tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51235675221592723322024-03-13T23:34:32.558-07:00Francis Robson Art & MusicFrancishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04296586534109103927noreply@blogger.comBlogger24125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5123567522159272332.post-80563417823434684712018-11-02T05:57:00.002-07:002018-11-02T05:57:27.817-07:00well, it's been a long time. I don't have a lot to say today except that since the death of my dear wife and best friend Fiona last year I have been rather quiet. I don't know how this blog is going to develop from now, but I do intend it to resume. please bear with me while I begin to put my thoughts back together and recommence on a more creative existence. In the meantime, my best wishes to all. Please look in again soon.Francishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04296586534109103927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5123567522159272332.post-21143053589746108302012-05-26T01:52:00.001-07:002012-05-26T01:52:26.946-07:00All change<p>In a slight amount of chaos at the moment moving my website to a new provider so if you’ve recently been trying to find me and been unable to, bear with me these things take time. In the meantime remember you can still contact me in the following ways:</p> <ul> <li>To buy prints of my artwork <a href="http://www.fineartamerica.com">www.fineartamerica.com</a></li> <li>To request information about music tuition or to book a lesson <a href="http://www.musicteachers.co.uk">www.musicteachers.co.uk</a></li> <li>Remember if you are out in the beautiful Northumbrian countryside you can see my work at H.Giftworks, Kirkharle Courtyard. The home of Capability Brown, with newly landscaped grounds for you to enjoy! </li></ul> <p>Cheers!</p> <p>Francis</p> Francishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04296586534109103927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5123567522159272332.post-54216386380119447872012-03-14T06:40:00.001-07:002012-03-14T06:43:45.357-07:00Stillness in motion<p align="center">Preparation for a new series of paintings. My inspiration taken from nature.</p> <p><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--yfl2-XMZyA/T2Cfx3ECMEI/AAAAAAAAAGg/hMzh102Y4hU/river%252520hill%252520walk%2525202%252520051_edited-1%25255B14%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="370" height="255"></p> <p><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-8aup8e-3jkE/T2Cfz8NUroI/AAAAAAAAAGo/8QX2Ahi2yrY/river%252520hill%252520walk%2525202%252520120%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="180" height="260"></p> <p><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-0TcUmtZbt-4/T2Cf0rX3hdI/AAAAAAAAAHY/CO21jy13nuo/river%252520hill%252520walk%2525202%252520128%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="347" height="238"></p> <p><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-IuUbtRHkD48/T2Cf119rlDI/AAAAAAAAAHc/HUQPvSYk9bE/river%252520hill%252520walk%2525202%252520131%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="344" height="236"></p> <p><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Jd0wDNsuMio/T2Cf20Jy-HI/AAAAAAAAAHg/owohc_UJp-Q/river%252520hill%252520walk%2525202%252520126%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="350" height="240"></p> <p><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-8zPWimLgGLQ/T2Cf38e3ZvI/AAAAAAAAAHk/Lr_43U098zk/river%252520hill%252520walk%2525202%252520116%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="352" height="241"></p> <p><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-fc-YusAU694/T2Cf5hKxHCI/AAAAAAAAAHo/TldURF1GJc4/river%252520hill%252520walk%2525202%252520138%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="353" height="242"></p> <p>Work to do. Cheers!</p> <p>Francis</p> Francishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04296586534109103927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5123567522159272332.post-17922917640885479902012-01-27T04:12:00.002-08:002012-08-27T04:04:30.309-07:00SilenceMy art at the moment is driven by winter landscapes. Take a look at how I see my home, some of the images are from last winter but they are so dramatic they grab my imagination.<br />
