Snowdrops for YOU

 

East end of Mere Lane, South Dalton.

 Well it was very misty in Beverley first thing but it cleared a little making me think of a late sketch. I set off with a concertina sketchbook soon realising it would be impossible to sketch where I was heading, up at Fridaythorpe. So I turned off to return home. After walking George in this quiet lane I thought it had possibilities. I rather liked the weakening misty feel. Could I catch it? For this I used my recently acquired Koh-I-Noor Gioconda propelling pencil. It uses chunky leads 5.6mm which allows me to work quickly. I added a watercolour wash whilst there as one or two cars passed me. Huge tractors towing massive laden trailers slowed down and waved. It was very cold and the mist clinging. I decided to head back home where I added minor details.

Fridaythorpe - the ancient St.Mary’s Church on a grey, dull day

Detail

Four page wide sketch

Late yesterday the sun shone in Beverley. As it had been wet, windy and grey for a long time I thought it was about time to go out, enjoy the weather and do a sketch. I ended up in Fridaythorpe where I topped up my petrol before ambling round to the church. Often this is well hidden by vegetation. Also the most suitable point from which to work is usually covered in a matting of high, dense brambles. Today the vegetation was bare and the brambles cleared. So I set up the concertina sketchbook. I wanted to try a new propelling pencil. It is a special pencil that uses 5.6mm lead. ( I have some lead which was used by Owen Bowen, one of the Staithes Group of artists). The pencil is chunky and reassuring to hold. I worked quickly. The unusual clock face is an amazing thing to see. It is dated 1903 and rather ornately decorated though on close inspection I could see some deterioration at on side, plus, when I arrived, the time was about a hour and a half in front. Actually it was probably stopped but I did not check when I left.The temperature up here was much lower than in balmy Beverley. It was about 4°C and dull with a suggestion of fine rain. As I worked a young woman passed heading left passing the church. She had a black Labrador and another smaller dog, a terrier. A short while later they returned, the Labrador holding a small tree!. Another woman passed and repeated the walk with her two dogs. Two more women, deep in conversation, appeared from the left, walking back towards the village centre. With the details all added the inclement weather forced an early finish. I headed home via a rendezvous at the Pipe and Glass where I was treated to a warm soup. At home I tried a different approach to adding colour. I added dark shades with diluted black Indian ink, let it dry then added colour. This may feature in my latest book about using a concertina sketchbook.

2026 John Geekie Art calendar - Last chance to get one..

 

Thixendale, looking along the Thixendale footpath.

The winter equinox was yesterday.

I visited the Robert Fuller Gallery where I indulged in a mince pie and a cup of coffee. Staff were  busy sorting orders to get into the post. I had been exploring in the car without any intention to sketch anything but found myself near the Thixendale footpath. I quickly got out my iPad and decided to capture this view. It was sticky and wet underfoot but it was not raining and there was no wind. I thought this view had potential as an evolving painting. That is I can revisit to record changes as the seasons progress. I have set up an HD ratio of 1920:1080 which will enable full screen playback on an HD monitor. As I sketched near to a field fence I was nudged in the back. I turned to see two horses had silently approached and were standing in the field reaching over the fence. I bent down to get a handful of grass which I gave to one of the horses. A farmer pulled up with a stock trailer. I moved my car to enable him access to an adjacent field. I recognised him from previous painting trips and we chatted happily. I mentioned in passing how I met a sheep farmer from the Isle of Man who was horrified when I told her of a plant I had seen on the high fells near Seatoller. Her concern was that the plant could kill sheep. When I enquired she explained that it caused necrotic reaction to sunshine and that exposed areas on sheep, their ears and face were affected. The farmer was very interested and did not know the plant, I told him it was bog asphodel and he made a note of it. He said I should have been here the previous week as he pointed to the steep hillside. I could see feint track marks in the scrubby hillside grass. He told me of a van courier who had misjudged the sharp bend at the top of the hill. He had gone through a fence onto the hillside. It was quite a job to resolve the situation. The farmer made me aware of a lower Iron Age earthworks on the flank of the hill. The van made use of this almost hidden feature which guided him to a less steep area where he managed to get off the hillside grass. Who could imagine that there could be a link from Iron Age earthworks and a modern day van. The farmer unloaded his sheep, 17 from the low deck, 16 from the upper deck. He then set his young dog to round them up from a slightly shrubby hillside. The dog brought them down and we guided them into the field ( Long Dale) where the horses stood. The farmer turned the head of one of the horses. I was shocked to see it had lost an eye. he explained what had happened and that the horse was happily resolved to his situation. As he was setting off, we glanced up the hillside where we saw three or four sheep which the dog had missed. So he got the dog out and quickly remedied his mistake. I helpfully remarked, that though we counted them out, we did not count them in, to the field as they passed. He looked at me, considered, then blamed the young dog.

