So - I decided to come out of hibernation and start some new carving; I was given these small slabs of marble many years ago and was thinking of doing some abstract, organic forms with them. The piece on the left is half of the first block - the shape on the right is one that I carved with a cold chisel yesterday and then smoothed out with a couple of rasp files today. I'm looking forward to playing around with this over the next few weeks.............

Russell Flint

Since I've not blogged for a while, (no excuses, I've just not started my next piece of sculpture yet) so thought I'd share this - one of my favourite prints. It's by William Russell Flint and it's not one that crops up very often on the web. The reasons I like this particular work are manifold; firstly it is about a model, she's not a goddess or the personification of some abstract ideal - just an attractive young woman taking a 'break' from posing for the picture in the background.

Secondly, Flint's watercolour handling of her form is so subtle and nuanced as to be breath-taking - I look at this picture on my wall at home everyday and still admire his skillful technique as much now as when I first saw it 15 years ago.

Even though the figure is reclining, the angle of her body diagonally through the composition suggests a dynamic quality even at rest, which contrasts her pale form against the garish background colours. And the fact that the model is looking away from the viewer suggests this isn't attempting to be a portrait - it is a candid observation of a beautiful rear-view with little pretence or artifice - despite its subject matter.

Apologies for getting carried away - I'm not a great collector of paintings especially watercolours but this is definitely a favourite of mine.