Sun 030923 Visited Dulwich Picture Gallery/Berthe Morisot exhibition.../met artist, Jennifer

Sun 030923 Visited Dulwich Picture Gallery/Berthe Morisot exhibition.../met artist, Jennifer

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15:00 I made an appointment to go and visit seeing Dulwich Picture Gallery...; it is the last days of the Berthe Morisot exhibition.

- https://www.dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk

I went there...and, it was enjoyable to see. -(Even, though, I'd gone before...I can't recall if it were, once/or, twice. I think, I went there, once, to join...; and, another time to see.)- Morisot's work is very lively and beautiful...so one can't help but to come away feeling really happy to have seen it. She depicts children very well, in particular.

I also saw there many other artist works...Boucher(can't begin to say how much I admire Boucher's work)/Fragonard/Reynolds/-etc.

I tried doing a few copies...; but, as usual, not too very successfully, I'm afraid...?!

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I saw one middle aged woman sitting down drawing -(the gallery does provide portable seats to those who wish to use such a facility)-; but, I didn't wish to interrupt her work.

So, I patiently waited until when closing time came...; and, luckily, as I was about to leave...I saw her sitting down inside of the gardens.

I asked her, 'did your drawings go well, today?' And, she answered me back quite friendly and politely. I introduced myself as, Paul; and, her name was, Jennifer. We continued to chat about art: Morisot/Hockney/Turner/Picasso/...watercolours/oil paints/acryilic...the price of art classes/-etc.

When the garden closing time came...; we both walked off together...because we were going in the same direction which is headed straight towards West Dulwich train station...walking down past Belair Park.

She said she lives in Kingston; and, has to change trains at Victoria/then, change again at Clapham Junction.

Myself, I told her I live in West Norwood; opposite the bus garage...; and, that my road to turn off at was at the side of West Dulwich train station.

I said I had only just went and visited seeing Kingston...around 2 or so days back...; taking the number 57 bus from Streatham. We talked about Hampton Castle/and, Kew Gardens.

When we both arrived at West Dulwich train station...we shook hands; and, then, parted going our own separate way.

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I must point out...this is not a woman I do fancy in any way...; so, there was nothing in the least bit 'romantic' going on...; rather, it was just merely two people who are very deeply interested in the same subject, art...discussing just that.

I said, I hope to see her, again, whenever she comes to visit Dulwich Picture gallery; but, she said she only came to view the last days of the exhibition...as she lives far away.

Whereas, myself, living only in the very next district...can go and visit seeing it, regularly...if wanted every single day...; the reason why is because it's the exhibition's very last days...; thus, the likelihood is I will go and visit seeing it some more...long before the exhibition ends.

 

Sat 020923 Visited West Norwood Library/then, Japan House, High Street Kensington

Sat 020923 Visited West Norwood Library/too, Japan House, High Street Kensington

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-> 16:00 Returned back a Ruben’s book to West Norwood Library

I returned back a book I had borrowed from West Norwood Library, yesterday...Rubens, published by Taschen.

I had glimpsed through the book...; but, still not read it, yet.

-(I figured I could buy it off eBay, instead.)-

I just didn’t wish to run up no more fines for ‘overdue’ books...which is driving me mad...especially, when funds are already low.. When one has ADD/Attention Deficit Disorder...; then, one frequently forgets to renew library books on time.

So, returning back the library book...is just one other weight off my mind.

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-> 16:30 Visited Japan House, High Street Kensington

From West Norwood I jumped onto a number 432 bus...getting off at Brixton tube station bus stop. I took the tube from Brixton to Green Park, I think...I cannot recall the exact route...but, I got off at Bond Street tube station. (My original intention was to get off at High Street Kensington.)

The main reason why I got off the tube at that point was I desperately needed to take a leak...and, unlike trains, now-a-days...the tube has no toilet available. So, I got off at Bond Street tube...and, took a bus over to Hyde Park...where I was able to take a leak.

I ten walked through Hyde Park...past The Albert Museum...and, then, downwards towards High Street Kensington.

