Before I go too far allow me to introduce Trey Ratcliff and his Travel Blog, Stuck In Customs.
Trey was born in New Zealand but is truly cosmopolitan, and, with a following of 8 million, has the leading Travel Photography blog in the world.
Here's the link:
Trey visited Chefchaouen, a mountain town in Morocco where everything is painted blue. Whilst he was there he took a photograph of this Berber Man, who's image fascinated me.
I asked Trey if I could use the image as a reference photograph and, despite being really busy, as quick as a flash, he said yes I could, "... no problem."
Trey wrote about the man, who spoke perfect English ... here is the flavour of the conversation:
"We ended up talking about a bunch of different things. I even bought an old used knife from him, and he showed me how to stick the curved end of it into a camel's hump to get water in an emergency. There's another part of the knife you use to seal up the little puncture wound. Then we talked about meditation, the sealing of the four cardinal spiritual doors in the night before entering the tent, different cultures around the world, and well, about a dozen other things. Anyway, it was great…"
Looking amazing, John! Love that you were able to gather some info about this gentleman as well. So fascinating!
ReplyDeleteHe's a real interesting character, glad you found it of interest, Sherry
DeleteJohn, thank you for the story behind the photo. Both Trey and the model sound like fascinating men.
ReplyDeleteKathryn
You make the point well, Kathryn, they are all you say.
DeleteSo you are fascinated by guys with beards who wear turbins and do very well by them in paint. What's really your thoughts on the Afgans that pointed you in the direction of this subject matter?
ReplyDeleteWow Linda … how long have you got?
ReplyDeleteAt the first level they make ideal subjects for me to use in learning how to paint, folded cloth, beards and darker skin tones.
Secondly, I am a fan of Winston Churchill who, in 1896 was leading cavalry charges against the Afghans, and later wrote The Story of the Malakand Field Force. If you want understand Afghanistan read this book. General Stanley A. McChrystal, the commander of US and NATO forces in Afghanistan has it on his iPod and listens to it when he’s jogging. Think of the Afghans as Native Americans: tribal and who have always fought against outsiders. When they’re not fighting the Brits, Russians or Americans … they fight each other.
I spent a lot of time in Afghanistan and am trying to get my novel, set there, published.
My son-in-law is an Arab. My son works in Qatar. My niece lives in Dubai. I shall be in both places in March.
I could go on and on … but you’ve got the gist of why I’m painting such subjects at the moment.
I have painted more Japanese that Arabs … and can blame my Japanese daughter-in-law for that.
Thanks, John, to introduce the work of Trey and his blog very successful, well-deserved .
ReplyDeleteYour portrait is progressing well and surely.
These portraits of faces from the world and from other cultures are so congenial to you that you know very well express them.
Congratulations!
(I read now in your comment, above,after writing mine, why you are so connected with these world ,maybe
I write my comments always before reading others ...this keep fresh my comment ,after reading post. At end of my blog visit I read all ...nice moment of relax with my friends in blogland)
Have nice week and happy painting!
Thank you Rita. My painting looks like the works of a blacksmith when compared to you recent delicate watercolours.
DeleteI was more fascinated by your reply to Linda that anything else.
ReplyDeleteDubai - asked to do a workshop there but turned it down. You can go for me!
You have a great start and know it will be fabulous.
Dubai certainly is Futuristic with buildings that have a SciFi look about them. I remember it in the old days when it was a town built around a creek
DeleteTrey sounds like a fascinating man-I'll have to visit his blog. I do love learning about other customs and cultures from people who've actually spent time there. An interesting face to paint as well and you've done it well.
ReplyDeleteYes Trey is well worth a visit, he has captured so many cultures on film that it's hard to leave his blog
DeleteSuch an interesting post John that your painting almost becomes secondary. It's coming together very well and the eyes are talking to me already. This is going to be another cracker when it's finished. Great work as always.
ReplyDeleteThis one is a struggle for me, John, he doesn't want to come out of the canvas
DeleteThanks for the story behind the photo. Looking forward to seeing your painting develop
ReplyDeleteThank you., Ona. I'm not enjoying this one as much as the Afghan. I think it's the blue that I don't like, I prefer to work in darker hues
DeleteLooks like you may have the beginning of a series, John - and what a great story!
ReplyDelete