Where did it all start?

Looking through an old scrap book I came across my very first "painting": the start of my journey into the art world....and what an epic ride it's been? Memories come flooding in.....the date scribbled on the sketch is the 4th of December, 1979. Elyse and I were sitting in a bird hide in the wonderful Mkuze Game Reserve. It was a hot afternoon and to while away the time I used a black ballpoint to make a sketch of a sparrow.....later in our chalet I redid the sketch using black and red ballpoint pens. At the time I was quite chuffed at my effort, and so I bought my first sketch book and pencils .......and so my love for art started. It has been a journey full of disappointments and disillusionments but also filled with so many memorable and happy happenings.

It has opened my eyes to the beauty that surrounds us....sub consciously seeing the magic of colour, tonal values and the incredible composition of nature! My love of art led to the meeting of many likeminded people who have become my friends and further enriched my life.
My sketchbook is always at hand and as I have been fortunate to visit much of our world out there, my sketches are instant memory pegs for my mind's eye to remember all the amazing things I have witnessed. And I have learnt that life is not just about achieving successes, no it's all about enjoying the journey as you strive towards your goals....enjoying the journey and living in the moment. For as the Sanskrit succinctly admonishes us: "For yesterday is but a dream and tomorrow is only a vision, but today lived well, makes every yesterday a dream of happiness and every tomorrow a vision of hope!"
Enough said for now....I would like to hear your thoughts?