Before I reached the tube station...I reached Japan House...which I entered. There were 3 floors...I covered seeing them all. Including, a library, and, art gallery, downstairs/a restaurant, upstairs/and, in the middle -entrance floor- a food shop. Downstairs, I filled out a computer survey stating what I thought of my first visit.

Afterwards, I left. I visited two other places...Marks & Spencer food hall/MacDonald’s across the road. In either place, I brought nothing.

Finally, I took the tube from High Street Kensington...to Victoria. From Victoria I took the number 2 bus home.

I believe I arrived home somewhere around 9 PM.

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-> Conclusion

I had made an online appointment to go visit Japan House...on Mon 4th Sep 2023 where they are giving a talk...10-10:30 AM...; so, I was determined to find the place, first...before my appointment visit.

It was interesting going there...because I’d been to see/visit such areas before...having travelled there when much younger. It’s a very strange feeling...revisiting places you used to go before when young...when I hardly ever walked...just ran everywhere. Now-a-days, I find myself walking everywhere going really ‘slow’...and, all the time, wondering to myself...who the hell is this...?!

Oh I recall doing a drawing inside of a sketch pad on the tube...during the return journey home. I saw a Japanese woman sitting opposite me/she was with her partner...I don’t know what their relationship is...brother/sister...father/daughter...boyfriend/girlfriend...husband/wife.../-etc.

All I knew was I wanted to draw the woman’s head...without, actually, ‘staring’...so, I just quickly glimpsed; then, looked away...drawing purely from memory, instead. Rather disappointingly, my drawing didn’t look like the woman at all...? But, the female head drawing I did turned out fairly ok...it was executed using a multi-coloured pencil.

 

 

Thu 310823 Took multiple bus rides...; then, returned back home.

 Thu 310823 Took multiple bus rides...; then, returned back home.

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Table of contents:-

-> 16:00 My bank a/c. was £25.00 overdrawn. So, I had to go and make a deposit in Streatham.

-> 16:30 Decided to go out and do some drawing; but,...; went for a series of 4 lengthy bus rides, instead: 201/37/85/57.

- 21:00 Brought some late night lunch...KFC wrap for £1.98/and, 20 pieces of chicken/and, 2 fries for £9.99.

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-> 16:00 My bank a/c. was £25.00 overdrawn. So, I had to go and make a deposit in Streatham.

Unfortunately, when I went and checked the other day...meaning, 2 days ago...my bank a/c. was overdraw to the tune of £24.xx.

I walked down to Streatham to go and make a deposit of £25.00. Thus, my bank a/c. now says, I am £1.00 in credit. (Not a lot..?!)

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-> 16:30 Decided to go out and do some drawing; but,...; went for a series of 4 lengthy bus rides, instead: 201/37/85/57.

I wanted to go out and do some drawing; so, for that reason, I had taken with me a drawing pad/as well as, pencils/sharpener/rubber.

I decided to jump onto a number 201 bus from Streatham...which said it was going to Herne Hill station. I thought to myself, when I arrive at Herne Hills station...I could jump on a train.

The 201 takes a very unusual route. It went down Streatham High Road...then, along Upper Tulse Hill (which is where my old Secondary School used to be...when I was aged: 11-14...before they pulled it down)...; then, around the corner...down the hill...; and, into Thurlow Park Road...going straight to the top of Thurlow Park Road...past Elm Park Road where there is a back entrance from Tulse Hill train station...and, turning off into Croxted Road...; then, moving towards Herne Hill park. These are all places I tended to travel, frequently...either on foot/or, on my bike...; but, I don't ever recall taking a bus going that way, before. This means, whenever I wish to travel down that way, in future...; I can also choose to take bus, instead.

In actual fact, when I did get to Herne Hill station...I jumped onto another bus...the time, the number, 37...which said it's going to Putney Heath. (Somehow, I 'imagined' it was going to cut across the city centre...; that's because I had misinterpreted Putney Heath as being Hampstead Heath...?! Much to my surprise, instead, of going to inner London...it went off towards outer London. It went through Brixton/Clapham Common/and, proceeded all along the Common...down to Clapham Junction...I recall seeing sights I hadn't been off to visit seeing in years; thus, bringing back loads of precious memories...then, over towards Putney East Station...and, so on...)

