Woodland with wood anemones emerging, Beverley, England.

Plein air, oil on canvas board 20 x 16. Not for sale.

Decided to take a chance at the last minute to paint inside the wood again. The weather was cool and grey to start with a strong wind. Inside the wood one is sheltered somewhat which makes all the difference. The emerging dark green leaves of the bluebells cover the floor of the wood in most places, however preceding them are the wood anemones, whose name is derived from the latin meaning "daughter of the wind".  A wonderful, cheerful and delicate plant that indeed seems to dance in the breeze. I stopped here to paint a more open aspect and to include a suggestion of the wood anemones - mainly behind the old tree. The wood is criss crossed with winding paths, which disappear into the shaded wood inviting exploration. A great tit called as I set up though birdsong was largely absent, maybe it was the time of day, 10am to 11,30.....ish. Only saw one man in the distance, and then only because his little terrier barked. Very soon now the leaves will be appearing and changing the whole nature ( sic ) of the wood.
H A P P Y  P A I N T I N G

Detail 1

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Detail 3

Setup