Spring promise, a cultivated field near Etton using a ‘Sharpie’

After updating my Thixendale iPad sketch I headed for home via Holme on the Wolds and South Dalton. I stopped at this field, near Etton. The distant spire of St. Mary’s over in South Dalton provides a minor point of reference. However my interest was sparked when I saw an almost luminescent pale green strip. It was a sunlit embryonic crop made more dynamic as the dark woodland behind it provided deep contrast. My gaze fell on the field nearest me. It was essentially the colour of dark soil, yet drilled lines of feint green were emerging. The green lines being parallel with each other to the degree that the slightest deviation from a straight line was amplified by all those adjacent. The setting up of the drill must have been well done. I always like to see the emerging crops. They are getting a foothold before the short days and cold nights. It could be that the crop is spring barley or wheat, I cannot tell. If I see a farmer I will enquire. I used a ‘Sharpie’ pen and worked quickly and loosely. Then at home, I added a Michael Harding transparent ground, in this case burnt umber. This would seal the ‘Sharpie’ ink which can be aggressive, eventually emerging through oil or acrylic paint. When Dry I used Winsor and Newton professional acrylics to add colour. Colour is added simply using the ‘Sharpie’ lines as guides. I added colour on the same day thus assuring I remembered them correctly. I could have added notes to the reverse of the board, as I have done previously, however in this case I trusted my memory. Painting was done on 12 x10 inch canvas board.

‘Sharpie’ sketch

Ground added

Final painting

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The calendar is A4 format opening to A3 when opened up. Email me if you would like a copy. £12 including p+p via bank transfer - details by return email.
Video link here showing the format and paintings

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​BOOKS

Below are art books, Except for the sketchbook, which is intended as a simply that, the rest are an immersive, literary and artistic experience. They are much more than simple art books, they are informative, in part a diary, a record of the countryside through observation, poetry and serendipitous meetings. Each is fabulously produced in hard back. More details on my blog.

Here is a short glimpse of the High Wolds book.

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Holme on the Wolds speed sketching using a ‘Sharpie’

The Main Street through Holme on the Wolds is quiet. Evidence of possible thatched cottages, very steep roofs, are intriguing. The village, or really perhaps I should say Hamlet is very small. The old church of St. Peter’s has long since gone and is, in part now adopted by nearby St. Mary’s. My friend G lives at the other end of HOTW and I see him MGing his way along these quiet streets from time to time. The only traffic I saw today was a school ‘bus which delivered a young man. In its heyday HOTW was agricultural. Indeed although farming still is evident with a couple of farms remaining there are also many redundant buildings. I talked to a farmer a couple of years ago who asked me to guess how many men he employed to look after a few hundred acres. I pondered and replied five of six. He smiled and said he did everything. This reminded me of how farmers often find themselves working all day with no one to speak to. It is a serious issue. The village is largely owned by the Hotham estate which uses its own staff to maintain the houses here. Yet even the estate are always looking for ways to make it more viable. Weddings have been added to their portfolio to join traditional country pursuits.  Like many villages hereabouts heating and cooking rely on oil fuelled boilers. At the present time this is a concern for residents who face huge increases in the price of fuel, especially as winter is approaching fast. 

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Very basic sketch of the street

With ground added M-H burnt sienna transparent.

Finished painting. 12 x 10 inch.

 

      __________________________________________________________________________________

The calendar is A4 format opening to A3 when opened up. Email me if you would like a copy. £12 including p+p via bank transfer - details by return email.
Video link here showing the format and paintings

If you would like a 2027 calendar, please complete.

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Your Name:

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Your postal address to receive your 2027 calendar:


 

​BOOKS

Below are art books, Except for the sketchbook, which is intended as a simply that, the rest are an immersive, literary and artistic experience. They are much more than simple art books, they are informative, in part a diary, a record of the countryside through observation, poetry and serendipitous meetings. Each is fabulously produced in hard back. More details on my blog.

Here is a short glimpse of the High Wolds book.

If you would like a book, please complete.

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Thixendale in October… a continuing iPad sketch

Continuing my iPad sketching, this view is from October 21st. The day was cool and sunny, I had a narrow window in which to work before the predicted rain arrived at 1.30. As I looked at the view, I became aware of four horses behind me. I stopped and looked at them. They were walking towards me. They had been relocated to an adjacent field which was a little surprise as they normally resided in the field which housed the dew pond. (I was pleased to see the pond contained water, previously it had dried up due to the hot weather and lack of rain over summer.) The horses stopped to have a drink, one recognised me and came over to say hello. The horses were all wearing coats, the temperatures are dropping now. I sketched on, all was quiet no sign of C or G. I was pleased to see group of walkers approaching, along the road from Thixendale village. They waved and then turned off along the path leading to Thixendale Dale. They paused briefly to put waterproofs on as it began to drizzle and I offered something for the group could share. The fellside grasses were paler and the hawthorn bushes were looking less dense due to loosing leaves. Distant trees were also beginning to show signs of autumn colour. The year is marching on. Still recovering from Covid, this visit marked a major moment in getting back to normal, though with caution telling me to take things slowly and steadily.