Eventually, I got off at Putney Heath...walked around just a little bit...not going too far...as I didn't wish to get lost in an area I don't even know...? Actually, I was looking at a nearby map of the Heath...and, I saw the Heath is large...and, even, includes Wimbledon(an area I have passed through...; but, don't know too very well). From Putney Heath I took a number 85 bus going off towards Kingston(again, I hadn't been to visit seeing Kingston in years).

I walked around Kingston High Street just for a little bit...before deciding to return back home, again. This time I jumped onto a number 57 bus...returning going all the way back to Streatham, again. (I was already 'aware' that from the bottom of Leigham Court Road...which is close to where I live...one can take from Streatham a number 57 bus off to Kingston.)

-(Whenever I see buses, I know...I feel relaxed/comfortable/safe...there's much safety in acknowledging seeing the 'familiar'; when I see buses I don't know...K numbered busses/and, 200/301/and, so on...then, I feel really confused...where the hell does that bus come from/go to, I wonder...? I recall standing up and reading what the bus stop said...the number 71 bus from Kingston takes you to see/visit Chessington Zoo...I went to see Chessignton Zoo only as a passenger in a car as a child.)-

I found it really interesting seeing the routes the 57 bus went along...; which are mostly unfamiliar to me...; but, it's certainly good to know that this bus takes you both here and there. Returning back...I came through Wimbledon. So, that whenever you wish to get somewhere really 'fast'...; you will know precisely which buses to take/as well as, which buses to avoid taking. We even went pass a number of stations: Raynes Park station. (I never got off at Raynes Park before/and, so on. If I can recall, correctly...even, Kingston itself had a station...don't know if it's either tube/or, train...?)

From Streatham I took a number 417 bus up Leigham Court Road ....getting off at St Julian's School bus stop...; which is only 2 streets away from where I live...; and, then, proceeded walking down the hill to home.

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- 21:00 Brought some late night lunch...KFC wrap for £1.98/and, 20 pieces of chicken/and, 2 fries for £9.99.

My original intention of going off down the road...was to buy some 'cookham' from Iceland...in order to make sandwiches with. Only when I arrived there...Iceland was already closed.

So, I continued walking down the road...until I reached the chicken shop at Tulse Hill. Inside there I brought £9.99 of chicken and chips...20 x chicken wings/together with 2 x fries.

Whilst I was waiting for them to prepare the food...; I crossed over the road...and, brought a £1.98 chicken wrap from Kentucky Fried Chicken.

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-> Conclusion

I didn't do any drawing, today; but, honestly, I'm not too concerned. As I see it...drawing can 'wait'...I can do drawing anytime, and, for all of: 24/7/366...whether I choose to 'stay in'...and, copy off the internet...; or, go 'outside' and draw, instead.

What I am pleased about is, at last, I'm starting to use my FREE 60+ London travel pass more and more. Whereas, before...I was hardly using it ever at all. London, is really big...; and, there are so many parts that I have never even seen/visited before...? There must be loads of parks/and, art galleries/museums/famous historical exhibition houses/-etc.

Plus, I did a little bit of walking...; and, quite a lot of discovery here and there. I saw on the bus...lots and lots places I would like to go check out seeing at some other point in time.

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-(What I should have done is bring along my iPad with me...in order to take photos...; that would have been so cool...; and, help to reinforce having seen such tremendous sights...going from city side buildings...to seeing really wide motorways...and, areas of pure greenery/-etc.)-

 

Thu 310823 12:40 PM GMT Reminder note: Must go out, and, practice drawing some more...

Thu 310823 12:40 PM GMT Reminder note: Must go out, and, practice drawing some more...

What's going though my mind is I need to take drawing a lot more seriously.

