Curly Bob's Manifesto Not Ready

Bob has been hard at it overnight working on his party's manifesto. I could hear him tapping away on my keyboard late into the night. I have no idea what he will come up with as it is a closely guarded secret and unlike Westminster there are no leaks here either by design or subterfuge. The political world waits....

Meanwhile, I found another note pushed under my bedroom door directing that I publish "Self Portrait 2012", an oil on canvas. 

I am not sure if that reflected my own personal state or a portent of the worry the worry of when Bob was to be kidnapped in the Yucatan in April 2013. For those taken with technical matters it was executed entirely with a knife.

Curly Bob Is To Seek Election in May 2015!

After much soul searching Curly Bob has announced his intention to stand for election in the  May 2015 . I explained that he would need a manifesto and publicity machine if he is to compete with the major political parties. There was also the question of his deposit to secure his eligibility in the electoral process.

Bob asked if I would lend him the money and he is now working on his manifesto and title of his party. The political world waits with baited breath.

Meanwhile Bob has taken a break from such weighty matters to ask me to post "Calanque et un Arbre", an acrylic on canvas from 2014

I've Been Framed!

Curly Bob called a very brief management meeting today. In line with the proposed expansion of Curly Bob's Art Emporium (retail) at the end of April he has decided we need a makeover in the frame department.

We have been using untreated wood frames out of personal choice around our house, including Bob's den.
I pointed out to Bob that not everyone wants a minimalist look to their frames and he could not deny the fairness of my case. That said he was soon onto the local DIY to order wood stain and wax in 2 tasteful colours. Of course Bob was far too professional to offer to help with the work as such items are very bad for his fur. 

However,he was gracious enough to provide me with a complete inventory of our frames and a printed time table setting out a (strict) schedule to be followed. He was quite confident that they would all be completed by this weekend provided I did not sleep too much in between. 

When I had completed that task I would be free to complete the  preparation work on all the available paintings to make them ready for sale.

Meanwhile I have been instructed to publish "Lighthouse, Evening Light #2", an oil on canvas circa 2003. It is one of a series of 4 with a lighthouse in each.

Inspired by The Eclipse!

Curly Bob's regular fans will know by now that his thought processes are different from most other people. While he was having breakfast this morning he was very interested in watching the news coverage of the partial solar eclipse.

His selection processes, of which items to post from my back catalogue, can be triggered by the most obscure events. After he had polished off his latest jar of French honey from the "Happy Bees Honey Farm" in Provence he leapt into action. A quick rummage in the loft produced two works from 2011. They were both based on my  attempts to render an image I had seen on an astronomy programme some years before.

 I explained there was no sun involved in either of these works. However Bob was having none of it so here is "Space Dust #2", an oil on canvas. It involved copious amounts of Liquin medium and thin paint poured from a great height. I would not recommend this method unless you have a sound constitution and a well ventilated room/studio in which to work, especially in high summer.

"Space Dust #1" will be put to sale on the Botany Bay branch of Curly Bob's Art Emporium at some later stage and will be posted on this blog at that time.

Let's brighten Up Mothers' Day

Curly Bob woke early this morning so he could post some more work to brighten up Mothers' Day. I don't know why Bob has taken such an interest in such things. He has made it his business to use my artworks to brighten up the lives of his countless fans worldwide.

The weather here in the U.K. is heavily overcast and quite cool so something sunny is called for.

Therefore here is "Cabanon a Cote de la Mer" It is a 60cm x 50cm oil canvas and he hopes it will remind people of happy and sunnier memories of holidays past.(Apologies to out French speaking friends out there but Bob's PC doesn't work very well with accents etc.)

It's Mothering Sunday!

Bob was looking for something to post in keeping with Mothers Day here in the U.K. For some reason Bob came up with  Whilst a nice painting that would make a great present I cannot begin to work out how Bob relates this as a reward for motherhood.

Still, as they say in our neck of the woods, (and no doubt elsewhere), "It takes all sorts" Curly Bob definitely falls into that category.

Still I am fortunate in having him for a manager as he has had loads of bright ideas which will result in lots of archived work being posted over the next few weeks.

Here is "Across Llyn Padarn, Snowdonia" an oil on canvas from 2014. This painting has already been sold so it will not appear in our display at Botany Bay, Canal Mill, Chorley, Lancs, PR6 9AF or the new website.

Bob's Up Early This Morning

More noise from the attic but this time at 6 a.m.. Curly Bob is taking the promotion of my wall at Botany Bay, Chorley more seriously than I thought.

