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Monday 4 March 2024

Holm Dale where a kestral drops like a stone.

4th March 2024

I remember a local farmer, Gary, who had told me about this view. The last time I had tried to paint it several cattle were in the valley and, as I had George with me I thought it expedient to leave. I had quite forgotten about it. Today I set off a little later and posted my book of sketches ( available from my online store, above ) to a friend near York. I found myself at Fridaythorpe and remembered the view. A short walk along a deeply rutted track brought me to the footpath signed to Holm Dale and, in the distance Horse Dale.

Walking across the top of the Dale next to a perimeter fence I saw a fluttering in the sky. It was a kestral flying in the hillside shade, only it's movement catching the weak sunlight on the tips of its wings made it visible. As I watched, it dropped, passing over the pale hillside, I thought it would land but it kept dropping until it caught something in the green grass at the bottom of the valley. It must have been hovering very high as the dive took some time. Another bird, big, broad wings, far off, soared and I realized it was a buzzard.

I set up and began painting but straight away I hit a snag. I did not bring any water. I expected after all the rain to find a puddle. So I started to roughly layout the main lines thinking to return another time... with water. A young person I had seen earlier, in the distance, for a moment I wondered if they had been a deer,  passed and chatted. Then a local farmer " this is all our land " came over in a RTV. Again we had a brief chat and I mentioned Gary, how he had told me of this view, and how he thought it was the most beautiful view in the area. The farmer agreed and told me he had just been talking to Gary.

I realized that the temperature had dropped and a strong wind was hampering me a little. All the time George sat quietly next to me. The wind increased and my hands became very cold so I started to pack up. Then a phone call, FSD had been helping an old friend and  me how it was going. I walked George back to the car returning home in time for his tea.

Available from my online store.
 

Sunday 25 February 2024

Langing about above Burythorpe.


 

24th February 2024.    It offered the prospects of a fine day, so after walking George, I drove over towards Birdsall. The warmth of the sun had not reached the rolling depressions where fog and low cloud hung in breathless stillness. Dropping down towards the church at Birdsall brought me to a mist shrouded private road leading to the church. The sunken leaf covered road was almost invisible in the bright shafts of light, an ethereal world of shadows and sunbeams as the sun tried to find a path through the treed churchyard. There will be light. Though a revelation, the scene was not for painting and I moved on, leaving this world and emerging into bright, clear weather.  I parked and walked George again. I remembered the small church at Burythorpe, and decided to visit.  I walked George towards the church, a subject for a later painting, it stands dramatically alone, surrounded by farmland. Walking down the track to the church,  we stopped,  several loose dogs made us review the idea. 
Leaving Burythorpe, climbing up a steep road I stopped at a corner where the land flattened, where large regimented fields furrowed across wide expanses casting long, linear shadows.  A large tree lay on the ground, huge trunk sections had been cut and lay guarding the fields beyond. This area is Lang Hill. In the distance a farmhouse sat square, below the shadowed history of surrounding hills. The shadows intrigued me. I quickly set up the pochade box and did this sketch. I watched the distant hillside, as the sun shone on it shadows emerged indicating complicated contours. Can any one reading this help me out here, are they old quarry works? Or, perhaps an old settlement? The sketch was quick, without any real blending and detailing, I will return soon with a larger canvas, perhaps even consider doing a watercolour. Continuing along the road brought me to Birdsall and more familiar territory. Then home to try and catch the rugby ( six nations ).







Friday 19 January 2024

Goodmanham Wold Farm woodland, Cross Gate road, Yorkshire Wolds.

CLICK IMAGE TO ENLARGE

Here is a finished, large, 1.5m x 1m deep edge canvas view of a wood opposite Goodmanham Wold farm. I had visited before and used a previous sketch to make this larger painting, which captures the sunlight on the trees. At this time of the year we have many bird visitors, especially redwings, can you see any?
Below are close-ups of the painting which has been completed using just the three primary colours of 
blue ( French ultramarine) 
red ( cadmium red hue ) and 
yellow, ( lemon yellow ).
All these are W+N Artisan water based oil paints, which I use as the brushes are easy to clean and there is no solvent smell.
It is an interesting exercise to use the three primary colours and I think fellow artists should maybe consider limiting their palette , especially as it makes one wonder about the need to buy lots of other paints. 
This view is taken as I say, from an earlier sketch made on a cold January day, with the sun intermittently, breaking through creating lovely shadows on the trees. Lots of the trees have painted numbers on them suggesting that they will be felled later this year, before replanting.
Available for reservation, it will need to thoroughly dry and then be varnished before sale.


