Month in Review #1: Oudh & Art

I’ve been quiet and behind-the-scenes since mid-September, so it seems like the perfect time to begin a new post series. Here’s the first of my review on things I’ve been enjoying recently.

Let’s begin..

Whilst I’m working away on my art, there’s usually something playing in the background which is informational, lightweight or just interesting (or all of the above). A quick scroll through YouTube usually pulls up some decent finds, but there’s a problem: anything too visually engaging becomes a distraction for my fascinated 3 year old self (looking at you, Attenborough). Cue a very fussy ‘watchlist’ from yours truly..

Watchlist of the month:

  1. Scent from Heaven (Al Jazeera English) – I recently discovered AJ English documentaries after stumbling across one they featured about Armenians living in Istanbul. Whilst I can’t comment on accuracy etc., the documentaries are very well done and certainly intriguing. ‘Scent from Heaven’ is less intense, but offers an interesting and unique insight into the oudh industry, taking you into the dark underworld of agarwood and its astonishing value, significance and demand.
  2. Grand Designs, SE16 E1 – Lightweight and witty background noise whilst I put brush to paper; this one features a millionaire’s excruciatingly meticulous quest for his dream home (the outcome is very ‘art gallery meets car showroom’).
  3. Paul Klein on Succeeding as an Artist – There’s something truly fascinating about listening to an expert speak about their craft, and this talk by Paul Klein is no different. Admittedly, I haven’t yet finished listening to it (I’ve only just found it) but he delivers some interesting and crucial points that resonate with me. I love a good honest talk, minus sugar-coating or dilution, and I appreciate this.

Also, this month I discovered the work of John Atkinson Grimshaw, known for his brilliant paintings of the night in various locations, and his unique use of green when painting the night sky. Haunting and captivating all at once.

Moonlight After Rain, John Atkinson Grimshaw

And a final mention for the month, the Kolinsky 3/0 sable brush. I get through a fair share of brushes, and have difficulty finding ones which will retain their bristle quality after several uses. Perhaps I need to take better care, but I’ve been through both ‘high end’ and budget brushes which were all similarly short-lived. The latest of my brush purchases, the Kolinsky 3/0, has served me well, and has retained its shape and quality after several weeks of use. Only time will tell..

That’s all for now. Hope you’re all doing well – catch up soon!

Z