<div align="center"><img alt="Winter 2011" border="0" height="210" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Fd81PkpITsU/TyKUsfhOqJI/AAAAAAAAAF4/GqoQ2O94M4o/vcm_s_kf_repr_882x588%25255B10%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="" width="306" /></div><div align="center"><img alt="Sunrise" border="0" height="212" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-FZgRY0LSc0Y/TyKUtGW6ZZI/AAAAAAAAAF8/KOy2WHaSuxg/snowman%252520006_edited-1%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="" width="308" /></div><div align="center"><img alt="snowmen" border="0" height="215" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-rWCGR4TQHJU/TyKUtmcoFfI/AAAAAAAAAGI/IAJYDHhEC3Y/snowmen%25255B12%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="snowmen" width="312" /></div><div align="center"><img alt="Winter 2011" border="0" height="218" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-XNneq3sQ7aY/TyKUutrObhI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/_ZIHt22LDOk/more%252520snow%252520007%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="" width="316" /></div><div align="center"><img alt="" border="0" height="243" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Tj5j-6Y0B6k/TyKUvX1Z6cI/AAAAAAAAAGY/cNeW7OHIprM/Hadrians%252520wall%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="" width="317" /></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="left">I’ll be back……</div>Francishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04296586534109103927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5123567522159272332.post-15926844670735324762011-05-06T02:49:00.001-07:002011-05-06T02:51:05.744-07:00Inspiration<p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA" border="0" alt="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_K-AocGweiW4/TcPEN3OohQI/AAAAAAAAAFk/81R8zm0RSy8/local%20fields%20004_edited-1%5B10%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="376" height="260"></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA" border="0" alt="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_K-AocGweiW4/TcPEOnQcHdI/AAAAAAAAAFo/VMGkfC56gfA/local%20fields%20007_edited-1%5B9%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="376" height="262"></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA" border="0" alt="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_K-AocGweiW4/TcPEPBUBoEI/AAAAAAAAAFs/aDagftt4_6o/local%20fields%20005_edited-1%5B8%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" height="258"></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA" border="0" alt="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_K-AocGweiW4/TcPEP7jS40I/AAAAAAAAAFw/IwW9Hcj_yIc/local%20fields%20058_edited-1%5B8%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="383" height="292"></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA" border="0" alt="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_K-AocGweiW4/TcPEQZSH4aI/AAAAAAAAAF0/GVoF9EfvTGo/local%20fields%20041_edited-1%5B8%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="373" height="233"></p> <p> Catch you later! Busy.</p> Francishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04296586534109103927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5123567522159272332.post-68337126194549883852011-01-30T14:25:00.001-08:002011-01-30T14:25:37.906-08:00Prelude to ‘Along the Wall’<p>Here we go, the start of a very long adventure.</p> <p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:7216beae-5771-495b-8ea8-4b735659285d" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><div id="a0f11a14-c16d-47a4-8416-21194d275b20" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ztZRjYYctU&feature=youtube_gdata_player" target="_new"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_K-AocGweiW4/TUXlQpec-KI/AAAAAAAAAFE/l1U5Fc6pZ2k/video4d2207aa8b7e%5B24%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('a0f11a14-c16d-47a4-8416-21194d275b20'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"419\" height=\"235\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/5ztZRjYYctU?hl=en&hd=1\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/5ztZRjYYctU?hl=en&hd=1\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"419\" height=\"235\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" alt=""></a></div></div></div></p> <p>Fiona has kindly set the prelude to the images we currently have of the course of the wall. Yes we are aware of the photographic jump between Wallsend/Tynemouth and Hexham, but that will be rectified as soon as we can get into Newcastle. The images also stop at Wall Town but as this is an on going project we trust that you will forgive the omissions for the time being. I hope you enjoy the video and welcome your thoughts!</p> Francishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04296586534109103927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5123567522159272332.post-34238519923097853562011-01-21T04:13:00.001-08:002011-01-21T04:13:50.820-08:00Winter Northumbrian Style<p><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_K-AocGweiW4/TTl4a1kDNjI/AAAAAAAAAEE/JDkprYXm5As/Heavenfield%209%5B8%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="328" height="390"></p> <p><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Bardon Mill" border="0" alt="Bardon Mill" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_K-AocGweiW4/TTl4bmBT4sI/AAAAAAAAAEI/jWu1fSnbQGY/Bardon%20Mill%5B16%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="333" height="397"></p> <p