For example, I'm very well 'aware' that I do not need to go and visit an art gallery(nor pay membership fees)...; in order to practice learning to draw.

Instead, all I need to do is, quite simply, go outside...be it absolutely anywhere...close to home(the back garden/alley way/or, going for a walk down the street)/or, far away from home...; and, just remember to take some papers/and, drawing instruments along with me...including, rubbers/sharpeners/-etc.; and, basically, that's it.

The whole entire world is out there for me to go and draw...; it stands there posing for all of 24 hours, including: morning/day/evening/night....; 'moving' life: insects/animals/people 'moving'...; 'still' life: buildings/cars/streets.

But, then, I've certainly been 'aware' of this...and, for so many endless years and years...; then, why on earth did I not do it, yet...?! Perhaps, it was due to the sheer 'fear of failure'...; or, just not having developed my drawing skills sufficiently well, yet.

However, as I do gradually grow older and older...currently, I'm aged 60+...; I realize that my time here on earth/and, more importantly, my health, including: eyes/legs/heart/-etc...is not necessarily going to last, quite simply, forever. So, it's far better that I, at least, try and do something, right NOW...; before it's all too late...?!

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It doesn't really matter what I choose to draw...

- bits of grass/a weed/shrub/a leaf/flowers/a tree
- the skies above/passing clouds
- a brick/brick wall/house/church(inside/outside)/skyscraper
- a machine: a push bike/motor bike/car/taxi/truck/bus
- a person passing/or, keeping still (sitting down on the bus/inside of a chair at a cafe/or, at the local library)
- etc.

...I don't care less what I choose to draw/nor how badly the drawing comes out -(because, I feel that with sufficient practice, it should improve)-; the main thing is just, simply, 'do it'...; and, fill up a whole entire sketchbook; then, start on a next...until when something good turns up, at some point in time...; then, I will have choices open to me...namely, keep it/frame it.../or, even, try and sell it.

Wed 300823 Visited Ingeus Stockwell/also, Art4Space. Then, afterwards visited Tate Britain Gallery.

 Wed 300823 Visited Ingeus Stockwell/also, Art4Space. Then, afterwards visited Tate Britain Gallery.

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Table of contents:-

-> 13:00 Visited Ingeus -(job restart)- offices in Stockwell...arrived there too 'late'...said they would give me a next re-scheduled appointment.

-> 14:30 Visited Art4Space, Stockwell...; invited me to come and see them on open day Tue evenings.

-> 15:00 Visited Tate Britain Gallery. Did a few drawings...

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-> 13:00 Visited Ingeus -(job restart)- offices in Stockwell...arrived there too 'late'...said they would give me a next re-scheduled appointment.

I went and visited Ingeus for a 1 PM appointment...; but, unfortunately, because I left home 'late'; therefore, I arrived there late by 20 minutes long!

At first, they told me wait...as my advisor might have gone for lunch...; so, I sat down and waited inside of the reception room...until 2 PM came.

At 2 PM, I walked up the receptionist, again...; and, asked has my advisor, Negad, arrived, now? They told me she has decided to reschedule our appointment to a next date in time...as I had arrived far too late.

At which point, I signed out...the receptionist book; and, left.

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-> 14:30 Visited Art4Space, Stockwell...; invited me to come and see them on open day Tue evenings.

Just outside of Ingeus building...the first corner is, Jeffery's Road; where there is an Art4Space building. I used to go there to do voluntary ceramics/pottery/gardening(moving and clearing stuff). So, I decided to go back, and, check them out...to see if the building still existed/and, was open.

I saw some new people there...; but, when I spoke they remembered who used to teach...and, indeed, is still teaching. I was told to return back on open day which is, next week, Tuesday evening(that is, if I can remember...?).

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-> 15:00 Visited Tate Britain Gallery. Did a few drawings...

As usual, whenever I go and visit Stockwell; because Vauxhall is the next neighbourhood down...; and, just over Vauxhall bridge is where one finds Tate Britain Gallery...so, I just have to visit it...whilst still being inside of that area.