      __________________________________________________________________________________

The calendar is A4 format opening to A3 when opened up. Email me if you would like a copy. £12 including p+p via bank transfer - details by return email.
Video link here showing the format and paintings

If you would like a 2027 calendar, please complete.

​

Your Name:

E-mail:

Your postal address to receive your 2027 calendar:


 

​BOOKS

Below are art books, Except for the sketchbook, which is intended as a simply that, the rest are an immersive, literary and artistic experience. They are much more than simple art books, they are informative, in part a diary, a record of the countryside through observation, poetry and serendipitous meetings. Each is fabulously produced in hard back. More details on my blog.

Here is a short glimpse of the High Wolds book.

If you would like a book, please complete.

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2026 Ferens Art Gallery 1st prize!

 I am so pleased, super excited and ecstatic to share this news,  having been awarded first prize. Hoping to visit soon to collect my award.

Here is the garden in June, but you need to see it at the Ferens where you can listen and watch at the same time. 

Click the image for a surprise….. best wishes to everyone.

      __________________________________________________________________________________

The calendar is A4 format opening to A3 when opened up. Email me if you would like a copy. £12 including p+p via bank transfer - details by return email.
Video link here showing the format and paintings

If you would like a 2027 calendar, please complete.

​

Your Name:

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Your postal address to receive your 2027 calendar:


 

​BOOKS

Below are art books, Except for the sketchbook, which is intended as a simply that, the rest are an immersive, literary and artistic experience. They are much more than simple art books, they are informative, in part a diary, a record of the countryside through observation, poetry and serendipitous meetings. Each is fabulously produced in hard back. More details on my blog.

Here is a short glimpse of the High Wolds book.

If you would like a book, please complete.

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St. Mary’s Church, south aisle ‘Sharpie’ sketch.

Traveling home from Thixendale, a detour found me at South Dalton. I had a thought to try another ‘Sharpie’ Pen exercise and stopped at St. Mary’s Church. Using a 12 x 10 inch canvas board which I had primed with Michael Harding raw umber transparent acrylic ground, I started to look for a view to sketch. The proportions of the board meant that the large east and west windows would not have worked. I needed a more modest subject. Then I saw the sun lighting up the south aisle window. This was a good subject for the board proportions, the window, perspective and lectern supported on an elaborate brass stand would be the main elements. Using the ‘Sharpie’ pen is  excellent  for recording the main elements and proportions, it also helps on develop a sharper way, perhaps a ‘Sharpie’ way of looking. You are discouraged from trying to record any fine detail. I sketched, methodically, the main window, followed by the enveloping arch, then the pews. I left some of these pews detail vague as my main focus was the window, lectern and also the perspective. I made mental notes regarding the colour and shade adding these later at home. The floor is tiled with an elaborate repeating pattern which I only suggest here. Looking at the sketch I can see areas which I would otherwise have detailed much more, yet, as it is it has a value, a charm of it’s own. I also like the notion that this view is one which is often overlooked.

      __________________________________________________________________________________

The calendar is A4 format opening to A3 when opened up. Email me if you would like a copy. £12 including p+p via bank transfer - details by return email.
Video link here showing the format and paintings

If you would like a 2027 calendar, please complete.

​

Your Name:

E-mail:

Your postal address to receive your 2027 calendar:


 

​BOOKS

Below are art books, Except for the sketchbook, which is intended as a simply that, the rest are an immersive, literary and artistic experience. They are much more than simple art books, they are informative, in part a diary, a record of the countryside through observation and notes. Each is fabulously produced in hard back. More details on my blog.

If you would like a book, please complete.

​

Your Name:

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Postal address to where the book is to be dispatched. Also please specify which book (title) you would like:


 

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2027 John Geekie calendar

The calendar is A4 format opening to A3 when opened up. Email me if you would like a copy. £12 including p+p via bank transfer - details by return email.

Video link here showing the format and paintings

If you would like a 2027 calendar, please complete.

​

Your Name:

E-mail:

Your postal address to receive your 2027 calendar:


 

​BOOKS

Below are art books, Except for the sketchbook, which is intended as a simply that, the rest are an immersive, literary and artistic experience. They are much more than simple art books, they are informative, in part a diary, a record of the countryside through observation and notes. Each is fabulously produced in hard back. More details on my blog.

If you would like a book, please complete.

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Now then Flower…

…. as my late father was wont to say. Here are some quick studies made on 7x5 inch canvas board. The weather outside is now bright after a shower, it is October and I am recovering from Covid. Producing these simple observational studies has been a perfect distraction. Click the image above to see a short video on which I add a talk over. 

Essential points are

1    Michael Harding raw umber transparent ground

2    7x5 inch canvas boards

3    Winsor and Newton professional acrylic paint

_________________________________________

BOOKS

Below are art books, Except for the sketchbook, which is intended as a simply that, the rest are an immersive, literary and artistic experience. They are much more than simple art books, they are informative, in part a diary, a record of the countryside through observation and notes. Each is fabulously produced in hard back. More details on my blog.

If you would like a book, please complete.

