On Tuesday I had a day out from the relentless lists and checking them twice and instead took myself off to Cambridge for the day. None of braving the crowds and the hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping for me. Instead I went to the relative calm of the Fitzwilliam museum to see a glorious exhibition of illustrated manuscripts all about Colour.
And if that wasn't special enough on its own, I had the pleasure of meeting up with a dear friend whom I've meet through blogging, who was here all the way from New York. It's a couple of years since we last met so it was lovely to catch up and see the exhibition together.
After the exhibition we met with another mutual friend, also originally made through blogging and the three of us enjoyed a leisurely lunch and a stroll around Cambridge.
And I came home inspired to try my hand at egg tempera painting again... Which of course I haven't touched since my course two years ago.
Maybe next year?
Cambridge is such a beautiful place particularly the botanical garden.
ReplyDeleteIt's a while since I've been but it is a special place.
DeleteSounds like just the tonic at this crazy time of year!
ReplyDeleteI would love to see that exhibition, especially to see a genuine Book of Hours. Your calligraphy initials are beautiful, and you can always return to it when your life isn't so full of other things.
ReplyDeleteOh Wow -- that looks like an amazing exhibition -- I'd love to be able to see it. Your little paintings are beautiful too -- it would be fun to add those little touches here and there to other projects. I loved the sticker packages you did on your last post -- you should do egg tempera initial stickers on packages with the initials of your recipients. Oh gee -- the list of projects could be endless! ;-D
ReplyDeleteWe shall be spending Xmas in Cambridge with our son and his family.
ReplyDeleteWhat a day of treasured memories. How I would love to be able to visit the exhibition - the colours are still so vibrant after hundreds of years, the illustrations exquisite in their detail. Thank you, Gina, for Advent 9; so special.
ReplyDelete...I have just asked Auckland Libraries to buy a copy of the catalogue. Fingers crossed that it will be approved.
ReplyDeleteI hope so!
DeleteSounds wonderful.I am so envious.
ReplyDeleteI remember your egg tempura painting, you should definitely have another go, time permitting. Glad you enjoyed the museum visit with good company. x
ReplyDeleteWell, Gina, it's now just about 24 hours since I got back home to the tiny apartment. I have so many lovely memories of my trip rolling round my head.
ReplyDeleteBeing able to see the Colour exhibit in your very fine company was such a treat! Yes, every picture in the show had a story to tell, but what made looking at each of them extra interesting and enjoyable was being able to register my impressions and share them with you, and to hear how each picture struck you, too.
I am already looking forward to my next UK visit, and hope that next stay might be longer. xo
Hi Gina, i have had a lovely time catching up with all your blog posts. We need to be kind to ourselves. Creative busy brains are very difficult to live with! iI admire the spread of your talents and am pleased that I had the opportunity to meet you for the first time this year. Enjoy the run up to Christmas. Love Liz aka Rocking Dog! x
ReplyDeleteThank you Liz. I'm happy to have met you and discovered your wealth of creative pursuits too. You are an inspiration! Xx
DeleteI remember now that you started this painting, but I had forgotten about it! Your work is beautiful. Glad you had a fun time with your friends!
ReplyDeleteGoodness, I cannot believe it is two years since you did the egg tempera course. Your day sounds like the perfect antidote to the Christmas rush.
ReplyDeleteWhat fun to meet up with blogging friends.
ReplyDeleteIt must be over 50 years since I last touched egg tempera!