align="center"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA" border="0" alt="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_K-AocGweiW4/TTl4cYUbOkI/AAAAAAAAAEM/3HGkTB0OCdk/francis%20pics%20124_edited-1%5B7%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="328" height="393"></p> <p align="center"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="_MG_2566" border="0" alt="_MG_2566" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_K-AocGweiW4/TTl4czOnqeI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/pP92ei5Jv8E/_MG_2566%5B6%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="331" height="394"></p> <p align="center"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="_MG_2573" border="0" alt="_MG_2573" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_K-AocGweiW4/TTl4duY2uZI/AAAAAAAAAEU/oHuQjY_CO3k/_MG_2573%5B8%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="334" height="397"></p> <p align="center"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="_MG_2570" border="0" alt="_MG_2570" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_K-AocGweiW4/TTl4eGYJfEI/AAAAAAAAAEY/CANqWmYeWPk/_MG_2570%5B6%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="336" height="399"></p> <p align="center"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="_MG_2578" border="0" alt="_MG_2578" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_K-AocGweiW4/TTl4ejUz_kI/AAAAAAAAAEc/h4jmLRU5jjI/_MG_2578%5B6%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="347" height="415"></p> <p align="center"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="_MG_2611_edited-1" border="0" alt="_MG_2611_edited-1" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_K-AocGweiW4/TTl4fCHD38I/AAAAAAAAAEg/pfKnD7nzxtE/_MG_2611_edited-1%5B6%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="349" height="416"></p> <p>All images are copyright, taken by Fiona. Why not check out her blog <a href="http://rainbowoverthewall.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Rainbow Over The Wall</a></p> Francishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04296586534109103927noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5123567522159272332.post-25905270695429435372011-01-14T04:45:00.001-08:002011-01-14T04:47:07.331-08:00Busy on the website<p>Fiona’s been busy updating my website with images that I have recently produced. All are available on Fine Art America as prints. The originals can be purchase direct through me, just use the contact form on the website to order!</p> <p align="center"> <a href="http://www.francisrobsonartandmusic.net">www.francisrobsonartandmusic.net</a> </p> <p>Why not pop over to my site and have a browse? Catch you later!</p> Francishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04296586534109103927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5123567522159272332.post-10326093378738115492011-01-05T04:19:00.001-08:002011-01-05T04:19:43.724-08:00That was a bit hairy!<p>The school run this morning was no fun at all. Heavy rain before midnight followed by a sudden drop in temperature led to a severe frost and black ice. Gritters hadn’t been dispatched because of the wet weather and the roads were in a treacherous condition. Cars slithered and slid, back wheels spinning. Fortunately everyone was very sensible, no one went above 30mph on the country roads. Even the traffic on the A69 crawled along at 50mph on the dual carriage way section towards Hexham.</p> <p align="center"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Hexham Abbey" border="0" alt="Hexham Abbey" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_K-AocGweiW4/TSRh2g_gm1I/AAAAAAAAAD4/W2AQG2U-lhc/Hexham%20Abbey%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="319" height="224"></p> <p align="center">Hexham Abbey</p> <p>Today was the 10 year olds first day back at school following the Christmas holidays. He was keen to get back, eager to compare notes with his friends over presents. J went back yesterday and has settled in to school life relatively easily. He goes swimming today with his school so that should help maintain his momentum.</p> <p align="center"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="paint tubes" border="0" alt="paint tubes" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_K-AocGweiW4/TSRh3EVYPyI/AAAAAAAAAD8/6w8FO9xY4PM/paint%20tubes%5B6%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="311" height="227"></p> <p>I’m back to work. Dividing my time between creating new images for spring, composing ‘Along the Wall’ and preparing a course for beginners in composition which I intend to have up and running soon. Starting to feel productive again after the holiday period and have to admit I’m ready for it. </p> <p><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="art case" border="0" alt="art case" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_K-AocGweiW4/TSRh33ErHtI/AAAAAAAAAEA/hLVMCYZXqfk/art%20case%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="238" height="309"></p> Francishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04296586534109103927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5123567522159272332.post-89845575548177244532010-12-16T05:13:00.000-08:002010-12-16T05:16:34.650-08:00Things never work out the way you planRemember I said I wanted to take time out to concentrate on my music. Fat chance! Four commissions on the go to finish before Xmas, a course of lessons to plan, music composition for beginners and a whole host of preparations for the festive season! Thankfully the boys Christmas shows are done for another year and Dad is no longer required as taxi driver. I miss composing and am chomping at the proverbial to get going.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">Meanwhile I thought I'd leave you with this. Mahiri Lawson (lady in purple) a dear friend of mine from my days at Newcastle University. If you get the opportunity to hear her sing live I whole heartedly recommend you to do so.</div><br />
<iframe frameborder="0" height="295" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/o3dGBCPeTjw?fs=1" width="420"></iframe>Francishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04296586534109103927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5123567522159272332.post-628818873533167952010-12-08T04:57:00.001-08:002010-12-08T05:00:22.002-08:00The best laid plans…..<p align="left">Okay this I did not bargain for. Snow, snow and just a bit more of the stuff! End of December into January yes, but November? This much? My youngest son’s school wisely shut down for the first week of the bad weather and out of the three days that the 10 year old’s school opened I managed to get him in for one. Even then we were forced to collect him early from that in the midst of a blizzard!</p> <p align="center"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="snow morning" border="0" alt="snow morning" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_K-AocGweiW4/TP-Ax_l3f3I/AAAAAAAAADs/OuG8H2lYBE4/snow%20morning%5B7%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="358" height="240"></p> <p>Fortunately I’ve been able to get to my guitar pupils even though I’ve sometimes had to rearrange times and dates and they’ve been wonderfully accommodating in this! The real disappointment has been that Wallington Hall has been forced to close to visitors, meaning that my exhibition has effectively been on hold for a week. With the amount of planning, work and effort that an exhibition takes to prepare and set up I’m almost tempted to lose all motivation and sulk till after Christmas except that I can’t, with four new commissions to finish before the big day I’ve got to keep on keeping on! Besides although temperatures are still plummeting at night (-18c this morning!) most roads are now open and Wallington Hall is set to re-open on Thursday, with lots of events and activities planned for the run up to Christmas. Check out their website for details of opening times etc., <a title="http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-vh/w-visits/w-findaplace/w-wallington/" href="http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-vh/w-visits/w-findaplace/w-wallington/">http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-vh/w-visits/w-findaplace/w-wallington/</a></p> Francishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04296586534109103927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5123567522159272332.post-43820688102368702992010-11-22T03:34:00.001-08:002010-11-22T03:42:11.411-08:00Psoriasis<p>Those who know me will be aware that I am a long term sufferer of psoriasis. I’ve tried every treatment the medical profession has had to offer, had a go at homeopathy, hypnotherapy and Chinese herbal remedies too and nothing has cured the condition. At best treatments have ameliorated the most painful aspects of the condition, at worst they’ve left my skin prone to melanoma, so thin that the slightest bump can cause it to bleed, so painful and itchy that it’s difficult to ever rest and as a young man it was an immense blow to self confidence that only time and maturity has been able to lessen. </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_K-AocGweiW4/TOpXD9kzNhI/AAAAAAAAADg/8LWi0tN0i0s/s1600-h/Francis%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Francis" border="0" alt="Francis" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_K-AocGweiW4/TOpXEolJJXI/AAAAAAAAADk/KOCUym_9idQ/Francis_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="217" height="322"></a></p> <p>It has done one thing for me though for which I will always be grateful. It led me into the work I do today. I was in social work when my health first began to disintegrate and I would probably still be doing it today had not my health made it impossible for me to continue. (At the time I was frequently in and out of hospital.) Whilst I enjoyed my work then I have no hesitancy in saying that I LOVE what I do now so much more. I love the people I meet, the places I get to experience and paint, the opportunity to create and get paid for doing so and the precious time it gives me with my family. I have no office to travel to, no meeting that just has to be attended. I can be there for school plays, to be a governor at my son’s special school etc., I do have to work longer hours than perhaps I would if in contracted employment. I frequently find myself working at 2am; finishing off a music lesson or a painting, but when I can accompany them with a little music to listen to it’s not so bad!