To see the Prism show ... on a wet day

"Coded : Decoded" is the theme of this year's show by the Prism textile group, which is at the Mall Galleries till 31 May (check website for opening hours). Prism will also be showing work on this theme (new work) at the Knitting and Stitching shows this autumn.

Hello to Avril, Belinda, and Myfawny - it was great to run into you and have a chance for a quick chat!

After discussing the work thoroughly Sue and I went along - in torrential rain - to the Morley Gallery, which we had to ourselves for a good wander among the "Inspired by..." work. Depature was delayed by continuing rain and the development of "lakes" on the road -

 with consequent drenching hazards from buses in the curbside lane -

The rest of the afternoon was spent in the cafe at St Martins in the Fields, drawing in the cosy gloom. Sue's focus meant she filled her sketchbook, but my output was more minimal and included finding out about an app on my phone, which seemed to "draw" better than I ever could - see for yourself -

BUT although the photograph captures an instant and "looks real", the drawing (the sketch) is the result of sustained observation and has pointed me towards some things to look at more closely - the disposition of people's legs and handbags under tables, for instance, and how stripes make their way around a bent elbow.