The Dream of Daniel Gumb

Daniel Gumb was born in 1703, an eccentric who built his house not only on the rock but in it. There is little factual evidence on record about the man other than parish registers. We know he was born in Stoke Climsland on Bodmin Moor in 1703. Daniel was a studious young boy somehow learning to read and understand mathematics and in particular geometry which enabled him to find occasional work in mapping local estates. Stone masonry work was Daniel's main source of income, cutting and carving it and this became his livelihood. Daniel built his own home from the rock near the Cheesewring on Bodmin Moor, having found a large granite slab for a roof and supported with stone piled walls. On the upper surface of the roof he chiselled a set of abstruse Euclidean figures and near the entrance an inscription : 'D. Gumb 1735' (or possibly 1735). The cave was lined with stone and some form of cement and together with a chimney and a stone door he lived with his wife Florence and it is believed they had a number of children. Daniel held a fascination with the stars and the roof of the cave was his observatory. He was a man who remained outside of society by choice, enjoying his own and the company of his family. Perhaps he would have had the instincts of a recluse wherever he might have been born. His times let him live as he wished.

Being a man who chose to live on the desolate moor and no doubt felt the very essence of his humanity in spirit with the natural world, I wanted to reflect upon a dream he might have experienced. The dream involves the pagan like female character with the deer skull and princes robe tormenting Daniel into a frenzied rage.
Have found the bottom right corner to be a good place for the cave and included a few taunting mythical figures in the sky.

Just about completed the drawing apart from asking my wife to kindly model her left foot to finish off the standing figure.

Further information available from the link below. Highlight the text and it will take you to the page.

https://pensilva-history-group.netlify.app/people/daniel-gumb/

Abstract Themes Come and Go

Using acrylic paints and working very quickly with lots of strong gestural strokes with a lush landscape and the majestic Calstock bridge in Cornwall

Another landscape with equally strong gestural mark making and dry acrylic paint with the subject of Anthony House garden in East Cornwall. The pinks are representing all the wonderful blossom found in the wide variety of trees and bushes.

Oil Pastel Drawings

Having looked through some of my previous oil pastel work I would like to share a few examples to bring a little bit more colour to my posts. The first subject is a building in the middle of the High Street, Reigate with its tall brick arches and shops behind. I drew this mainly on location and continued the drawing at home. Drawn with oil pastel as well as soft pastel onto cartridge paper.

Another small sketch drawn from a position halfway up Box Hill in Surrey. I used to work as an Art Technician in the City of London Freemen's School in Ashstead, Surrey and on finishing work I would drive out of the village toward Dorking and look for interesting places to sketch. I liked the expansive view of this landscape and the rich colours.

Portnadler Bay near Looe, Cornwall

Really enjoyed creating the warm colours in contrast with the cool blue of the sea in this painting of Portnadler Bay near Looe in Cornwall. Painted with oil on panel board.

Landscape Paintings of Bodmin Moor

Stowe's Hill viewed from the south west painted 2004

'Drifting Fog Upon Stowes Hill', Bodmin Moor 2009

Fowey Festival

I have always enjoyed this simple painting which is just round the back of Fowey Church. I just let loose on   the warm colours and it seems to have worked. Starting tomorrow is the Fowey Festival with an art trail and see if you can sneak a peek behind the church.

Sibblyback Lake

Just try a walk around Sibblyback Lake near Liskeard in the evening as the sun goes down and peace can't   help but descend