Paint-Off! - 2014

Today, as it transpired, was Salisbury's annual art celebration, held in the Cathedral Cloisters. As in 2013 and in 2012, artists of all styles, artistic abilities, from pro to novice and ages - 5 to 80+ (and disabilities) pay £5 for a piece of canvas and basic materials. They have just a few hours to start their work - and finish it. Most, if not all then agree to have their works sold at a live auction, ALL in aid of local charities.

Most, bring their own stuff too - including tables, chairs, easels, brushes and palettes, picnics, children, pets, parents and a most civilised bustle of relaxed artistic mayhem ensues!

Later, a violinist and classical guitarist performed in a dark corner.

A pair of bats even flitted around and back and forth - that was a bit weird, when the sun was shining!

Visitors and tourists visiting the Cathedral must have been extra delighted at what they found as everyone was free to wander round, look and admire. As you can see, I have been (semi) official snapper for the third year, now. It was really great meeting up with artists who I had not seen since last year. Nobody minds pictures being taken, as long as it doesn't interfere with what they're doing.

As in last year's, a telephoto zoom was by far my most used lens, picking out just the artist at work, their hands, brushes and expressions. This year though, I knew when I had taken this that I wanted to include some of the Cloisters themselves too.

In this Blip, I'm delighted to have been able to get a good snippet of what is beyond the Cloisters and over the lawned courtyard. And what the artist is seeing - and painting. The subjects for the paintings could be anything (inoffensive, though, I guess) not just of the environment they were working in.

Lens is Tamron SP 17-50mm f2.8

The event was held in conjunction with the new Salisbury Contemporary Craft & Heritage Fayre, which is being held on the Cathedral's west lawn over both weekend days - and is what I had gone to photograph. A blip from that is very likely, tomorrow.

I need a bit of rest now, still tired after yesterday's trek, so will catch up you lovely lot later!