After all, I did buy myself an 'expensive' yearly pass which expires in December 2023; so, I only have a few more months left to use it still. There's just no point in 'wasting' all of that money that was spent...with only 4 months left to use it...; and, I'm really not too sure when I will be able to afford to buy another...(as there are so many other really 'important' bills to pay, including: gas/electric/water rate/tv/internet/phone/-etc.)?

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-> Conclusion

Frankly, I haven't been exercising much...no skipping/no running/no martial arts(shadow kick boxing)/-etc. However, at least, today, I got out into the 'fresh air' for a bit; and, also, practiced doing some artwork drawings.

None of my drawings make me feel happy, though; they are really poor in quality. I guess, I got to draw loads and loads...before I can expect to see any real improvement...???

 

 

Fri 250823 Visited Ingeus/Tate Britain Gallery

 Fri 250823 VISITED INGEUS/TATE BRITAIN GALLERY

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Table of contents:-

-> 12:00 midday, visited Ingeus in Stockwell

-> 13:00 Visited Tate Britain Gallery, spent all day there...until when closing time came at 6 PM

-> 18:30 Return bus journey home...so tired...almost fell asleep...?!

-> Conclusion: Didn’t get enough sleep, last night.

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-> 12:00 midday, visited Ingeus in Stockwell

Had a very important appointment, today; the job centre said I must go and attend Ingeus appointment in Stockwell.

As usual, I arrived there 'late'. Anyway, they didn't complain...; and, I saw my advisor, Negad. She treated me well, as usual. We did a survey on the computer; another appointment was made...; and, then, I left.

NOTE: She did offer me 2 computer based courses...; but, said she would contact me further about it, in future...going to attend Southwark College in Waterloo.

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-> 13:00 Visited Tate Britain Gallery, spent all day there...until when closing time came at 6 PM

From Stockwell, I took the number 88 bus...which drops me directly outside Tate Britain gallery doors.

I decided to stay there for the rest of the evening...from 1 PM - 6 PM closing time.

I did a few drawings...; and, also, visited the upstairs Tate membership room...where I drew some more...looking downwards through the windows...onto unsuspecting visitors, below.

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-> 18:30 Return bus journey home...so tired...almost fell asleep...?!

I went back home by number 2 bus to West Norwood garage.

If I'm in the mood to go mess around...; then, I will take the longest possible journey home...; thus, delaying my home coming by going here and there.

However, I was feeling really tired out...; so, I just jumped on a number 2 bus...to return home, straight away...; needed to have some rest.

In fact, I was feeling so tired on the bus...; that I almost fell asleep...; when the last bus stop came...West Norwood garage...; I was 'slow' to wake up...but, made it off the bus, anyway...waking up more...when I encountered smelling 'fresh air' outside.

I climbed up the hill, slowly...really slowly...just like an old man does...going most incredibly slow. My legs have got problems...namely, chaffed thighs...when my two thighs brush against one another it hurts...this causes me to walk very slowly, indeed. However, all I got to do is put some water on it...; then, after a day or two...my thighs are back to normal, again...; as is my walking. I think, I'm going to have to use Vaseline to stop the thighs from chaffing...; then, I might consider going out for a lot longer...; instead, of coming in so soon.

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-> Conclusion: Didn’t get enough sleep last night.

When I think about it...it all begins to make sense. I didn’t sleep, properly, last night. I already knew I had a midday appointment to wake up to...; but, nevertheless, I chose to go to bed late...way past midnight...; furthermore, I kept the TV on...which also served to keep me awake...; thus, I only slept rather fitfully...both sleeping/then, waking up, again.

That, all of a sudden, realization...explains why I felt so damn tired during the evening. I need to get some proper sleep...otherwise, I just can’t function well.

 

 

Thu 240723 Visited Tate Britain gallery

 Thu 240723 18:05 PM GMT Visited Tate Britain Gallery 5-6 PM/Pencil on A4 paper/Female Head(back)

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When closing time came at 6 PM; all of Tate Gallery visitors were ushered out.