​

Your Name:

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Postal address to where the book is to be dispatched. Also please specify which book (title) you would like:


 

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2027 calendar preview - March

A less seen view, of a distant Castle Howard. When I see this, I remember dear Waggott.

The calendar is A4 format opening to A3 when opened up. Email me if you would like a copy. £12 including p+p via bank transfer - details by return email.

Video link here showing the format and paintings

If you would like a 2027 calendar, please complete.

​

Your Name:

E-mail:

Your postal address to receive your 2027 calendar:

​BOOKS

Below are art books, Except for the sketchbook, which is intended as a simply that, the rest are an immersive, literary and artistic experience. They are much more than simple art books, they are informative, in part a diary, a record of the countryside through observation and notes. Each is fabulously produced in hard back. More details on my blog.

If you would like a book, please complete.

​

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Summer memories

 

Well it’s a Sunday morning, and I am looking at the garden in October. There is still quite a lot of colour hanging on, the salvia‘s are looking great still. The sunflowers have gone to seed mostly, some defiant strands of yellow remain fringing the disc heads. Leaves litter the grass from nearby trees, pale umber on fresh grass green. It is a time of change. The long summer days are passed. It reminded me of an old drawer painting I had done in the summer of 24. It was an experiment using acrylic paint and large canvases. My intention was to create something that one could walk along-side, almost getting a feeling of being inside the painting. I’ve had a few thoughts since about how it could be experienced. Quite exciting. Anyway, I thought this would be a distraction for you as we move into late autumn to remember what summer was like brackets (though this was in the summer of 24). Best wishes to everyone.

__________________________________________

BOOKS

Below are art books, Except for the sketchbook, which is intended as a simply that, the rest are an immersive, literary and artistic experience. They are much more than simple art books, they are informative, in part a diary, a record of the countryside through observation and notes. Each is fabulously produced in hard back. More details on my blog.

If you would like a book, please complete.

​

Your Name:

E-mail:

Postal address to where the book is to be dispatched. Also please specify which book (title) you would like:


 

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SUMPTIOUS art books

Please complete short form below - invoice will be sent with payment details. Prices from blog site.

 
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2027 Calendar preview February.

 The calendar is A4 format opening to A3 when opened up. Email me if you would like a copy. £12 including p+p via bank transfer - details by return email.

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Video link here showing the format and paintings

Below are art books, also for sale. Each is fabulously produced in hard back. More details on my blog.

If you would like a book, please complete, with book details.

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Late sunflowers 2

Late sunflowers, hanging on, still standing in October.

Late sunflowers.

 Sketching on a black background is quite freeing. The background on this particular picture was quite dark in any case so it sort of works. This is only a very quick iPad sketch made while I am recovering from Covid. I hope it simply amuses you and perhaps encourages some of you to paint on a black background. Of course this can be a bit confusing, but using acrylics, gouache or oils would get round that. And of course, pastel artists use black backgrounds all the time. Anyway, it is just a little diversion.

Thixendale Dale path.

 No sign of G + C today as I had driven over to update my ‘Thixendale Dale path - over a year’. Hopefully, it will be an animation reflecting the seasons and events. 

Below are art books, also for sale. Each is fabulously produced in hard back. More details on my blog.

2027 calendar preview January

As requested, and probably my last year of producing a calendar, here is my 2027 calendar. It is designed to hang on a wall from a punched hole ( can just be seen below my name). The calendar is A4 format opening to A3 when opened up. Email me if you would like a copy. £12 including p+p via bank transfer - details by return email.

Video link here showing the format and paintings

Below are art books, also for sale. Each is fabulously produced in hard back. More details on my blog.

 

2027 John Geekie Calendar

As requested, and probably my last year of producing a calendar, here is my 2027 calendar. It is designed to hang on a wall from a punched hole ( can just be seen below my name). The calendar is A4 format opening to A3 when opened up. Email me if you would like a copy. £12 including p+p via bank transfer - details by return email.

Video link here showing the format and paintings

Below are art books, also for sale. Each is fabulously produced in hard back. More details on my blog.

Beverley Minster lost view.

In 2012 I made several half imperial ( 15x22 inch) watercolour sketches. It was an attempt to record scenes which were to change as housing developments materialised. This is a view from the ancient Willow Lane to the south of Beverley. At the time Willow Lane ran, unchanged from to Long Lane. Before Voase Way bisected it. At this time David was still keeping his cattle and horses, later only Milo. Now the cattle shed is slowly being left to decay. Though the field remains where the cattle and horses were  kept it is under constant pressure to be redeveloped. Personally, I have a naive  dream that it could become a wildlife refuge, thus linking with nearby Keldmarsh Nature Reserve. Perhaps a mix of development could still provide a corridor alongside the chalk stream flowing from the reserve. This view is from near the Long Lane end of Willow Lane. I am looking across scrubland, now developed, towards the Minster. The large tree was felled when WOODMANSEY MILE was extended to cross Long Lane and Mill Dam stream. So though a modest subject it has a lot of meaning, especially for Willow Lane walkers and also, as a sense of history, for people living in the new housing developments.

Available for sale £75 including p+p

Below are art books, also for sale. Each is fabulously produced in hard back. More details on my blog.