Picture expanded too include people repairing a fence which had been broken when a van left the road Click the image to see it enlarged..

This is from the 16th of January. Driving over the Wolds, I thought it was perhaps going to be too misty but in fact it was okay. Passing Gill‘s farm on the top road, I came to the sharp bend where the road drops down to Thixendale. I had to stop abruptly as I turned the corner, farm vehicles were  blocking the road. A tractor with a trailer was parked off the road at the top edge of the field another 4x4 yellow JCB vehicle, interestingly with four wheel steering, was parked across the road with a chain extending fixed to the front appearing to hold a post. The driver remained in the vehicle as  the other driver, of the tractor, was busy installing fencing to new posts by using a hammer to hit staples into the post. He reached into his overall pocket to grab a staple several times. I cringed a little as he hit them into the post, but he never hit his fingers.   I asked, as I passed, if it was all because of the delivery van, that they were replacing the fence. He smiled and said yes and hope it doesn’t happen again. They can just be seen on the top extreme left with the track marks of the runway truck just visible. To be continued.

Tree frog needs a new home

Acrylic on deep edge canvas approx 25cm square.

 This painting always makes me smile.It shows a tree frog with enormous eyes peering at something.

Available to a good home email (see above) for details Now re-homed to collector.

The Matterhorn, a tribute to Mary Dawson Elwell

My reproduction (acrylic) of Mary’s painting with more sky above the mountains
( see planning views below which indicate more sky)

Walking George I sometimes visit the cemetery of St. Mary’s opposite Gallows Lane, Beverley. Here, near the entrance is a gravestone to Fred Elwell and his wife Mary. I often visit the Elwell gallery located in Beverley Art Gallery, in the Treasure House. I have admired Fred Elwell’s work, especially since a dear friend told me that he had communicated with him regularly. However, over time I began to realise I admire Mary’s (1874-1952) work. In 1932 she painted this view which includes the Matterhorn. The painting location at Chandolin is a long way north ( compared with another painting from Zermatt, below).

                               

For the 1932 en plein air painting Mary a prepared board was used, it had a bevelled rear edge facilitating the practical benefits of sliding the painting into a storage box as well as aiding it to be pinned to the picture frame. I like the size of these paintings. They are small enough to be carried to the painting location. These en plein air works are so important, they contain ‘time’ and ‘place’, we are there standing with the artist, the air is fresh, we can almost hear sounds. One can imagine their value as an object is perhaps different than that of a studio painting.

Like most of us who paint plein air we sometimes struggle with  planning of the painting, we can run out of space. Mary’s painting of this scene from Chandolin, in Switzerland was, I think an example. Studying her painting one at first assumes the skyline has been cut off. It is so close to the edge of the board that the frame moulding hides it. I thought I would try reproducing a version with space above the skyline. 

Mary’s painting is called  'The *** from Chandolin Val d'anniviers Valais'. I wondered what the missing word could be. I think it may have been ‘Matterhorn’. I am reminded also, of many years climbing mountains in Cumbria. The elevation is not as high but the effect, looking down at distant valleys is the same. Snow covered mountain tops suggest spring time. I also think it is early morning and we know we are looking south. I hope to do some research into the trip, no doubt with Fred, her husband. In the picture Mary has included an arrangement of conifers on the left hand side, these are wonderfully painted in their own right. The colours are beautifully varied and I think there is a suggestion of high pasture between these trees. As a plein air artist I would love to visit the same spot and paint myself, who knows one day maybe.