I emerged from my bed to investigate and Bob was coming down the ladder with another work in his paws. I am to post this to celebrate Mother's Day. I don't see the relevance myself but Bob hates to miss an opportunity.

Therefore here is yet another from the vault:-

"Lighthouse on Jetty", one of a series of 4 oil paintings I did based on lighthouses. There are 2 more to come.

Clear Out The Archive

Following Bob's long awaited review of the attic Bob has now decided to clear the back catalogue to clear the way for publishing my latest works which will feature on my web page and Blog gallery which are in the course of preparation.

Here is "Magma", oil on canvas circa 2010, 60cm x 50cm

Curly Bob's Art Emporium opens for business!

Curly Bob proudly opened his first retail unit with a modest sized unit at Botany Bay, Chorley this morning. We have high hopes of displaying my work to a much wider audience in this famous venue visited by large numbers of people every week.

We have hopes to expand as soon as possible but we are very pleased with the display. It was significant that Bob made a rare public appearance to open it. He is normally working hard at home expanding our internet operation.

Visitors will have the opportunity to see my work in a well lit, all weather environment. To mark the opening Bob has asked me to post "Boat at Low Tide ", (40cm x 30cm), oil on canvas for sale at £45.00.

We look forward to any feedback from visitors and viewers alike. It should be noted that neither I nor Curly Bob will be at the unit most of the time because it is operated on an unmanned basis but works can be purchased and paid for at the cash desk on the ground floor.

Curly Bob's Art Emporium Opens a Retail Outlet At Botany Bay wef Tuesday, 3 March 2015!

Following a brief board meeting, Bob has decided it is time to market my work in the real world as well as in cyberspace. After lengthy negotiations Bob has secured a space where I can display some of my work at the world famous Botany Bay, Chorley. It is a modest enterprise initially as befits Bob's humble nature but we hope to expand as soon as possible.

Curly Bob's Art Emporium (retail) opens for business  on Tuesday 3 March 2015 at Botany Bay which is open every day of the year except Christmas Day. For up to date opening hours etc please visit the Botany Bay home page.

Unfortunately Bob's other commitments prevent him from attending Botany Bay in person. However we hope many of you will visit our display and avail yourselves of unique original artwork at very reasonable prices.

As part of the opening ceremonies Bob has directed I publish  some of my work that has yet to see the light of day. 

Therefore, Curly Bob's Art Emporium's first business post is "Winter Crows #1", an oil on board, (40cm x 30cm)..enjoy!

At the same time Bob does not wish to neglect his world wide following in cyberspace so posts will continue to be made at regular intervals.

Bob Dreams of Holidays Past

Last night I saw Curly Bob pawing his way through his photo albums of holidays past. He hasn't mentioned where he plans to go this year yet. He allows me to use his holiday snaps  as subject matter for my artistic endeavours.

This one is from Bob's stay of a month or so in Antigua. It was painted in 2012 , in oil  on canvas, and is called "Paradise #2"

The Clearout Continues!

Bob  has spent the last week compiling a list of works suitable for posting and as soon as they have been photographed (for his album) they will be sold off to make room for new stock. I was unaware space was at such a premium in my loft and Bob is not allowing me up there at the moment as he says he doesn't want his work disturbed.

I know better than to ask twice so here is "Lighthouse #3", an oil on canvas from way back.

Clearing Out The Attic!

Bob's new  life of sobriety is taking it's toll. In a bid to keep him on the straight and narrow I suggested that he should review his managerial strategy for 2015 to stop his mind wandering towards excesses of honey, ice cream and much worse. He agreed my suggestion was sound and he has spent the last 2 weeks in the loft conducting an inventory of my back catalogue.

I could hear him moving boxes around and the occasional thud to reassure me he was still hard at it. He emerged yesterday with his results and conclusions. He felt a clear out was called for. Therefore  he has suggested that I post much more frequently over the next 2 months. As works are photographed and published they will be sent for sale until we have some room for new paintings done in 2015.

The first of these is "Island dreams #2", an oil on canvas painted in 2010.

Season’s Greetings To All Bob’s Fans!

Bob has asked me to convey his very best wishes to you all at the beginning of the festive period. His absence has been caused by personal problems which are now behind him hopefully. As soon as the bill for his extended stay in a famous rehab’ clinic have been paid I am told there will be money available for canvases and art materials.

Bob has plans of his own in paw but he has promised that he will offer guidance to develop my career as an artist. I have to admit that he has been spot on in his decisions on all art related matters. I would only consider his judgement to be “iffy” when it comes to almost everything else.