Two pheasants

Road disappearing towards Holme on the Wolds

Remnant beech leaves

Owl hiding
Redwings visitors

The ubiquitous red kite of the Wolds



The two canvases 



 

Sunday 14 January 2024

Winter at Swinemoor, a view from the river bank towards the town…print.



Taken from an original post in December 1st 2014.

Woke up in the middle of the night, or at least that is what I thought. George was quiet, no barking from downstairs and in the bedroom, with it was very very dark. I put the light on, looked at the clock, surprised to see it was 8am. I had slept in! Roll on longer days .... with some sun, hopefully. The deep, dark, dank greyness began to give way to a paler shade of grey, and by early afternoon I was optimistically thinking of doing a painting. We drove round to Swinemoor, walked GEORGE along Barmston Drain returning via the high flood defence path alongside the River Hull . Duty done I decided to try and at least prepare, the ambitiously large canvas as a sketch outline. Walking along the riverbank on uneven squelchy, slippery slimy mud, passing through three gates, secured with binder twine, I reached the Swinemoor pasture. Pleasure boats moored at the riverside looked anything but inviting on this grey day. Towards the west one could see the silhouettes of the three main churches of Beverley. The Minster with its twin towers dominating the skyline, seeming to watch over both St. Nicholas and St. Mary's churches. In the distance ponies could be seen. Though the overall impression is of water on the meadow. Occasionally flocks of birds took off and wheeled round before settling in the gloom. After a few minutes a well fed, good natured, wire haired terrier appeared sniffing my wellingtons. I exchanged greeting with his mature owner and, as we talked a chugging engine heralded the transient passing of a  pleasure craft . The gentleman with the dog and the owner of the boat, both familiar with each other, exchanged mutual greetings. Looking over towards the river I noticed a small moored cruiser,"Summerjem" an interesting point of reference for my return visit.
Returning the next day, at the same time, visibility was better, with more sky interest. In the distance a gathering of large birds could be seen to my left. Some ponies walked into view to the right, and another dog came over. As I painted a mature man passed heading towards Hull Bridge, later a younger man headed down river, perhaps to a distant mooring? The dog, was with two girls, wearing wellingtons, who were noisily exploring the massive, though shallow, pools of water. They recalled their dog as I walked away, but not before I offered it one of George's biscuits .... which it refused. I also realised that large canvases can easily be caught by the wind which can be tricky when the canvas is still wet, as my padded jacket can testify.
Print available here









Saturday 13 January 2024

Goodmanham Wold Farm, Yorkshire Wolds….


Slightly more worked up
Preparation oil sketch-painting - click image to see larger.



I saw this Wood, lit up by early sun and thought it would make her interesting sketch. I returned a couple of times to sketch with an iPad and sketchbook and confirming it would be worth painting. I returned again, with a large canvas, though as it was very cold with developing drizzle I couldn’t stay long. I wanted to get some detail down as quickly as possible deciding to use Indian ink and a paintbrush to capture the essential silhouettes of the trees. This worked well ( see the last picture below ). The notion of painting this woodland much bigger began to interest me, it is something I have done before which is a little different - I will investigate the idea using multiple canvases. On one visit I met J and J from the farm and we had a very interesting chat about the area and, as it turned out, familiar names from earlier sporting days as well as other local people ( from HBF ) and, in particular, some local views which I was unaware of. I thought I would add a pig to the picture, pigs are reared at the farm which is evident when downwind….This is very much a preparation painting and as such I am leaving it as it is. I will investigate one or two more views of this particular Wood before committing to a larger picture. The area here is quite elevated at nearly four hundred feet, on the road to Goodmanham meaning it is exposed to the weather, so I need to be careful when using a large canvas, especially from the wind but also, of course at this time in January, of  the cold.   
This canvas is 40x32 inch, oil on canvas using an underlayer of Indian ink.
Not for sale at the moment but enquiries of interest are welcome.

 
At the site, 



Detail

Detail

Detail

An interesting start using Indian ink and a paintbrush.









Tuesday 9 January 2024

Saint Mary’s Church viewed from the Westwood on a sunny day in March. (Print)



This must be one of my favourite views of Saint Mary’s from the Westwood. I often see this view when walking my dogs, I love the interaction of the trees, the buildings, and of course the tower of Saint Marys.

Available Here 

Monday 8 January 2024

Corner of lake at Wassand Hall, ( print available ).

