Edging Closer

In the past few weeks the busyness of preparing for the course has settled down. I've posted certificates and photos for my enrolment and filled forms in for funding; researched season tickets for the train and investigated the station that I'll use.

One of my favourite illustrators died: Pauline Baynes, known for her work on the Dictionary Of Chivalry, and numerous CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien books.

I found a jolly, if less enduring artist in Ashkahn.

The Southampton City Art Gallery has a particularly enjoyable three-room exhibition by local artists, all representing water in their own ways.

London, Last Weekend

National Portrait Gallery
BP Portrait Award 2008
I spent a long time at this exhibition, looking at methods, moods and motifs. The writeup on each piece says where the artist studied and to what level, which now feels so much more attainable.

British Museum
Hadrian: Empire And Conflict
A similar story here. I had never paid much attention to sculpture: it seemed a distant and magical talent. This exhibition was full of busts of emperors and their lovers. Now I'm looking forward to trying it out.

Victoria & Albert Museum
I wandered without aim but paid particular attention to the textile library; Islamic illustration & tiles; leafy patterns on jugs, paper and stained glass and an exhibition on theatre set design and costume.