Mary’s original 1932 painting 26x35cm.
Probably original frame showing the problem of it hiding the skyline detail

I have also seen another painting which Mary did of the Matterhorn from Zermatt in 1939. 

View from Zermatt, 1939, 32x35cm.
Much closer and more to the west the dark hillside shadow suggests it is early morning. Here again the peak of the Matterhorn almost touches the edge of the painting.

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Matterhorn?  detail

Developing

My early underpainting

A collectors art book. Plein air painter.

 Final Thoughts: A Testament to Print Excellence

This project exemplifies the importance of expert print guidance, from material selection to artwork refinement and troubleshooting delivery challenges. Plein Air Painting stands as a masterclass in premium art book production, blending John Geekie’s artistic storytelling with Ex Why Zed’s commitment to print perfection.

As John’s future volumes come to life, we are proud to have played a role in turning his plein air journey into a beautifully printed reality. Complete review here

I have enjoyed writing this book, now considered to be a collectible and essential art book. As I am now in the process of revision, I am now revising this book as a proof copy. Due to the limited print run it will become more desirable to own. It is available from my online store HERE 

Givendale - amazing animation

 

Givendale is a magical area. The perfectly situated church of St Ethelburga’s sits happily in the landscape ( hidden to the left of this view). A  public footpath runs behind the pond and into an open area, where a building surprises the walker. This area is wonderfully accessible yet at the same time remote. It is a lovely place to explore. This has been produced on an iPad and can be seen from start to finish. I have added music and the animation lasts approximately 10 minutes. It is available via a link sent to you. Details below

Animation here ( using YouTube )

Lake District - Langdales from Elterwater

The Langdales, magical, dominant, challenging. Climbed many times but here is a pen and ink sketch from 1992. Probably staying in Grasmere at the time. This view on the road from Skelwith, at a crest before dropping down to Elterwater village. Hope you like.

Wetwang Road, Sledmere.

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Huge canvas showing red kites over a Thixendale harvest, plus free virtual exhibitions and gift ideas

Fabulous free Yorkshire Wolds Virtual Exhibition - four more exhibitions for you to see

100cm x150cm

CLICK IMAGE ABOVE TO ENTER THE VIRTUAL EXHIBITION.

Four more exhibitions can be opened from this one

1 Beverley Minster sketches

2 Howardian Hills painting peregrinations

3 Kipling Cotes Derby

4 Exhibition of prints

When you enter the virtual space you will see some icons on the left hand side. By clicking the PLUS(+) icon you are taken to four more exhibitions as mentioned above. I have many more paintings of the Yorkshire Wolds and these can be found by searching my blog site.   

All my paintings have been completed at the various locations. Beverley Minster sketches was an experiment. I used a thick nib permanent marker pen and sketched directly onto 12x10” canvas panels. I then used acrylic to add colour, this was done back at the studio. The Howardian Hills feature a small collection of paintings of an area south of Malton. The Kipling Cotes Derby, Englands oldest horse race, exhibition comprises paintings of the course and area around. My prints exhibition is an ideal place to find a print, perhaps a present for someone.

Of course at my ONLINE STORE there is much more to see, free animations, instructional videos and more. I especially want to flag my 2026 Calendar which features my paintings. Also, my art books,

1 Plein air painter ( a how to make a pochade box to create paintings, contains examples. Video here

2 Sketchbook of pen and ink washes of Yorkshire views go here to see video of this book

3 The LOW WOLDS - rare proof copy, a SUMPTIOUS book fully illustrated. Video here

2026 calendar - now available go HERE to order

Make your own Christmas tree for the table?

 Make a little table top Christmas Tree ...click, download and print.

Make your own Father Christmas Angel

 

Make your own Father Christmas Angel.

Hi everyone,  as we approach Christmas we have to think ....about the tree.

Here is something for you to make at home for the tree, simply click the image and print it off.

Good Luck......my angel is ...

 

Click to enlarge and print off and cut out this little figure. It will stand up or it could be placed on a tree

Loaningdale T junction.

 Panoramic sketch showing junction near Loaningdale. The disappearing telegraph poles lead to Farberry. Pencil sketch with watercolour wash.