What a beautiful, small pond this is. It is quite long and winds its way, surrounded by tree, near the access road to Wassand Hall. On entry, turning right through a gate which leads to the woodland walk, one passes the pond. At first glance, it looks small. Yet it extends for some distance. In the spring bluebells can be seen, daffodils little later on, and of course, some interesting tree specimens. I like this particular view, with no sky shown, it seems enclosed entirely by trees and is a very pleasing spot to stop and think.

Available here

Beverley Minster (print available).


 I love this print. It shows Beverley Minster across an open field, Hallgate, often used in the summer to graze cattle. A wonderful bucolic scene reminding us of a time past when the Minster was more closely linked to the farming community reinforcing its Market Town associations. This is a pen and ink sketch made at the site, I stood with an A3 piece of Bristol card, very smooth and ideal for pen and ink. Later, I added a watercolour wash. I remember the yellow van passing and quickly added it. Printed on A3 paper which will fit a standard A3 frame or, it looks good in a larger A2 frame with a suitable mount.

Available here

Wednesday 3 January 2024

2024 calendar special offer…..includes free print.


Hi everyone, I have a few calendars still for sale. I would like to offer these to include a free print. I have shown a print of Black Mill for you to see the scale, the prints are A3 in size. Of course the calendar also includes thirteen pictures of my paintings from last year, which can be cut out and framed.  If you are stuck for a last minute gift idea this might help.

I have almost fifty prints to choose from here. Have a look and simply let me know which one, they are all numbered.

Monday 1 January 2024

All good at Goodmanham Wold Farm…last day of ‘23.


Up early and out walking George, saw this view after the walk and as I had my pochard box with me, I decided to quickly paint the scene. It was dry, though rain had been forecast, so I worked quickly. The great thing about being outside painting is that it involves you in the scene. Inasmuch as serendipitous meetings can happen which seem to filter into the painting so that, later when looking or indeed reading the painting, there appears invisible memories which enhance the experience. This may seem a little esoteric, however, when I look at this I will recall a delightful scene, a father holding two dogs on leads his  young cyclist daughters exercising along the quiet road. Farming odour wafted towards me on the westerly breeze, later confirmed as ‘pigs’.  The woodland on the right hand side of the road is due to be managed in the next year, with old rotten wood being replaced with new saplings. The strong winds of recent days combined with water sodden ground has resulted in many trees falling, in particular over roads and paths. Farmers are actively addressing this issue which is made worse by ash dieback it is sad to see hedges surviving without their sentinel trees which also provide beneficial mycelium. I am hoping I can capture some of the significant trees before they disappear. 
I soon finish and drive home via the small shop at Cherry Burton for essential supplies. Later, F prepared a lovely meal, a tangine recipe, before we both walked the lad again.
Available from my online store soon.
More Yorkshire Wolds paintings can be seen on my blog.




 

Saturday 23 December 2023

2024 Calendar …last minute gift idea..

Hi everyone, it may be too late for Christmas now, however, I still have a few calendars which would make an ideal New Year’s gift.

2024 Calendars now available here.



 

Monday 18 December 2023

Liege Hill near South Dalton, East Yorkshire.


Sketchbook double spread.



 Early morning sketch …pen and ink with wash and a tiny bit of enhancement using computer graphics.

Tuesday 5 December 2023

English pastoral landscape in East Yorkshire…where an alligator is sleeping?


Cold day in early December, we had had snow recently and today it was grey with glimpses of the sun being very welcome. This is a view looking towards St. Mary’s Church, in South Dalton as viewed from a little road to the south of the village. This is an original oil on canvas board, plein air painting and will be available soon. The tall dried grasses make the foreground interesting, late hanging leaves on an adjacent oak seem illuminated against a dark trunk. All is quiet, down the road a pair of pheasants silently emerge from the vegetation before disappearing again. The infamous alligator seems to have disappeared, or is trying to hibernate somewhere. A skein of geese, high in the sky passes over. George stayed warm in the car, after visiting the veterinary practice and I pondered. He is an old dog now and will need to be carefully monitored, he is much loved and he will want for nothing.  It begins to rain and I need to close the pochard box lid. As I use water based oils I need to stop when it rains as the colours get diluted and run into each other.

Available here.. now reserved




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 Hi everyone, reductions now available for minute shopping. DISCOUNTS for multiple orders.

    

2024 Calendars now available here.

  

My sketchbook is also available here














 

 

Monday 4 December 2023

Hornsea Boathouse print.

