually, or is this a one off?

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  23. I was wondering where to take myself for a walk today when I saw your blog post and my mind was made up. I'm just back from a 14-mile wander, taking in Burton library to see Stan's work for myself. He wasn't there when I called, but I mentioned you as the source of my interest in the visitor's book.

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  24. Happy Belated Birthday to the Sis!!! And WOW! I think I'd make a trip across the pond for the pic. with the umbrella's. Love it! What a talent. You've a talented family Miss I.

    JaG

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  25. Stan's pictures are fantastic.
    Love from Mum
    xx

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  26. Incredible pictures! I can see where you get your artistic talent from, lol.
    Your uncle looks amazing for his age. I`m sure you will follow in his footsteps and age well, too.

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  27. Absolutely agree with all your other readers. He is amazing and there is such variety in his work. It would be great if John Hurt saw that portrait - he surely wouldn't be able to resist it!
    Wendy (Wales)

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  28. Your Uncle Stans paintings are great, he sounds like an all rounder working with different paints and materials. His range of subjects is broad too which i would say demonstrates what a great talent he has. I think that a lot of artists tend to stick to similar subjects using the same materials.
    I wish that i could draw and paint, the nearest i came to it was technical drawing at school but thats easy with rulers and set squares.
    Dave.

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  29. I love your uncles paintings.

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  30. I'm guessing from the "Uncle Stan and Auntie Pat" reference elsewhere that your uncle is married. With respect to Pat, I have to confess that I have a bit of a crush on him! As you have described him, he seems so engaged with people and life - I can well imagine how lovely it would be to sit in his company, talking or sharing a laugh. What a guy. I just had to say it...

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