Synchrotron

I have been analyzing the results from the recent X-ray analyses from the Synchrotron in Melbourne. The project aimed at scanning an oil painting considered an original by Parmigianino and painted about 1527 in Bologna. Previous scanning microscopy and diffraction investigations of one small fragment of pigment were inconclusive in identifying the green colorant of the woman's robe.  The Synchrotron provided full element maps across the entire canvas, the first for a Parmigianino painting (if that is what it is). All the maps, except zinc (Zn) are consistent with pigments of the Renaissance. Art historians know that zinc oxide and carbonate were used as white pigments manufactured in the 18th and 19th centuries so it seems at first glance that the painting is a copy. However, the Synchrotron only identifies elements and not minerals so while Zn is present the actual pigment is unknown.

No green zinc-rich mineral is known except associated with copper in a form of malachite (rosasite), a natural carbonate used by Renaissance artists. The next phase of the research is to identify the minerals present in the woman's robe.

Other indications from the Synchrotron analyses indicate that the painting is original with possible later modifications, so the Mistress and Child painting could be of Renaissance age. 

Roses from Ashes - new novel

This new novel is about four children who grew up in Coromandel Valley in the 1960s and their adventures along the Sturt River. Following those carefree days the reader finds out about their adult lives. One is a girl and the others are boys including the author; one of Aboriginal descent and another who contracted polio as a baby. The target audience is teenagers and aims to highlight differences in lifestyles, family issues, health problems and the challenges life brings. It reveals contrasting responses and how the four battled against a diverse range of obstacles to make successful lives.

Book Review

"Congratulations on Serpent Salt. What an exciting and gutsy book. I couldn't put it down. It provided heart pounding excitement during your twisting and turning plot. One virtually lived every moment with the characters. What was most impressive too was how the action blended with your travelogue that provided interesting details about the different countries, villages and terrains. You really did your homework; almost as though you'd been there personally. Who needs a James Bond book when you're putting out the adventures of Dr Mark Altree and his sidekick Dan? People don't realize how interesting geology can be and where it can lead!!!"

Anne Stacey, Adelaide 20 February 2017.

Vivid Publishing

My latest novel "Serpent Salt" is being printed by Vivid Publishing in Fremantle, W.A.  The eBook can be downloaded from Amazon;

https://www.amazon.com.au/Serpent-Salt-Alan-Watchman-ebook/dp/B01ILMZJH2

Back cover

"Russian criminals steal railway freight including the radioactive chemical ‘hex’ disguised as drilling salt and destined for Iran’s secret nuclear enrichment program.  Determined to retrieve the toxic compounds, Iranian agents design a devious plot and kidnap geologists working for gold exploration companies in eastern Turkey to establish their credentials as legitimate buyers of the salt.  Australian friends of one of the geologists, Mark Altree become concerned by his disappearance and collaborate with the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) to pursue their Iranian captors, free Altree and foil the recovery of the uranium fuel.  The thrilling chase across Georgia and Turkey involves collusion, double agents, murders, explosive action and romance.

Instead of solving murder mysteries in Australia, such as in Yarraman Gold and Solstice at Flinders Cove, Altree’s chance involvement in this recent drama tests his endurance and life saving skills."

My other novels are:

No Time for Tears

Secrets at Hanging Rock

Love in War

Yarraman Gold

Solstice at Flinders Cove

and

Who Killed the Girls? under my pen name Jane Bell.

Murder mystery in gated community

Paperback now available.  Contact me , Vivid Publishing in Western Australia or read it on a device by downloading from Amazon


https://www.amazon.com/Solstice-Flinders-Cove-Alan-Watchman-ebook/dp/B0172ZHV1Q/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1472852702&sr=1-1&keywords=solstice+at+flinders+cove#nav-subnav

Fatal crash kills my colleague

St-Tite-des-Caps

Deux adultes et un jeune adolescent ont perdu la vie dans une violente collision frontale survenue vers 16h45 face au 450, route 138. La collision a impliqué une camionnette et un véhicule de type VUS. Le conducteur de la camionnette s'est retrouvé dans la voie inverse provoquant ainsi le face à face.

Deux victimes sont décédées sur le coup. La troisième victime, l'enfant, a été conduite au centre hospitalier dans un état critique. Son décès a été constaté au centre hospitalier.

Les victimes sont de la région de Montréal. Il s'agit de Daniel Arsenault, 58 ans, Nadine Desbiens, 45 ans et Jacob Desbiens-Doyle, 11 ans.

(from http://www.zone911.com/actualites/accidents/item/22788-accidents-mortels-a-st-tite-des-caps-et-beauceville-les-identites-sont-connues)

1993 Dan sought my assistance to determine the age of rock paintings at Nisula, near Forestville, Quebec. We collaborated on that project and on other rock art sites in Canada. His knowledge and experience will be surely missed by the international rock art and archaeological communities.

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Daniel_Arsenault

Vale Henning

Henning Mankell dead: Swedish crime writer known for Wallander series dies aged 67.

I saw an interview with Henning some time ago and one amazing aspect was that his first five novels were not initially successful.  He did not break into the global readership market until his sixth novel was published and one reviewer wrote a positive commentary.  His 'overnight success' came after many years of writing because it took readers and reviewers a long time to realize what his work offered.  Then, once known, and like everything else the crowd following factor made him internationally famous.  His works were translated into other languages as his popularity soared.

He is not the only writer (artist etc) where success came after publication of numerous works, such is the way people consider new pieces of creativity.  Until somebody says, writes or reports that a new work is terrific people do not regard it highly; a sad indictment of the judgement of individuals and society.  Most of the works published and considered by some literary critics as outstanding are rubbish, poorly written and unreadable.  Well, that's my view of some of the recent award winning novels.  If I am still not reading after ten pages then the author has failed to hold my attention.   Other novels, some self published are far better to read, but these don't catch the marketing focus and so are not considered commercial by mainstream outlets.  These are the pearls in an ocean of mediocrity.  Finding them is a challenge, but dedicated readers will not simply buy the latest so-called best seller just because it bears that title, but will search for a new oyster bed. 

Henning inspired me as did Per Wahlöö and Stieg Larsson.