Couple

Is she not talking to him today ?

Dressed with expectation

These two were obviously off on their holidays.

Everyone around them were dressed in coats and macs, against the inclement weather that has been in damp lieu of a summer this year. 

I liked their optimism. They might be freezing, but they were set for sun. 

This was drawn quite a few weeks ago.

They are probably back home by now.

Teachers

I am guessing these two guys were teachers from their conversation.

I sat behind them on the Manchester tram from Mediacity UK and eavesdropped. They were discussing targets, and strategies, and follow-up projects, and pupil ratio.

Or at least this guy was.

The other guy just nodded, and agreed, and watched the brave new world of Salford Quays rattle past.

Cathedral

No, not cheese, the other one, the big building looming over a city one.

Took a look at Liverpool cathedral. Big ball buster of a building. Built at a time when the technology to just strip it all back and go for it existed, but the urge to decorate and adorn still held sway. So you get these stark walls and jaw dropping spans, nibbled with leaves and scrolls and earnest looking saints.

Like a breezeblock in the hands of a fidgety gibbon.

Anyway, paused for a while in my architectural assessment, took a few moments silent acknowledgment, ( that's what you do in these places isn't it ? ). And noticed the seating was dotted here and there with other souls, hunched in thought, offering contemplation, or... no... look.

They're all on their bloody phones.

Maybe they were texting their prayers ? What kind of package does God give ?  Unlimited calls ? Good roaming deals ? Weekly top ups ?

A 24 hour help line ?

Jazz

Spent an enjoyable afternoon sketching folks at the Manchester Jazz festival a few saturdays back.

This is my favorite from that day.

Opening.

Had the good fortune to be at the Olympics Opening Ceremony on Friday. And was determined to sketch something while I was there.

Had some suitably marked paper to do it on too. Ha.

Not brilliant I know. The backs of people's heads, a wheeled trailer and the flock of sheep ramp onto the stage. Oh and look, the dancers spacing marks.

And a couple of quick audience heads.

Then it all started and I forgot to sketch. Loved the molten rings. Bemused as to why they covered us all in blue silk before the show started ?

But made for a cool view under the blue.

Am going to a few events so aim to get some more sketches done before it all rolls out of town.

Back and...

Sorry for absence... been away from home, and, whilst I have been sketching, the scanner I had with me has refused to scan anything, and the willpower to amend that has been lacking.

Weak excuse, but am home this weekend, and reunited with my big old trusty scanner. Ahhh Scanner love.

And want to reboot the with.....