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Waiting for the storm to pass

This picture was a labour of love.  Usually I go down to the harbour to draw but on this occasion I took photos as the weather was rough and all the boats were parked up waiting for a break in the storm, it was cold and windy and not a day for hanging about. I did one small pen and ink then one large full sized charcoal drawing of which I used as a template for the wire. There is no use trying to guess a picture, it needs to be right before I start, but I also never know how it will go or what I'm going to do until I start, a bit like starting to write a novel but only vaguely knowing the main characters name but not knowing what the plot will be. I used a variety of different kinds of wire including forging a piece of copper rod. The work tooks weeks, I pondered over it for months. Once the wire part had been completed I laquered it and the resulting drip effect I was very happy about. But the most difficult part is adding the pieces of colour, always, this never gets easier. Each piece on this picture came from Scrabster beach, a piece of rusted scrap metal and a piece of boat wood washed up. The picture spent 6 months at a gallery in Broughty Ferry and now is home where it belongs. I do hope someone buys it and loves it, but if they don't I have the perfect spot on the wall at home!

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