#13 Narcissus you plonker!

'Prednisporata' Painted paper over stretched linen

ART
At the beginning of the week I had a Twitter notification from David Bowie (so did a million others) that stated a much loved friend and collaborator of his record sleeves had died after a long illness. His name – Rex Ray. To be fair I am a big fan of Bowie but even though I like the art work on the Vinyl and CD's I haven't looked for the artists name. So I clicked on the links given and I was blown away by the colours and simplistic (suppose that word is modern?) nature of the paintings that were presented to me. I love the colours he uses and the patterns. The artwork/photography he did with David Bowie were and are fantastic. I covered David Bowie's art work in the blog entitled 'A small plot of land' (January) and the picture I liked was actually a collaboration with Rex. Rex was based in San Francisco as a fine artist whose collages, paintings and design work have been exhibited at many galleries and museums. He's a Graphic Designer who has designed for Dreamworks, Apple, Sony, Warner Brothers and the list goes on. If you want to find out about the work he did with Bowie click here. And if you want to find more pictures Rex did this is his website.

BEER IN A CAN!
Beavertown Black Betty, Black IPA 7.4%
Yes I did just start singing 'Woo Black Betty blam a lam'. I got a frothy moustache from this one. This beer requires me to drink it all before I can comment as I am not sure about the first sip and smell. It's actually quite hoppy and bitter on the after-taste and this is what I'm not sure I like. The more I drink (I like the middle bit) the more it grows on me. Maybe this beer is more suited to me in a years time when I've become accustomed to bitterness. However just because this one isn't my favourite doesn't mean it's not a thousand other peoples favourite. For instance my bosses like this beer. So as I know where to get a few more of their cans I will be trying others. Who can resit names such as 'Gamma Ray' and 'Neck Oil'??
As I feel a bit guilty for my first I don't think I like it blog, let me Introduce you to Beavertown and convince you everyone has different tastes.
For starters they are based in London. They have some funky names and graphics. AND I have just checked out their website to find one of their beers (Peddler) 100% of the profit goes towards The National Cycling Charity, “which protects the interests of cyclists, by supporting cyclists injured in accidents and by promoting safer conditions for cycling”. Now that has to be a reason to buy a pint. Want to find out more about Beavertown here you GO! Now I'm off to find out if Rheged in Penrith, Cumbria sells the 'Bloody 'ell' Blood Orange IPA, now that sounds well nice and very drinkable.

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Narcissus by Caravaggio

COVERED IN WEEDS
Now this may or may not be true, you decide. I like Greek mythology so I'm going with this as to why a bunch of Daffodils became known as Narcissus. Apparently there are a few versions of this story but I like this one (modified slightly)..
Once upon a time Narcissus who was a sexy looking hunter (apparently) took a walk in the woods when Echo, a mountain nymph saw him, she immediately fell deeply in love, and followed/stalked him whichever way you view it. Narcissus realised he was being followed and shouted
"Who's there?".
Echo repeated "Who's there?".
Eventually Echo revealed her identity and attempted to give him a hug.
“Ey what ya doin Lass? Ger off me, tha dunt do that wi out an invite. Get on ya way” He may have said.
Echo was well and truly heartbroken and spent the rest of her life in the lonely Glens until nothing but an echo sound remained of her. Nemisis, the goddess of Revenge (not Emily if you're watching the American TV series), learned of this story and decided to punish Narcissus. Nemisis then lured him to a pool where he saw his own reflection. Stupidly he didn't realize it was only a reflection of himself and fell in love with it! He couldn't leave the image of himself alone and eventually drowned. After his death up popped a bunch of Daffodils - Narcissus in the ground where he had died.

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MUSINGS
Wow! That's what I have to say on the subject of, 'The amount of people who view my Blog/Website'. My figures also say most of you come back for more! Well a big THANK YOU to you all. It's not like I get paid for the Blog or even any sales for my paintings (can you see a shopping cart?). I'm just grateful people are looking. Eventually the paintings will have price tags.
I must be doing something right – even if my grammar is shocking at times (I write and spell as I say it). That's all part of me, I'm not a Thoroughbred more a Donkey – not Eeyore (Winnie the Pooh's mate) more Donkey from the film Shrek.
It would be fantastic if you left a comment. Tell me why you like the blog or what you want to see more of. It would probably read like my old school reports, “Tries really hard and is enthusiastic, but, waffles and gets distracted easily (ooo look squirrel)” or just say “Hello” Don't forget the share/like buttons at the bottom of this page (need to know they work – I'm not very savvy with computer stuff). If this is your first time, Welcome, pop over into the archives bit (there on your right) pick a month and it will bring you to the last entry for that month. Enjoy

Today my tune of the week is actually a couple. Radio 1 played Muse 'Uprising' the other week and I thought hold on a God damn cotton picking minute that sounds like the Dr Who theme tune. Funnily enough I've thought for a while that The Stereophonics tune 'I got your number' is similar to Dr Who. What do you reckon? I love both these tracks, hope you like them too.
Have a great 7 days and I'll see you this time next week for more Halfpint Adventures