</p> Francishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04296586534109103927noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5123567522159272332.post-82582227620897924072010-11-19T04:22:00.000-08:002010-11-19T04:22:23.243-08:00Capability Brown's KirkharleIf you're thinking about Christmas shopping at the moment I urge you to head along to Kirkharle lake and courtyard's Christmas Fair Friday 26th to Sunday 28th November. 10am - 4:30pm (4pm Sunday) With over 50 craft and food stalls plus specialist shops and galleries to choose from buying gifts has never been a more pleasurable experience.<br />
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Why not grab something to eat whilst there? Or take a walk amongst the newly landscaped grounds?<br />
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You will find my paintings in H.Giftworks. Detailed, exquisite chickens and cheeky geese, ideal for brightening a poultry breeders Christmas!Francishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04296586534109103927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5123567522159272332.post-12228170522248727022010-11-17T13:01:00.000-08:002010-11-17T13:01:24.448-08:00Just a quickieForgot to mention in my last post that I currently have a vacancy in my schedule for one music pupil. Anyone wishing to learn to play electric guitar in or around Northumberland, England, you have me at your disposal! Or perhaps you are planning on presenting a loved one with an electric guitar this Christmas? If so why not let me help them get off to a good start! No knowledge of music is needed just an instrument and a willingness to learn! I promise I don't bite, am fully house trained and tailor my teaching to your specific needs in the privacy and comfort of your own home! I even promise not to tweet on my mobile whilst teaching!! <br />
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Anyone who books a course of lessons before January 2011 gets 2010 prices!<br />
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For further details, rates and to book a lesson please check out my website <a href="http://www.francisrobsonartandmusic.net/">http://www.francisrobsonartandmusic.net/</a> music pages. Or email me through the email sign below this post.<br />
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Look forward to rocking with you!Francishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04296586534109103927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5123567522159272332.post-56550989707285676152010-11-17T03:33:00.001-08:002010-11-17T03:33:34.444-08:00Silly goose<p>Well with Wallington up and running I had promised myself time to push on with ‘Along the Wall’ (snippet on my website) but things never work out quite as expected do they? Suddenly I’ve found myself short of work in outlets where I really need to have pieces. Yes, I LOVE it when my work is in demand but I’ve got music rattling round in my head that is bursting to get out and a little time to write would have been nice. Anyway, shoving my music software to one side I’ve picked up my brushes again. </p> <p>Anyone fancy a goose or two for Christmas? Working on a small scale, acrylic on canvas, I’m busy painting comical geese. These particular birds live in a field beside Bardon Mill station. I’m sure that if you’ve ever alighted there that their noisy squawks will have assaulted your ears. These geese would make a great present for a poultry breeder or enthusiast!</p> <p>I’m also in the process of organising another exhibition for next year. As it will probably be summer 2011, I find I’m having to push aside thoughts of Christmas, long dark nights and freezing extremities and substitute images into my head of summer days and warm evenings. Not easy when your turning blue painting outdoors in a howling wind. The life of an artist!</p> <p> I wouldn’t do anything else!