Masterpiece Mishaps

Whimsy On A Wednesday

Posted on: 10th Apr, 2024

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an abstract watercolour cityscape in yellows and grey. Art by Jules Smith, UK

Whimsy on a Wednesday with an artistic guide to moving, instructions, and biblical baking

I’m over halfway on the 100 Days Of Wonder challenge and have kept my part of the bargain. In respect of my discipline and tenacity I feel we should start with a little bit of art philosophy.

rustic floral still life. An abstract floral watercolour painting in rustic and vintage style. Art by Jules Smith UK

rustic (adjective)

    • Relating to or typical of country life or the countryside; simple, unsophisticated, or plain. 
    • Example: “The cabin had a simple rustic charm with its wooden table full of meadow flowers”

The old farmhouse’s weathered wooden exterior blended seamlessly with the natural surroundings. Inside, the atmosphere was warm with a distinct rustic charm that spoke of simpler times. A large stone fireplace dominated the living room and the walls were adorned with handcrafted pressed flower plates and old sepia photographs.

Outside, the sprawling fields stretched out as far as the eye could see, dotted with farm animals and seasonal crops. The air was permeated with the scent of hay and earth; the aroma of tranquility and rural bliss.

As the sun lazily stretched into blue dreams, it was easy to forget the hustle and bustle of the modern world. 

This painting is now for sale for £8, 642.23  That’s about the amount I need for a few jobs around here.

Talking of around here…

a line and wash drawing of a window with trellis and flowers - Clematis and Wisteria- growing up it. Pen and ink illustrative art by Jules Smith, UK

I’ve actually sold my house to a couple of doctors. They want in quick. That means I might not have anywhere to live because my village abode in Marmalade Town has to be vacated by the current lovely tenants. This means before I get to rule a village I have to find somewhere to stay. I feel a jaunty trip to somewhere exciting coming on…

Talking of dilemmas…

My mother has taken away one of my stresses by buying me a cling film contraption. What I am about to tell you will come as no surprise to long-time readers of this here blog. I couldn’t figure out how it worked. I nearly lobbed that out of the window. Sometimes, mostly, and very now and then, I can’t be arsed to read instructions. When I have to, I feel inadequate and I think this makes my brain switch off.  I am unable to take in instructions without getting very cross. Why does this make me so angry?

I have to calm myself down and then re-read them carefully. I often find that instructions do not talk in my language, It might be in English but it makes no sense to me. I am like this with knitting patterns too. I was also given a bag to make not long ago, as an experiment from a company who make kits. They must have thought that if I could understand it then it’d be OK. However, I did it totally differently to the way they said because one part of the instructions did my head in and sent me into a frenzy. I swear to God it’s like reading in tongues. 

The Cling Film Contraption now works and I am very pleased at its ease of use. Game changer.

Now, give me a recipe and I get that. However, that is probably because I don’t do it exactly. I always change some things and improve them. You can take recipe rules with a pinch of salt (see what I did there?) They are more like guidelines. 

Talking of recipes…

abstract watercolour of people in an urban cityscape. Blues and yellow. Art by Jules Smith

If it doesn’t stop sodding well raining I’m going to start growing fins. Relentless. Recipe for disaster on many levels. If any Brits are reading this, you know what I’m talking about. I mean, is there actually any point in drying your hair? Even my brolly has lost the will to waterproof. Every now and then spring pokes here head round the corner only to be scared off by the grey army. 

Talking of real recipes…

A slice of Simnel cake

That there is my Simnel cake. I made it for my mother for Easter. Never made one before and probably won’t again. Reason being is that it took about 5 hours of my life away when I could have bought one for 3 quid. I enjoyed making the marzipan balls for the apostles and eating Judas the betrayer. He’s not allowed on top so I chomped his arse. Nice. I love marzipan. However, I inadvertently bought pale marzipan rather than canary yellow. I didn’t realise there was another colour so my cake ended up looking a bit washed out and amateur hour. 

Still, it was mighty delicious. However I don’t think my mother was impressed enough when I brought it to her face. 

“Look at this magnificence!” I said

“Yes, darling. Very nice. Go and put it in the pantry.”

“The pantry? The pantry?! This requires a PEDASTAL!”

“Over there. In the pantry. Quickly, I’m busy.”

“I don’t feel you are taking my cake seriously enough.”

So whilst I enjoy cooking and baking I am most upset when we don’t have a lengthy table discussion about my efforts. 

Talking of efforts…

I have to put a lot of that into my next paintings and also now packing boxes. I’ve opened the cupboards a few times, looked in and thought. “No. Can’t cope.” What an ordeal that is going to be. 

Somebody fetch the cling film – this one is a wrap.

 

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16 Comments on Masterpiece Mishaps

Rick

Rick

10th Apr, 2024 16:04

Bet I love marzipan more than you!!

Reply
Jules

Jules Smith

10th Apr, 2024 16:04

Bet ya don’t then! Ok, test: Have you ever eaten a whole block of marzipan to yourself for lunch?
I have. More than once! 😳

Reply
Rick

Rick

10th Apr, 2024 21:04

Yes, but not for lunch, about this time of night actually. Have managed half a block at lunchtime!

Reply
Jules

Jules Smith

11th Apr, 2024 09:04

Oh. You are definitely a marzipan contender! Do you like those big chocolate-covered marzipan bars they do at Christmas? I could eat those all day long.

