Feren’s Art Gallery, I’m a prize winner!

Receiving my 1st Prize from Marti Hall

Well, this was a huge surprise when I was told that I had won the Friends of Ferens 1st Prize for my animation ‘Garden from January to June’. I am especially proud as it is 51 years ago when I first had work accepted. Looking at the date I did this, it was 1974, so probably entered for the 1975 Ferens Winter Exhibition. I was employed by Gelder and Kitchen Architects and inspired by my mentor and friend Alan Bray. Alan was a superb artist and the Ferens collection contains at least one of his works. I think the Feren’s Curator at the time was John Bradshaw who raised the profile of the Gallery so much. So, all in all, this was very special for me as it reminded me of those times. The occasion of the presentation was delightful particularly meeting Ferens staff and the Friends of Ferens, whom I now realise, have excellent judgement (;o). Meeting Sally, another prize winner from York, proved very illuminating, especially listening to her explain the background and integrity of her work. I always think that a short explanation would enhance work. Perhaps to be placed alongside it? Please visit if you can. The exhibition is open now and entry is free.

Entry from 1975 Winter Exhibition.

 

Golden memories at South Dalton.

Trees framing St.Mary’s Church at South Dalton.

Friday 30th October - after a visit to the post office, where a huge queue had formed, I escaped to the countryside near South Dalton. I was delighted to see bright yellows, oranges and rust colours on various trees particularly sycamores, horse chestnut and beech. Parking on a broad verge where I often stopped to walk George, I paused. Though not with me now, I walked our familiar walk along the road heading east. I saw this view of St. Mary’s Church appearing framed by two huge trees. It reminded me of being here with George and so I decided it would make an attractive painting. Earlier, as I drove along the roads I saw more evidence of trees damaged by the recent Austen and Boelo storms. Huge branches had fallen demolishing old hawthorn hedges. The necessary remedial work meant heavy plant (sic) compounded the damage. Eventually all the fallen wood will be removed and new hedging planted. I sketched, using a ‘Sharpie’ permanent pen, standing on a grassy verge, wet with morning dew. Occasionally cars drove past heading for South Dalton. I guessed they were on route to the Pipe and Glass.  This is Mere Road leading to alligator pond. After making this sketch I walked back to the car., remembering how this would have been the time to give George some water. Setting off slowly, approaching the hidden bend, anticipating ducks on the road I glanced at the pond. Ducks were predictably swimming around but then I saw a heron in the pond, standing tall. I have seen one here before, though in the far side of the pond. Today, close to the road I could see it in great detail. I thought it looked a little worse for wear, maybe it had lost some weight. Ridiculous really, the pond is full of fish so it must have been well fed.   Did not notice the alligator, perhaps it was submerged. Must check again soon.

12 x 10 inch acrylic on canvas board. Treated with Pozzuoli red transparent ground before painting.

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Simple ‘Sharpie’ pen sketch

Michael Harding Pozzuoli transparent acrylic ground, added before painting

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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.

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Thixendale in November

 This is the latest Thixendale sketch using an iPad. It was a dreary day with gentle but persistent misty rain falling. I had to sit under my car’s tailgate to get anything recorded. This is the latest sketch which will form a ‘Year at Thixendale’ an animation I hope to share soon.

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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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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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Lund, ducks and shadows

Approaching Lund village pond

The road drops gently towards these well maintained cottages. I am at Lund. The road leaves Lund village heading for the main Malton Road. This is a special place. Out of sight opposite the cottages is a delightful pond. It is the home of moorhen and ducks. Alongside the pond is a modest wild garden area where insect houses have been built and in the spring, daffodils flower. It is a wonderful place for reflection and meditation. I passed a large house and remembered visiting. I was kindly shown a large lake. I smiled when told that some call it a pond. It was so large it had a rowing boat tethered. It is a place I always meant to revisit. So, if you are reading this G, I hope things have worked out for you. 12 x 10 acrylic on canvas

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painted.

