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February 18, 2019 · 9:50 pm

Snow falling on The Machars

There’s nothing quite like waking to freshly fallen snow. That gentle blanket softening the edges and muffling the usual sounds of daybreak.

I dressed quickly, wanting to be out and explore before anyone corrupted the perfection. Down the lane, a camelia blushing in the cold dawn light.

On, past the Bookshop, and down to the harbour, an unusual peace, no birds, traffic or schoolchildren, just a gentle hush .

The little nursery, hibernating for the winter, glistening in the first rays of morning. Ominous clouds building on the horizon. More snow on its way…

Ah! Sunflower

‘Ah Sun-flower! weary of time,
Who countest the steps of the Sun:
Seeking after that sweet golden clime
Where the traveller’s journey is done.’

(William Blake)

The traveller’s journey is done right here, right now, with this fabulous ‘Sunflowers in Bowl’ oil painting by accomplished artist, Anne Brandon Jones (1878 – 1968).

Brandon Jones was a Royal Academician and a member of the Royal Institute of Oil Painters, but her main interest was in embroidery. She was a skilled needlewoman, and published many books on the subject. Interestingly, this particular painting reflects her skill and technique as an embroiderer, with paint applied in a measured and careful way; textures and direction of paint are built up deliberately and with care and precision.

Anne attended the Central School of Arts and Crafts in London (which eventually became Central St Martin’s). The School opened in 1896, as a result of the growing Arts and Crafts movement of William Morris and John Ruskin. (Anne’s son John was a founder member of the William Morris Society, and a renowned Arts and Crafts architect).

When I look at this amazing painting, I can certainly see the Arts and Crafts influence peeping through, the earthy colours, the organic shapes, the natural, simple form are all leitmotifs of this particular style. It’s a fabulous piece, by a female pioneer of one of the most influential creative eras of the last century.

More images available here, in my shop.