Irish art, Tom Hogarty

An imagined series of 4 images representing the main symptoms of the virus. Information has been given to us via all sorts of media though outside scientific graphics, I hadn't seen any artistic images. I am hoping that the virus is already on the retreat and look forward to returning to a (relatively) virus free World soon.

In lockdown I decided to change some things, stuff like losing a bit of weight and reducing alcohol intake and also, I took a fancy to making pictures.

I am, by no stretch of the imagination, a gifted artist but I have managed to lose several kilos and to hardly drink alcohol at all.

The results of my painting exercise lies mostly in a stack (ready for disposal) behind the couch. When I finished Fuji, the family's feedback was so positive that I ordered even more cheap 8 x 10 boards to mess up.

Now that I look at the best 12 of maybe 50 attempts so far, I wonder if you talented artists out there will appreciate that my experience and qualifications are firmly in the technology sector and that the journey into the arts has been one that brought me a taste of the joy and pleasure you must have, especially when you deliver something that feels complete and as intended.

I admire those with such talent, I think that they have much to give and I also feel that the initial steps of my own trip into painting has taught me a little about expectations dashed, preempting the finish and simply enjoying the process that you must relish at the start of each work.

If art is a bridge then my attempts have not even left my side of the river, its been fun, engrossing. I still have the paints and boards and the sketch pads. I'm looking for the next inspiration and considering how long it could take me to get to a standard.

Most of all, the art has made my own time during this crisis easier to endure, I think I remain sane and balanced though I would never put that out to a democratic vote. Thanks or looking.