Fells, Lake District sketches.

After many Lake District holidays, looking back at some of my old sketches I thought I would share some of them with you. I will be posting more over the next few weeks. I love making pen and ink sketches so it was always a joy to carry my Wainwright when climbing the fells. Just a reminder about my ONLINE STORE where you will find Christmas present ideas. Check out AUTOMATA, simple moving models made from card which are self assembly ( video links on my YouTube channel) as well as original artwork, art books etc.

 

North Bar Without, Beverley.

Here is a watercolour sketch looking towards a hidden North Bar featuring Bar House. The Catholic Church can just be seen, Peel’s Vets are through the archway. I remember seeing horses being treated in the yard at a time when the Trod was still ploughed for race horses to canter while being watched through binoculars by trainers.

Online store for Christmas ideas.

( Beverley prints, original oil paintings, paper automata, calendar etc )

これは、バーハウスをフィーチャーした隠れたノースバーを眺める水彩画のスケッチです。カトリック教会が見えるだけで、ピールの獣医はアーチ道を通っています。トレーナーが双眼鏡で見守っている間、トロドがまだ競走馬のために耕されていた時代に、馬が庭で治療されているのを見たのを覚えています。

クリスマスのアイデアのためのオンラインストア。

（ビバリー版画、オリジナルの油絵、紙のオートマトン、カレンダーなど）

Cattle in town

I love this scene. David keeps cattle in this field, Hall Garth, in Beverley. This is in the shadow of Beverley Minster. Surrounded by houses. It is lovely to see these cows and their calves eating the grass in a well fenced off field, content and peaceful. It brings the countryside, our heritage, our connection with the Land into the town. 

Online store for Christmas ideas.

North Bar, Beverley.

 

Watercolour sketch of North Bar with the Elwell house on the right. I find, when looking at the Elwells paintings in Beverley Art Gallery I am drawn (:o) to Mary Dawson Elwell and find myself wanting to know more about her. Fred Elwell to whom a dear friend of mine knew and corresponded with, is obviously considered to be more accomplished, yet I see Mary as a pioneer in women’s art. I did this sketch as an exercise, it is one of two which I did on the day. I will post the other one next. In the meantime don’t forget your calendar, art book and automata self assembly working models for a special Christmas present, all available at my online store.

Just a reminder that my iPad animation can still be seen at Beverley Art Gallery…..”I find this so therapeutic “ one person was overheard to say.

Borrowdale, from footpath to Castle Crag.

Hi everyone, this is a sketch from the high-level path to Grange via Castle Craig from Seatoller. I like this view, looking back and seeing the bulk of great end under which I have sat many times having sandwiches whilst watching Raven’s tumble over the top edge. I am hoping to do some more watercolours of the lakes in 2026 and will post them here. They will be available from my online store. If you haven’t already ordered a calendar, they are also available at my online store as well as some books. Christmas is coming and they may give you an idea for presents.

Beverley Open Art 2025

I have an animation running at the Beverley Art Gallery. It shows a group of trees at a junction. I call it Loaningdale junction, it is south of Warter at the end of Bailey Lane. I have noticed how the trees and the verges change over a year. The images below show the trees at different times. The animation runs for 10 minutes and there is a seat to sit on while you watch. I have also added some background music. If you watch carefully you will see small changes. The arrival of May blossom. Spring fresh greens followed by darker summer greens and butterbur plants. Hope you can make it to view.

Winter

Early summer

Late summer

 

Castle Howard across the Great Lake.

 

Watercolour half imperial, 22x15 inch approx.

This is loosely done on watercolour paper 300gsm,  so it did not need stretching. This is another, older watercolour sketch ( 2008) showing Castle Howard from the road, on the west of the house leading to Slingsby and on to Hovingham. I spotted this view and was impressed at seeing the house emerging from, and dominating the landscape. The lake in the foreground is well populated with coots and other waterfowl. This is an original watercolour which captures the view coming out of winter with spring optimism to look forward to.