</p> Francishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04296586534109103927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5123567522159272332.post-64372539439510093472010-11-08T03:24:00.001-08:002010-11-08T03:24:23.732-08:00Back in the land of the living<p>Wallington is finally up and running. If you are in the area go along and take a look, upstairs in the clock tower. All the paintings are for sale, or if you’d prefer you can purchase any of the images as prints through my Fine Art America site and have them framed to your personal specifications. Check out my link on this page.</p> <p>The weather here has deteriorated rapidly this morning so land and seascapes are definitely out! The Wall is shrouded in mist, Cheviot and Simonside are totally obscured. Consequently I’m working indoors trying to decide whether to start on a highland coo or a pig. Then tonight once the school run’s done, I’ll be switching my attention to ‘Along the Wall.’ I’ve left the composition sitting for far too long, I need to revisit the work and decide how to progress with it. Keen to get started.</p> <p>I’m also busy coaching my eldest son who in a few weeks time will be taking his grade I euphonium. Not being a brass player I can’t really help with the technical side of playing, but scales, arpeggios and musical terms I can help with. The little chap is doing really well too! It’s bringing back terrifying memories of my own grade exams <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-left-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-surprisedsmile" alt="Surprised smile" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_K-AocGweiW4/TNfd5McQbsI/AAAAAAAAADc/YZ3xaI55fGQ/wlEmoticon-surprisedsmile%5B2%5D.png?imgmax=800"></p> <p>Right time to get down to work - If you don’t hear from me soon please send out a rescue team, the weather is really getting wild up here!</p> Francishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04296586534109103927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5123567522159272332.post-8998085224744422862010-11-01T03:33:00.001-07:002010-11-01T07:33:17.739-07:00Does it EVER end..<p>Okay chaps Francis is off to Wallington to set up his exhibition this morning, it’s a teacher training day so I’m left holding the fort. Thought you might like to see a piece he produced last week. Prints are available through fine art America, the original can be see in the exhibition. Hope you like! He should be able to start blogging again soon!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_K-AocGweiW4/TM7PIfSYpKI/AAAAAAAAAC8/195kAWSvL0o/s1600-h/Peek%20a%20boo%20cow%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Peek a boo cow" border="0" alt="Peek a boo cow" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_K-AocGweiW4/TM6XZ99w-jI/AAAAAAAAADA/2Hwz5Aa3j6M/Peek%20a%20boo%20cow_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="312" height="311"></a></p> <p align="justify"> Bye! </p> <p align="justify"> Fiona</p> Francishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04296586534109103927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5123567522159272332.post-14199164182947908862010-10-27T04:09:00.001-07:002010-11-01T07:34:27.175-07:00Work in progress<p>Snuck up on Francis at work and snapped this….</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_K-AocGweiW4/TMgIc0pYx6I/AAAAAAAAADM/ldoE06AD19I/s1600-h/Work%20in%20progress.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Work in progress" border="0" alt="Work in progress" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_K-AocGweiW4/TMgIdlqRp8I/AAAAAAAAADQ/iDTCimq1vqo/Work%20in%20progress_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="328" height="309"></a></p> <p>I love watching how he builds up the image. From a basic sketch, through to the intricate, detailed finished painting. This ewe is being worked on paper using acrylic paint. The paint has a tendency to dry quickly and so his approach to the image has to be swift. Check out the sheep he’s just sold for an idea of how this one will look when complete.</p> Francishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04296586534109103927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5123567522159272332.post-20121983506163179862010-10-22T03:24:00.001-07:002010-10-22T03:24:03.206-07:00Hijacking the blogspot…..<p>No this isn’t he-who-is-ignored at home, it’s his far superior other half! Just to let you know that for the next week new blogs on this spot will be about as common as hen’s teeth from my beloved. He’s working all the hours he can to finish work for his exhibition at Wallington next month. Any questions/comments please direct them to me either through Francis’ website or my blog….</p> <p> <a href="http://northumbrianroots.blogspot.com">http://northumbrianroots.blogspot.com</a></p> <p align="center">Fiona</p> Francishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04296586534109103927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5123567522159272332.post-54467099581344301652010-10-18T04:16:00.001-07:002010-10-18T04:16:21.620-07:00Nearly there<p>Two weeks to go till I set up my exhibition at Wallington, Northumberland. I hope you can make it along <a href="http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-wallington">www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-wallington</a>. The pieces I’m exhibiting are ideal as Christmas presents – believe me, I’m including something for everyone!