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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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Storm damage near South Dalton

Storms Austen and Boelo having moved on, made today quieter. All the same, winds gusted strongly but it was bright with no rain. I saw that a huge tree had fallen at the junction for South Dalton ( from the Malton Road). It was a venerable old tree, now no more. I wanted to make this simple painting as a record. People had been busy clearing the road, moving branches to an adjacent field across the road. The tree when it fell landed in this field, which was littered with a network of branches. To access the field to tidy up, plant machinery utilised the gap in the flattened hawthorn hedge.  I will check later but assume a new section of hedge will be reinstated. The main trunk lay on the verge. Its plate roots pointing upwards, the massive trunk, chain sawed for safety. It is horrible to see these sentinels fall. Elsewhere near Moorfield Farm another huge scar marked a substantial part of an oak tree trunk. The tree having been split. Of course oaks, are still in full leaf, as opposed to beech, and they catch the wind badly. They are a tree also known for dropping branches when stressed. The remaining tree ( at Moorfield) is now reduced by fifty percent. I wondered if it will survive. Would decease get a hold? Will a strong wind cause more damage to this, unbalanced tree. I shall keep an eye on it. Back to this view. The disappearing road leads to South Dalton home of the Dalton Estate office. As I sketched cars whizzed past, hurrying north towards Malton, others south towards Beverley. Occasionally a car would approach from South Dalton. One of these cars in particular, paused giving me a hard look before driving off. It may have been someone from the Estate Office.

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Transparent acrylic ground added before painting.

Sketch made with a ‘Sharpie’ pen.

      __________________________________________________________________________________

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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​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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Beverley Minster in Autumn.

Beverley Minster dominating the town with autumn colours producing a garland of seasonal colour. This is an A3 print, with border, as indicated below. I would recommend Ford framing to have this mounted and framed. They always provide a superb service.

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Grab a calendar before they all go, limited print run.

Here are some more illustrations taken from the calendar.  Please check out the form below for enquiries / order.

A very early painting of Beverley Grammar School made from the Westwood.

The distant declivity is one of many places called Deepdale. Seen here from High Barn above Warter. 

One of my all time favourite places, the wonderful walled garden at Sledmere House.

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 .

Bishop Burton where I remember ‘Ces.

October 26th. We are recovering from storm Austen which was followed almost immediately by Boelo. After posting a book I detoured to Bishop Burton where I saw huge branches littering the roadsides. They were snapped off in the storms and having been removed from the roads were waiting to be removed. Phew, it has been windy and now it is raining. I saw this view of the church tower, standing squat and defiant. All Saints Church, dates back to the 1200s. As well as being a ‘Friend’ of the Church an interesting link connects me. I taught at Beverley Grammar School , both the School and the original Bishop Burton Church were founded St. John of Beverley  ( BGS founded in in AD700) a memorial stone marks St.John’s burial place in Beverley Minster (also founded by St.John). The autumn colours, which are starting to show well made the view even more interesting. The picturesque railings mark the boundary of the main village pond and the York Road ( the A1079). I remember some years ago,  icy conditions contributed to a car crashing through the barriers into the shallow pond, no one was seriously injured thankfully. Bishop Burton is a jewel of a village. The local public house, The Altisidora still operates, serving food as well as liquid refreshments, a fitting place for retired educationalists to meet. I am reminded of my old friend ‘Ces who, living here, was a regular patron. I miss seeing him, enjoying a yarn and, above all his cheerful, optimistic nature. I have tried to simplify the view, using a ‘Sharpie’ pen to get the essence of the place before adding colour.

12 x 10 inch acrylic on canvas board.

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‘Sharpie’ sketch

Ground added

Ground details.

painted.

      __________________________________________________________________________________

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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​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, or indeed a painting please complete.

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Cattle stop and stare at Moorfield Barn

Still ahead of storm Austen.. rain expected soon so I was pleased to get this sketch done..