This is a print as requested by a follower which I think may be of interest to more people. The original is 12 x 10 inch and this print on A3 paper is approx the same size. It is on heavyweight paper, gloss finish and will fit a standard A3 frame. I recommend Ford Framing in North Bar Within who will supply you with a frame as well as advising on a border mount, their details are below.

Address: 43 N Bar Within, Beverley HU17 8DG
Hours:
 
I now have over forty prints available, so there is a good chance you may find something for either yourself or for a friend. THE LINK IS HERE.
Also, please check out my calendar and sketchbook - see below,

 Hi everyone, here are some special rates for your last minute shopping. 

2024 Calendars now available here.


My sketchbook is also available here


 

Christmas multibuy discounts.

 Hi everyone, here are some special rates for your last minute shopping. 

2024 Calendars now available here.


My sketchbook is also available here

Wednesday 29 November 2023

Liege Hill and Black Planting near South Dalton, East Yorkshire.

Finished painting

Painting in pochard box at the site.


Detail 1

Detail 2





A painting near South Dalton. 
A lazy kite flaps on a sunlit, 2 degree, late November day,
It slowly alights a high branch becoming statue still.
Facing the sun, it sits warming its breast.
I disembark the car,  to look more closely.
The motionless bird is watched by a sentinel crow.
The hedge on my right is shade darkened.
The left hedge, in sun bright
Reveals autumn coloured leaves.
The late colours,
Orange, pale yellows, dead, straw coloured grass, and
Last summers dark knapweed heads
Waiting to cast their seed.
Black Planting ( the name given to the coniferous plantation on maps of the area) crests the far hill,
Sun highlights its tree tops, indicating their form
Above encircling grass meadows
Whose undulations create telltale shadows.


I started painting. Firstly outlining the composition with the road dropping to the junction, the position of the trees and then block in the pale cerulean sky. I notice a couple of walkers appear at the foot of the hill. They move over, disappear, near a plantation track on the left. Then, as I am finishing off, they climb the hill, stop, and we chat briefly. Then I spot a group of pale trees which I forgot to add and remedy this quickly. I sign the painting and pack up for home to get warm.

Available to reserve here at my online shop.

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Christmas present ideas. 

2024 Calendars now available here.

My sketchbook is also available here








Saturday 25 November 2023

Fieldfares near the Loaningdale trees in late November.

Trees at Loaningdale

      
Painting in the pochard box at the venue.

Fieldfare flock crimson berried hedges
Fragmenting the sky as they scatter and fly.
 In winnowed stubbled fields, black cloaked
 Crows are catapulted by gusting ciphers,
Thrown asunder, they sociably roost against
Rime and reason.
Winter is nearing,
Sharpening senses,
The pheasant struts
Partridge sssaw, ssaw, 
Both are hurried, 
From the waving
Beaters flags they run
But not, this time,
 to a waiting gun.

This is a view of the trees at Loaningdale junction. I have tried to sketch and paint this group of trees throughout the year. (A quick search for Loaningdale will reveal past efforts.) They dominate the junction. People driving up from Warter perhaps don’t even notice them. But I think they should. On this quick visit I noticed red kite, unusually, for once looking uncomfortable fighting the strong gusting wind. Fieldfares nervously take off from hedges as one passes in scattered groups. 

Moving on, I stopped and  looked at a view not far from Gills and looked down towards Thixendale. It was far too windy up here to paint, though in the near distance I saw some beaters working a hillside. They came over and we chatted. They were simply moving birds, I heard no shooting and I noticed that they also had three dogs which had been coursing the sloping hillside. They all boarded a towed trailer with some sitting in the drivers cab. A high level field behind me was covered with crows, an huge murder, they took off and were thrown about by the strong winds. 

I quickly returned to Warter and up to this junction. All the time, when driving along the roads around Warter, pheasants and partridge congregated in social groups. They appear well nurtured and in no hurry to avoid collisions, thus, I needed to brake often as I drove slowly past them. Here, I have parked off the road leading to Warter  (which drops down passing Bailey Dale and the flooded pond area in the village.) The verges here are dry enough to support the car and I check that I am in the right place. My marker had fallen down to the ground again and I realised it had become too brittle to use so it was replaced with a brown marker. The weather was bitterly cold with a strong wind but also sunny. The sun made all the difference and brought out the minimal autumn colours.

12x10 inch plein air oil painting on canvas board.

Available from my online store.


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2024 Calendars now available here

My sketchbook is also available here