Sorry folks, no birds today. However, regular readers will know of my liking for art. As the saying goes, “Can't draw for toffee but I know a good picture when I see one.”
A week or two ago and on my FB feed courtesy of Mr Zuckerberg's algorithms appeared an unfamiliar Northern Artist by the name of Dale Traskowski. I was immediately struck by the vibrant colours, clean lines and strength of the paintings, but also the sense of familiarity that Dale's work aroused. Many of the scenes homed in on Lancashire and an era almost gone; nostalgic, almost wistful in their portrayal of streets, vehicles, people, scenes and landscapes gone by.
Dale's pictures feature inland Lancashire towns and villages like Brinscall, Chorley, Wheelton, Wigan and White Coppice. I thought there was an influence of the late LS Lowry, Lancashire's most famous artist and I soon christened Dale's images “Lowry on steroids”, paintings with a sense of fun that is rarely found in a Lowry.
I ordered a print that especially took my eye. “Playing for the Les Pass Trophy, White Coppice cricket pitch”, a signed and numbered limited edition, framed and delivered for the incredible bargain price of £70. The Internet version of the print brought memories of lazy summer days spent watching cricket with a pint of Boddingtons to hand. I couldn't wait to see the print for real.
Cricket has history in our family. When the kids were younger we travelled to Old Trafford many times to watch Lancashire County Cricket Club play and also to Stanley Park and Lytham cricket grounds when Lancashire played home games at their “out” grounds.
Middle son Carl played for Fylde Cricket Club for a number of years where he was a more than useful player. This theme is now taken up by grandson Theo, aged 15, who has a regular place in the Fylde CC second team and where he is challenging for promotion to the first team.
Fast forward a few weeks and a message from Dale that he would deliver my picture and use the opportunity to visit Knott End on Sea, a mile or two from here in Stalmine. Knott End just happens to be a regular haunt of LS Lowry in the mid 1900s. Maybe my suspicions were justified?
Knott End Jetty, Wyre Estuary/Fleetwood Town by LS Lowry
Knott End, Wyre Estuary/Fleetwood Town
A Lowry statue at Knott End slipway was unveiled in September 2015. The Fleetwood to Knott End ferry features in several of Lowry’s drawings and paintings. He had a long association with the Fylde region, the statue a landmark to celebrate his association with the area.
Lowry visited Knott End frequently in the 1940s and 1950s. He stayed at boarding houses on the sea front and became a familiar figure to local people. They would observe him making sketches on whatever he had to hand. Hotel note paper, old receipts, napkins, envelopes and even toilet paper would be put to good use as he drew the landscapes and the people within them.
Sue and I drove to Knott End with Dale, his wife, also Sue, and their two beautiful and lively sheep dogs, Mist and Bertie. Here's Dale and Bertie with Mr Lowry who's striding out to catch the Knott End ferry that crosses the Wyre Estuary to Fleetwood. Bertie didn't much like the camera.
Dale Traskowski, LS Lowry and Bertie
The modern day Knott End to Fleetwood Ferry
We left Dale and Sue to explore Knott End. I later learnt they had found Knott End Chippy, probably the best chippy in the area.
Back home my print of White Coppice cricket hangs in the hallway where visitors and family alike can admire it at their leisure.
Playing for the Les Pass Trophy, White Coppice cricket pitch - Dale Traskowski
We felt privileged to meet Dale and family in person. For sure his recent venture of a web site will showcase his art and lead to a talent becoming more widely recognised.
I urge readers to visit Dale's web site Dale's Art from where I predict they will find it difficult to resist a purchase from the many pictures destined to catch their eye.
Dale will also take orders for one-offs and commissions. Give him a bell and place the order.
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