Reply
LL

LL

10th Apr, 2024 16:04

I don’t recall ever eating marzipan, but I live in the colonies. As a colonial, I expected that certain things would be denied to me. Sort of a surf really.

The paintings are getting better, but you’re doing more of them, and that’s the whole point. The voodoo doll business might be good if you could make more than one off. I can’t think of anyone who wouldn’t want to have an emergency voodoo doll. It’s not unlike having an emergency clown nose. You don’t have to use it 100% of the time. BUT, when you need it, you need it. It’s along the line with we colonials and our firearms, and our knives, billy clubs, throwing stars, etc.

I didn’t know that your house was up for sale. I feel a little sad because you did so much to it, and it was an extension of you. Still, we all move on. I moved to the White Wolf Mine, leaving my home in town with the delightful climate, the swimming pool, etc. I don’t miss the mosque they built down the street or the mosquevites who moved in once it was there.

Marmalade cottage is very nice and I know that you’ll be happy there once you evict the tenants. And it’s down the street from a chippy and a pub – or is my colonial brain slipping?

Reply
Jules

Jules Smith

11th Apr, 2024 09:04

What? You must eat some immediately! If you don’t I might be inclined to make a Voodoo Doll of you and stick it until you eat!

I think there is a business opportunity for this, particularly in the dark arts sector of the UK. Or should I be based in NOLA?
As I mentioned on FB, I think clownism and dolls should work in conjunction to add that extra tinge of malice!

Marmalade is lovely and will free up more cash for me. My house now is lovely but it’s time to move on. Once I finish a project it is time for another! Besides, I can open Marmalade Menacing Magic!

There are two pubs at either end of the street. They do fish and chips, Sunday roasts, breakfasts, sticky 13’s, raffles, live music nights, malarkey, and general Great British weird stuff. There’s a village hall, a makers market, a small gym, a park, several country walks, an art group, a history group, a parish council, a ladies’ group, a small shop, coffee drop-ins, a visiting fishmonger, a wood-fired pizza delivery, and even an Airbnb. It was also awarded the best-dressed village in the floral department. I think it will bring about some marvellous whimsy!

Reply
the late phoenix

the late phoenix

10th Apr, 2024 17:04

if the therapist is a true therapist who really wants to help you, he’d ENCOURAGE you making a voodoo doll of your therapist…

*)

Reply
Jules

Jules Smith

11th Apr, 2024 09:04

Of course he would! This is why you are the resident genius. *)

Reply
Roger B.

Roger B.

10th Apr, 2024 18:04

Consider using MagCloud to sell bound books/booklets of digital images of your watercolors. I have a UK photographer friend who has had modest succes with this route – and is also reaching a larger audience in the process.

Reply
Jules

Jules Smith

11th Apr, 2024 09:04

Thank you, Roger. Anything is worth a try! I appreciate the help.

I have sold a few paintings to date without even trying. I think being on Instagram helps as you get people just contacting you to buy things if they like it so it is almost like an online gallery! If your UK pal is on Instagram tell them to give me a follow and I’ll reciprocate. Creatives supporting creatives is always good.

Reply
Laura Beal

Laura Beal

10th Apr, 2024 19:04

Your mum should’ve been MUCH more, effusively appreciate of your time-intensive Simnel cake! Wish I’d been there to partake of some of it…with a chaser of Gaviscon Advance and ACV. Blasted aging GI system! Love from the North Georgia mountains!

Reply
Jules

Jules Smith

11th Apr, 2024 09:04

Miss Laura, what a delight to have you visit here. If I’d have known I would have rolled out the red carpet. Feet can get a bit sticky on these grounds!

Maybe, I should have said, “If I’d known you were coming I’d have baked a cake!”

Yes, well, it’s a very rich cake that plays havoc with your gut! All nice things do this. Wash down with Gaviscon and carry on regardless!

My mother has since redeemed herself by publicly enthusing about my cake.

Big love back from the watery island!

Reply
Al Kirk

Al Kirk

11th Apr, 2024 00:04

Instructions, what is written words on paper thing you speak of?

Voodoo dolls, perhaps you could start a weekly blog entry on “how to”. Maybe market a at home kit complete with stainless steel pins to stick in it. Sell videos, so forth.

Marzipan must be chocolate covered or no thanks.

Moving… it’s a terrible quest to go on. Good luck.

The first fifty days. Wow, time flies….

Reply
Jules

Jules Smith

11th Apr, 2024 10:04

Right, Al! Whoever thought that was an idea that would catch on!

Are you and Larry twins? I sense the same devilment and enticement of mischief! I’m very easily swayed so be careful what you encourage! What if I become High Priestess of witchcraft and get dunked in the River Thames by villagers with pitchforks?

Ughhh – it’s horrid. I’m paring down my belongings, or trying to. Unless it’s art stuff. I like the idea of being freer and not having so much stuff. But even getting rid of it is a trial. I’ve already fallen out with several people on eBay for being stupid!

I know! It’s gone fast! And there was me moaning about 30 days of Inktober!

Reply
Frank

Frank

11th Apr, 2024 19:04

Something I heard fairly regularly while growing up: If at first you don’t succeed, read the instructions. The problem with instruction lies with the mind of the person creating them. If their brain operates on a different frequency from your own you need a translator to convert their English into your English.

Reply
Jules

Jules Smith

12th Apr, 2024 05:04

Yes, Frank, that is absolutely true.
They certainly don’t speak my kind of English!

Reply

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