</p> <p>Once Wallington is up and running I’ve promised myself some time to concentrate on my music whilst I take stock of where I want my art to go. I’m looking to start teaching clarinet in the not too distant future and I’m pushing on with my new work *Along the Wall* a musical exploration of Hadrian’s Wall country. I’m as excited as a child in a sweetie shop!</p> <p>Okay back to work. Bloggin again soon!</p> Francishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04296586534109103927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5123567522159272332.post-23892507187573744002010-10-07T04:42:00.001-07:002010-10-07T04:42:37.974-07:00Joined the twitterati<p>Decided to join twitter and inflict even more of my weird ramblings upon everyone! Actually it’s a great way to let you know what’s going on with my art and music - as it happens! Particularly when I have limited time because of work pressures.</p> Francishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04296586534109103927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5123567522159272332.post-68387248047841787522010-10-04T03:12:00.001-07:002010-10-04T03:15:01.001-07:00Sorry to say goodbye to ewe……..<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_K-AocGweiW4/TKmopRGh1kI/AAAAAAAAABg/Kj3380q5EZU/s1600-h/Swaledale%20Copyright%5B3%5D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Swaledale Copyright" border="0" height="393" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_K-AocGweiW4/TKmop3MW4tI/AAAAAAAAABk/jq18fkO_y1M/Swaledale%20Copyright_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Swaledale Copyright" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I’m never one to say no to a sale, but this one is a little sad for me. Painted just outside of Hexham on a very frosty December morning this striking creature has been with me for a while and I’ve grown fond of her. However she has been scooped up and I hope her new owner gets as much enjoyment from the painting as I had painting it. Don’t forget prints are available through <a href="http://francis-robson.artistwebsites.com/">http://francis-robson.artistwebsites.com/</a> (Fine Art America)Francishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04296586534109103927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5123567522159272332.post-49280186974088106512010-09-04T10:28:00.000-07:002010-09-04T10:29:24.244-07:00TA DA!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K-AocGweiW4/TIKBXJNas4I/AAAAAAAAAAw/UUVaDv2wPyA/s1600/Cheviot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" ox="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K-AocGweiW4/TIKBXJNas4I/AAAAAAAAAAw/UUVaDv2wPyA/s400/Cheviot.jpg" width="397" /></a></div> <br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Cheviot</span></strong>Francishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04296586534109103927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5123567522159272332.post-24393113559920855202010-08-29T15:13:00.001-07:002010-08-29T15:13:30.829-07:00So you’ve found me!<p>Thank you for stopping by. I decided to move my blog here and away from my website purely for convenience, it is much easier and quicker for me to post here and if I ever get to grips with it I may even attempt a post from my mobile. (I said, if ever….)</p> <p>So what’s new? Well, I’ve finished ‘Cheviot’ at last. Fiona’s in the process of photographing it for me and it will appear here and on my site <u>very</u> soon.</p> <p>I’ve also added some new snippets of my music to the site. <a href="http://www.francisrobsonartandmusic.net"><strong><font color="#f79646">www.francisrobsonartandmusic.net</font></strong></a> (Just click the link on the music page.) There are currently four pieces for you to choose from. The first two pieces were written for my boys and somewhat self explanatory. The third is a piece I wrote in 2001 and the final is a prelude to a major work I’m currently writing. <strong> ‘Along the Wall’</strong> as the title suggests is a musical journey along Hadrian’s Wall celebrating and exploring the people, places, geography, history, and symbolism of this amazing feat of human engineering. The Wall (or wor waal as I like to call it) has stood for over 1,800 years, snaking across the land from Bowness-on-Solway in the west to Wallsend in the East. I have lived near The Wall all my life and next to it for the last seven years, it’s presence is haunting and I am endeavouring to capture that essence in this piece.</p> <p>I faithfully promise to blog again soon</p> Francishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04296586534109103927noreply@blogger.com0