What The Scarecrow Sees
Keep up to date with what’s happening in my world, from art projects to the weird and wonderful.
Welcome To Reality
There’s nothing quite like losing someone to bring you to down to earth hard. You always think you have more time than you actually have and it’s never long enough to say goodbye.
Last week I lost a friend I loved to bits. Peter was a humble man with a heart the size of a house and a home there was always room for one more in. He always made me feel welcome and wanted and together with the rest of his family, could instantly restore my faith in humanity when it was flagging. As long as there’s people like them in the world, it can’t be such a bad place. Peter faced his death with astonishing dignity, it’s something I will never forget. I still can’t quite believe the next time I call round, he won’t be there. He called me a good friend and I thank him for that from the bottom of my heart.
I found it hard to settle back into work. I’m still not back in the swing of things. Maybe that’s why I’m writing this while there’s a half drawn mural layout lying a few feet away from me that so needs to get done. It won’t get done tonight.
Meanwhile, In The Enchanted Forest…
I’m sure it’s of no interest to you but I blagged myself some free chicken today just by being nice. Had it in a sandwich. Thought it was worth mentioning…
So anyway, just wanted to say the Easter Art Exhibition in the Higher Bridges Gallery, Enniskillen kicks off next week. My portrait of the great Patrick Moore will be on display this year. I’m really proud of it and glad I did it. I’m sure like countless others, i was left completely deflated when he died and painting him actually helped and made me feel good about the effect he has had on me for all of these years, a feeling that will stay with me for the rest of my life. Thank you Patrick for showing me the stars.
Patrick Moore Portrait by Kevin McHugh Art
Head Scratching, Story Telling, Shadowy Figures and Blistering Guitar Work
How’s it going? Did you miss me?
Aw, me too, well let me tell you what I’ve been at…
Been a busy few weeks for me. The main thing I’ve been working on has been preparation for an art project based around a fairy tale set in the Appalation mountains which involves storytelling through shadow puppetry, music, narration and visual arts. There are four artists, including myself at the core of the project but we’ll also be involving school children, musicians and anyone else we can rope in.
I’ve the outline of the story written but it needs a nip and a tuck here and there. Once it’s finalised I’ll set about designing and creating the shadow puppets and backgrounds with school groups. I’ll also be “painting” scenes from the story with my trusty powerhose as my next series of barn murals which is where I find dirty walls and wash away everything that isn’t the picture I have in my head, leaving, well you’ve guessed it – the picture I have in my head.