 

Westwood November sunset - iPad sketch

 Hmmnnn did not plan this but I am fascinated by sunsets. Arriving for dog walking I noticed the sun dropping and did this sketch. The sky and foreground changed so quickly it was difficult to keep up. So here it is, I may get this one made as a limited edition print ( A3). If you are interested please drop me an email. 

Animation below, try watching in full screen.

Also, do not forget to order your 2026 calendar

2026 calendar - now available go HERE to order

St. Mary’ Church, Beverley.

 Available here

Every day, more or less, I walk my dog George on the Westwood, BEVERLEY. This day I saw Saint Mary’s Church Tower emerging from the tree line. A couple of dog walkers were walking their two dogs. It was amusing to see the dogs as I could only see their tails and a part of their body. They had no legs due to the undulating ground. The building on the extreme left is the old gate house on Westwood Road. This is a simple view captures the feeling of being on the Westwood looking towards the town which is hidden by the trees to the right of this picture, BEVERLEY Minster is much more dominant. It is a taller much larger church. Saint Mary’s is less obvious to paint, in a way away, that’s what makes it special. Hope you like it. Quarter imperial on 200 lb paper - 15x11 inches approx

Would recommend Ford Framing in Beverley who have a great range of frames and mounts.

Black Mill, Beverley, watercolour by John Geekie

After painting some views of the Minster from the Westwood, I thought Black Mill would make a change. Here is an early November view which shows Black Mill and the brightly coloured poplar tree made brighter by dark clouds. In the distance the autumn colours of distant Burton Bushes can be seen. I was amused to see a man walking with short legs. He was walking on a sunken path. I thought it unusual that he was by himself until I saw part of a head and tail of a small dog. You may just make it out.

This is a quarter imperial watercolour painting on 200lb paper, measuring 15x11 approx.

Recommended framers - I would suggest Ford framing, North Bar Within who have a huge range of frames and mounts. Telephone 01482 861972

Available from my online store.

2026 Calendar by John Geekie

 2026 calendar - now available go HERE to order

This is a wall hanging calendar comprising original paintings by John Geekie. Delivered via Royal Mail to your door.

Beverley Minster, autumn.

 Another of my autumn views of Beverley Minster. This is one of a series of watercolours sketches produced from visits to walk George. This is a view on a warm November day, the sun illuminated the grass at the edge of the pasture. As it was early a slight mist hid the horizon behind the Minster which produced an interesting effect of hiding any evidence of buildings and distant turbines. Slightly ethereal, a moment in time which emphasised the Minster almost as if it were suspended, as if it were floating. This watercolour will be available from my online store shortly.

This is a quarter imperial watercolour painting on 200lb paper, measuring 15x11 approx.

Recommended framers - I would suggest Ford framing, North Bar Within who have a huge range of frames and mounts. Telephone 01482 861972

Now available here

Self portrait made using an iPad….just a little fun

Dragon rider - a magical automata

Make your own moving model of 

SCRHEAL 

the dragon 

Scrheal

close up of dragon front

 Video link here 

Available here from my online store

Well, though not doing any plein air painting at the moment I am nevertheless still producing, when time permits, some illustration and simple automaton work. Here is the front part of SCRHEAL ( pronounced scree..a...ll ) the third of a series of simple automata, yet to go the the printers. Scrheal is a massive dragon tamed only by N'hog the dragon rider. Look out for details soon.

Dog automata. Get a friend for life.

 Dog automata to make at home

Curly hair and hairy eyelashes.

Here are some pictures of a simple rotational lever actuated automata, or simply, a little moving dog made from paper. This was a paper model my year 8 students would make as part of their lessons looking at automata and before moving on to making wooden models in year 9.The model also requires a straw with cocktail sticks added. This is used to move the head and tail of the dog.  I will supply these.
The dog can be made to nod it's head, wag it's tail, look like it is walking, even running. 
 Here is a link to see one working.
Here is the net sheet which is A3 in size, cost £15 including postage.

Available from my online store.

Here are some assembled pictures.

Moving his head

View showing ears before cutting them to make them look hairy

All parts cut out ready to crease and fold

Parts creased, folded and waiting to be glued.

Nose cut out

Detail showing cocktail stick through straw on outside

Main body net

Important, this shows how to fit and arrange the cocktail stick inside the body of the dog