I decided instead of going straight home; to sit down at the top of the steps...and, draw some other visitors who were also sitting on the steps, below...which meant I drew them being seen from the back; and, this is one of those 'quick' drawings.

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I recall the girl's hair was really quite beautiful to watch...; but, I couldn't quite get all of the details down right...; so, this is just a mere partial likeness. She was speaking to some guy...who was also sitting beside her.

Wed 230823 Skipped

 Wed 15:00 PM Age 60+: Went outside into the alleyway, and, practiced doing some 'skipping/running'.

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A SHORT, QUICK AND SIMPLE 'KEEP FIT' ROUTINE: SKIP/RUN...3 TIMES PER DAY...(BY FAR THE HARDEST PART, I FIND, IS 'STICKING' WITH DOING ANY SORT OF 'KEEP FIT' ROUTINE...I TEND TO GET REALLY VERY BORED AND QUIT...WHICH IS WHY I LIKE TO, CONSTANTLY, VARY DOING ANY EXERCISE)

I decided to try picking up a rope...to go skipping, again. (It's been a while since I ever tried doing that...feels, to me, like whole weeks and weeks of just sitting around doing absolutely nothing to 'keep fit'...?!)

In my mind I made up a very simple routine...

Step 1> skip...up until the point when I find I have to stop...either the rope gets entangled in my feet/or else, I just feel far too tired...; then, continue doing this for, at least, 3 sets

Step 2> finally, when 3 sets of skipping is done...go for a run up and down the alley way...slow/fast...according to how it is I feel...weak/strong...?

I repeat doing this same routine 3 times per day; starting from today. I don't need to do everything, all at once...; but, I can go out...skip 3 sets/then, run...for 3 times per day...at any time of day/night.

As it is, I went and completed doing just 2 sets, today; with 1 more still left to go do...; maybe, I will complete doing that last set some time, later on/or, tonight...; but, I promise myself to do it before I go off to sleep.

Well, I just completed doing the 3rd set of skip/run; and, as proof, I decided to video record it as well...using my iPad Air2.

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CONCLUSION

For me, at age 60, it's very important, indeed, to keep the heart muscle pumping really hard/and, and, also, get both my 'legs/arms' to stay in some sort of shape...by simply 'moving' both the 'legs/arms' together...and, also, it helps to improve one's overall co-ordination.

The running, also, helps...; in that I've always found 'walking' doesn't seem to affect my 'heart/breath' as much...; but, whenever I run...it clearly affects my leg strength/breathing/stamina/heart...; which, in turn, gives me some self-confidence that whenever I 'need' to run...to catch a bus/or, because I'm 'late' getting to a very important appointment...; then, I can feel sure it's possible for me to be able to do a little bit of sprinting.

If my running improves more over time...; then, eventually, I will go running all the way around the block...; and, then, come back...; instead, of just moving up and down the alleyway...which is a much shorter distance.

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WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE FIT...???

Of course, as somebody who has always held a life long interest in all different sorts of 'keep fit' training...; therefore, I'm all too very well 'aware'...that just....
- bouncing up and down using a jump rope
- running up/down the alley way
...is NOT keep fit; but, instead, it's just merely paying attention to only a small part of keeping fit.

True fitness, involves the whole 'body/mind'...it involves doing such things as...

- stretching
- walking/running/climbing stairs
- strength training (lifting weights)
- jumping (explosive movement)
- coordination (legs/plus, arms)
- proper technique(s)
- self-defence: boxing/kicking
- movement/dance/developing rhythm
- eating/drinking, correctly (avoiding too much sugar/salt)
- relaxation/meditation/deep breathing
- general 'mental' well being: good thoughts/good words/good deeds
- going out and 'socialising'/and, not just keeping yourself strictly to yourself
- etc.

...so, 'run/skip' is just a small part of this; but, at least, it's a very important 'beginning'. To quote the ancient Chinese saying: "The longest journey always begins with the first step."

Whenever one gets the 'adrenaline' to flow...; then, one also finds the necessary 'energy and strength' to want to include doing so much more.