Dear all

The Rose Labyrinth is a major new Celtic design. I have been documenting its progress here... So let's continue!

On Thursday 16th I had the completed line work photographed professionally (thanks Tim). Earlier in the day I had bought new software (Affinity Photo) to enable me to take this photo and colour it on computer. From this I created a series of colour trials of the design. This is the way I tend to work at the moment. Faced with a complex 75cm x 75cm design what would you do? This method is invaluable!

Sunday: By the end of today I had a colour trial that could be used as a guide to painting. 

Monday: I began painting the design using high quality gouache and a particularly fine and dependable brush...

Tuesday... Wednesday...

It is now Thursday evening and I have nearly finished colouring all the knotwork - and there is a considerable amount of it! This design combines some interesting, ancient and enduring themes: the forest, the rose, the labyrinth and the green man. There are nine green men among the eternal knot of the forest. I have painted in five so far. The whole design is beginning to come alive - as if the qualities, energies and spirit of the green men are spreading their message...

I want to have the design finished (or finished enough) to reproduce and sell at Sidmouth (UK) folk festival craft village. I have been working flat-out since Monday and I have half of Friday and all day Saturday and Sunday to go..

Come back soon to find out what happens - I know I will!