With a horse to drive, like a pedlar-man.
Where he comes from, nobody knows,
Or where he goes to, but on he goes!...'
That was my favourite poem. When the gypsies came, I loved to see the accordion man pump the bellows and breathe his joy and sorrow into the music. Oh, to be a gypsy child - no shoes, no school, no Sunday best...
I asked my parents if I could play an accordion. They said I had to learn the piano first. I bet the gypsies never played piano - they couldn't have fitted one in their caravan. They didn't need music or lessons either. The children joined in as best they could and I think they had such fun they just got better and better.
I asked my parents if I could play an accordion. They said I had to learn the piano first. I bet the gypsies never played piano - they couldn't have fitted one in their caravan. They didn't need music or lessons either. The children joined in as best they could and I think they had such fun they just got better and better.Inspired by Illustration Friday 'Poem'
16 comments:
I love the contrast you show, Alison-- the gypsies with the color and rhythm and liveliness, and then the sturdy, brown upright piano that demanded a small hand stretch out and practice scales.
What a memory to cherish. I always wanted to "dance with gypsies" as a child but never saw any.
Good, you are posting pictures again Alison. Gypsies - yes, they are romantic. Hey playing the piano - 'You are not holding your wrist up correctly!' - (smack with a ruler). One nun who taught me was scary and used to slap my wrist at times!
w.
Alison, these memory paintings continue to delight me. Not just the memories and the commentary, but the fabulous, through-the-eyes-of-a-child illustrations. You are really creating something very very special! Keep 'em coming!
Aged about 10, I had to walk over the grass from our two-roomed country school to the teacher's house where his wife would lie on the sofa eating chocolates while I stumbled through the first piano books.
Your posts always leave me wanting more. Now that's a real gift. I LOVE your work. LOVE it!!!!
love the close cropped view on these, makes me feel like I'm there, bravo Alison! always terrific work.
These gypsies are PERFECT! It's not just your drawings that are great, it's your ability to recall from a childs point of view, how you felt...Love it!!!
Love your drawings! I also struggled with piano lessons - now I wish I were a better player!
I am so glad you are being a bit more regular with your posts, these are delightful. I dont think we had gypsys in Australia but the circus people were probably the closest we got, my grandmother was English and always told us not to go too close when the circus was in town, but we always hung around the ponies and going to a performance was magic.
Amazing composition and color and shape in the first sketch, though both are charming beyond belief. Alison, you have such a gift.
These are so fabulous! I loved the last line and think the same is true of you...so much fun you're just getting better and better. I think the accordian man illustration is the best so far--you've got so much life and joy and interesting things in there but still a good strong composition. Amazing!
great illustrations and storytelling!
I've finally had a chance to sit and really look at all of these and it has been so fun. I've really enjoyed the stories and all the drawings are wonderful - there are so many things to love about them - but it has to be the details that I enjoy the most. Like the dog under the steps, or the ducks on the wall in the kitchen, or the tatter on the coal man's pants... It's simply fabulous work all the way around.
I really love these sketches. I remember the gypsies coming to town and our parents threatening what would happen to us if we ever went near them. Forbidden fruit! I wanted so badly to run away with them.
Thanks for the comment on my blog.
Your drawings are wonderful.
Greetings from France
Meinhild (inselfan54)
Great post Allison..I love the piano! And of course your tale going along with the post!
ronell
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