Bob has now abstained from alcohol for nearly a year and his binges on honey & ice cream are now few and far between. I am fascinated as to what his plans are but he has not shared these with me or anyone else as far as I know. He has been online, with my credit card,  several times this week but as he has his own account I don’t know what he has been buying. However he assures me all will be well.

Meanwhile he suggests that I start posting my work on a regular basis. Therefore here is “First Snow, Tryfan “, a work in oil from 2013 when we had a short break in North Wales. Bob felt it was quite appropriate given the weather.

We hope to see you all in 2015.

Christmas Comes But Twice A Year!!

I had heard nothing about Curly Bob's whereabouts for a long time and I was beginning to despair of ever seeing him again.

No doubt Bob's ever loyal fans will be as delighted as I was last Sunday morning. I was having my mid morning siesta following my daily workout(Doctor's orders unfortunately), when there was a loud knock at the door. The courier driver said he could barely lift the box and would I mind helping him carry it over the doorstep. After some difficulty the box was carried into the hallway. I couldn't help but notice the noise of glass bottles coming from within.

As I examined the box more carefully I saw it was marked "Very Fragile" and "This Way Up!" all over it. Strangely enough it was full of holes which had been made all over the box. After opening the lid I tipped it up a little and then a bit further resulting in an avalanche of empty beer, wine and pop bottles, ice cream cartons and honey jars(all empty). As I rummaged through the mountain of debris out popped Curly Bob!

Further rummaging revealed another bear who was introduced  as Da Vinci Bear. Apparently he was an emerging talent who Bob has taken in paw. They had met in one of Bob's many visits to bars, cafes and parties in Montmartre. Speaking of bars they both looked very much worse for wear and reeked of alcohol. Apparently Bob had arranged to have himself and DVB mailed to me to avoid "potentially embarrassing questions by the French Customs  authorities"( more like arrest and subsequent deportation..Ed).

Anticipating the efficiency of the French postal system Bob had packed a few extra supplies which was just as well because he has been missing in transit for over 2 months. Despite protestations to the contrary I put them both in the shower and after they had dried off they went straight to Bob's bedroom where his pile of Christmas presents were still unopened.

When he had thanked me for them we celebrated his safe return with yet another party. I managed to capture this snap of Curly Bob during the festivities .

However Bob was very mindful of how much time had elapsed since my last painting had been published. Wasting no more time he directed me to post "Hope #1", an oil on canvas from way back in my "pre Bob " period, to get things back on track.

"Hope #1", oil on canvas.

Disparu!!

As reported in my last missive, Curly Bob was thought to be on his way back home. However this  was not supported by any hard facts and in particular how he would manage to reach the U.K. without being arrested again for breaching the terms of his release from Avignon prison.

Apparently Paris is having an election to appoint a new Mayor. The 2 main contenders are both local women who are, like all Parisiennes, both intelligent and beautiful. Given Curly Bob's immense popularity and charm & savoir faire (Is this the same bear we are talking about? - Ed), both of the candidates have been seeking Bob's endorsement.

Rather than have to disappoint either of them he decided it was time to come home. Informed sources claim a cunning plan has been hatched to enable Bob to avoid the clutches of the Gendarmerie and paparazzi plus negotiate the hazards of Customs without his passport. Readers will remember it was confiscated following his arrest in the South of France.

Meanwhile his Christmas presents remain unopened under the tree which I have not had the heart to take down ( Gulp again!)
It remains to be seen whether this plot is successful. If it is, I don't know whether I will give him a hug or wring his neck!

One thing is for sure none of this has distracted Bob from his life mission. Before leaving Paris he emailed to ask me to post " Grasses in The Sun", oil on canvas from 2008.

Still Missing

.Hopes of having Curly Bob back home have been dashed yet again reliable sources in Paris(i.e. in the same bar) have confirmed Bob is alive and well but not yet ready to come home. Actually he is ready to come back due to a lack of cash but the Gendarmerie are still scouring the streets and bars looking for him.

The place just doesn't seem the same without him. I often pass his room and look in somehow expecting to see him there.

I have kept nearly everything as it was when he left for France. His little bed is next to the bookshelf containing all his well pawed bedtime stories (gulp). There is a poster above his bed of his all time hero, Yogi Bear and on the other side a poster inviting all bears to come to Jellstone Park. His stock of Koala Brothers DVD's are stacked next to his tv with bear friendly remote control (sniff).

It is true I cleared up all the empty honey pots under the bed and other evidence of numerous midnight feasts of which all bears are so fond.

