Castle Howard - outside the courtyard with Christmas trees - Nov 16th 2014

Large watercolour 22 x 15

Grey day yet no precipitation forecast hence another trip to Castle Howard. We arrived via a continuing patchwork of tree lined vistas, autumn colour undiminished, though possibly thinning in places. At Castle Howard we walked down to the boathouse cafe and onto the outside raised decking, which juts out onto the lake. Immediately if front of us an upturned swan remained stationary, pristine white contrasting with the dark water,  prodding for food. It gave an impression of a snow clad, jagged mountain, rising from a foreboding sea. The house viewed from here will be good to paint in spring though not at present. It was lovely to see so many parents walking down to the cafe, tethered children windmilling excitedly down the path looking forward to using the amazingly varied playground with its serpentine sliding tubes and other obstacles. The colours varied from copper and gold to bright yellow with fringes of reddish brown. Walking back to the house we saw a large marquee being assembled in front of the Fitzroy cafe, which prevented crossing to the east side of the house. So back to the courtyard and then to the car. Took George for another walk before deciding to sketch. The view shows a couple of improbably bright, venerable oaks appearing illuminated, especially with contrasting black bark. They guard the courtyard entrance. Christmas trees appear in profusion, with lights fitted setting the scene for next week and the start of the Christmas shopping period. We are looking forward to seeing the house prepared for Christmas and of course, the magnificently large and profusely decorated tree under the central cupola and to hear the varied musicians performing.

H A P P Y  P A I N T I N G .