I love this simple scene at Moorhill Shed

Travelling home often takes me past this barn. Today, I stopped and wandered over to a farm gate. Beyond were cattle, heads down feeding from recently filled troughs. They stood with their backs facing me. I noticed that among the full grown cows, young calves could be seen. I always am cautious in these situations, careful not to appear a threat, remembering how protective mothers can be. As I looked they sensed me and one or two separated, turning to look at me. The bulk of the herd, continued feeding. In the centre of the field I saw the remains of some hay? It appeared paler than the grass, contrasting with the bright green. The farmer must have spread this for the cattle to feed on. A cow moves towards me. I remain still, making gentle ‘cooing’ noises. I do not want to spook it. It pauses, looks at me and wonders why I am ‘cooing’. Deciding I am no threat it continues across, I remain still, then it stops and drinks from a water trough. The farmer had been busy here. Fresh tracks suggested a recent visit. In warmer summer months I have walked a nearby public footpath passing Moorfield Farm to reach Bealey’s Lane. I remember a sheepdog barking at me as I was passing. The farm is well kept. Fields and hedges well maintained, even the roadside verge either side of the farm entrance, is cut making it a pleasant place to stop and sketch from. This barn, with its bales of straw stands on a slight rise. Approaching up a slight incline, the sun behind gives it a silhouette is reminiscent of a medieval castle. It’s simple construction fulfils an essential job, to keep the straw dry. It will be used for bedding when the cattle need to be brought in as winter grips the land. Just out of view is a cattle shed, alongside it a stack of green plastic wrapped bales, I guess full of hay to feed the over wintering cattle.

12x 10 inch acrylic on canvas board.

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Sketch partly painted.

      __________________________________________________________________________________

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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​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, or indeed a painting please complete.

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Beverley Library

 Some time ago I dropped off a couple of copies of this book for Beverley residents to enjoy. 

Bar code road to Lockington

Still keeping in front of storm Austen.. 

Love this stretch of road. It leads to Lockington, Lund and eventually to Bracken. It amuses me to see the distant shadows on the road. It has been  pointed out that they make the road looks like a bar code. The colours are becoming autumnal making this ordinary, typical country road look attractive as fallen leaves gild the verges. Pale, dry mud coloured tracks speak of recent field work. The painting is from a ‘Sharpie’ sketch. The small building is part of a farm complex ( Lockington Grange) which is hidden from view. The visible building gives the ‘reader’ a clue that there are more buildings in this otherwise empty landscape. The land, though basically flat and good for arable farming, does, in fact have slight inclines. It is important that field ditches are kept maintained to prevent flooding. A task traditionally done in winter in the days when farms employed more people. ‘Ditching’ would have been one of the mens main tasks to ensure the following season was problem free. Since mechanisation this is a thing of the past. Some would say that keeping these drainage ditches free has suffered as it is now usually contracted out, thus another cost. It must be tempting for farm agents to ask themselves if it needs doing so often. But that is another story. Here, the road is straight, on the left a plantation is maintained for timber and game. In the spring the woodland floor is covered with bluebells. 

In memory of Arthur Fenton, an Army Service Corps driver who died in 1915 at age 20, a resident of Lockington Grange. He is buried in St. Mary’s churchyard at nearby South Dalton. 

12 x10 inch acrylic on canvas board.

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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

If you would like a 2027 calendar, please complete.

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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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All roads lead to….

 Fir Tree Cottage.

I am trying to explore before Storm Austen arrives. A quick sorte into the countryside near South Dalton looking for simple views found me here. I parked at the side of the road and watched a group of three horse riders. They were in the middle of the quiet road, walking gently and obviously chatting. The riders wore a variety of safety bibs and hats. They almost disappeared as the road dips, emerging, they headed for the cottage. Here, they turned right along Park Road, as I had suspected. I had recognised the group realising they would be heading for the stables at Dalton Park. These quiet roads suit horse riders and men driving vintage cars. Both groups travelling at different speeds, appreciate the ability to ‘be in nature’. As I sketched, pheasants and partridge would cross the road. Often here, I see red kite and buzzards. Today, as I ambled along I thought I saw a group of redwing tumbling over a hedge. The colours are developing their autumnal dress making this a special time. In my haste to addd colour I missed out an insurance stage, to add a transparent acrylic ground. This may result in possible ‘bleeding’ from the ‘Sharpie’ pen. However, I have not experienced this yet. Some of my early ‘Sharpie’ sketches seem okay so fingers crossed.

12 x10 inch acrylic on canvas board.

Late October sketch

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Outline using a ‘Sharpie’ pen

      __________________________________________________________________________________

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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​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, or a painting please complete.

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