At first it was a relief to have Bob away for a while. I took the opportunity to refit my studio and order art materials. I was even able to do some painting. Bob has never really grasped the concept that, to donate works to charity fundraising, somebody has to actually paint them in the first place.

Given the number of sightings of Bob , exclusively in bars, it is no wonder that many of the gendarmes allegedly searching for Bob are volunteers!Unconfirmed reports of late night parties in the Pigalle area of Monmartre, Paris suggest all is well with the curly one. I am not sure if it is the lure of hanging out with artistic degenerates or the rather exotic night life, (Probably both - Ed).

Anyway I expect him to come home to soon as he will want to celebrate his 2000th fan club member and 3000 hits on his blog. Both targets are expected to be reached before the end of next week.

As always, Bob has his paw on the wheel and has asked me to post "George" a work in graphite pencil on cartridge paper from my early days before he adopted me.

Still Missing!

Curly Bob is still A.W.O.L. but I am not unduly worried. I have tracked his IPad to a very exclusive part of Paris. The absence of any demands for money and/or any goings on in the City of Light suggest that Bob is behaving himself, at least for now.(That will be a first - Ed) 

The local papers carry headlines such as "Ou est Monsieur Le Bob?" or "Curly Bob Est Disparu!" but apart from that very little else. 

I suspect Bob is lying low until the heat dies down and then he will quietly make his reappearance in the U.K. Bob is not well known for subtlety or tact(They are not qualities with which Bob has ever been blessed-Ed)but he does have charm in abundance. This probably accounts for why he has never been found in a pool of kapok with his throat cut.

All I receive from him is a stream of terse instructions, via his specially adapted IPad, as to what I must do. The latest one bids me to post "Flooded Forest", an oil on board from the vaults.

The Bear Vanishes!

Just when I thought we were going to have Curly Bob back home safe and sound he has disappeared again. It seems he caught the TGV from Avignon but never arrived in Paris. The Gendarmerie are combing the streets of Paris as they do not believe he got off the train in between there and Avignon as the train doesn't stop between the two cities.

S.N.C.F. staff took the train to pieces starting with the most likely places (i.e. the bars- Ed) he was last seen in a buffet bar in 1st class regaling the crowd of onlookers and fans with his adventures. Several of them were journalists hoping for an exclusive interview. His witty dialogue was lubricated with copious free drinks and honey cocktails.

Everyone present does not remembers seeing him or anything else by the time the train reached Paris due to the excess of alcohol consumed by the happy gathering.

It is said the Gendarmerie have been told to locate Bob so they can make sure he actually leaves the country via Eurostar and doesn't embarrass the French government any further.

I received a missive from Bob a few minutes telling me not to worry and that he was safe and in good company.(this has to be in a honey den, bar or with a blonde or possibly all three!). As always, Bob knows his loyal fans are waiting for his next epic installment, so he has asked me to have me publish "Fence Post #1", a charcoal study.

More on his antics as soon as we know where he is.....

Scandal in Paris!

At last, the intense media speculation concerning Curly Bob's "punitive" prison regime has proved too much for the French Government. A reliable source inside the Elysee Palace has disclosed that they could not be seen to admit to this so a cover story was needed to divert attention from Bob.

Last week they "leaked" a story concerning the French President. Allegedly he had been spotted making trips to a notorious "boite d'or( A honey den disguised as a night club nightclub) near to the Elysee Palace in Paris.

Apparently he has been accompanied by a massive brute of a bodyguard who is also quite partial to a spoonful or two of Yucatan Gold or Orange Blossom Honey!

Clearly this state of affairs could not continue. The Prime Minister has repeatedly stated that his level of honey consumption is a private matter but this did not satisfy the press.

French journalists have explained to me that the French public is far more tolerant of such goings on than here in the U.K. They are far more concerned about the state of the French economy and in particular the shortages of honey which has pushed the street price through the roof. The average Frenchman or woman has had to resort to using sugar in their tea and coffee("Ughh" - Curly Bob). Bears all over France are threatening to take to the streets.

Therefore Curly Bob has had his community service order quashed, allegedly for good behavior. He was bundled out of pokey late last night and was fairly disgruntled because he had missed his bedtime story!

He was whisked away by car to an unknown destination sporting his favourite R.N.L.I. sweater and IPad tucked under his paw. Needless to say Bob was not allowed to comment to the press camped outside the prison.

I have been informed that once his documents are in order he will be free to leave (more like deported- Ed) and we shall have him safely back at home. Hopefully I can then get back to some painting. Speaking of which, I have instructions to post "Farmhouse, Grotte, Sicily #2" a watercolour from 2006.