Above Burdale towards Fridaythorpe, East Yorkshire Wolds.

I set off north and wandered without any idea what to paint, possibly a recently seen old barn or shed which sat in a field of long grass, however, towards the coast was cooler and mistier. So, I found myself at Burdale via Sledmere House. At Sledmere I had stopped for a sandwich, after waiting a short time for the shop to be 'customer safe' in these pandemic times. Resting on te grass in the warm sun, I noticed the pond had become heavily overgrown with plant life since my last visit.  The water area was reduced and limited reflections though a family of mallard, a mother and seven ducklings did not seem to mind as they paddled about. The quiet, still air was punctuated by the wonderful tumbling liquid call of a curlew, such a special bird, unfortunately I never managed to locate it. After watching the horse at Burdale being put through some lunge line exercises in a circular compound, I drove up towards Fridaythorpe on a narrow, single track road that climbed steeply. Then suddenly I saw this view.

Far scenic dales....seemed to intertwine.

The field,

of,

I think,

wheat,

looked delicate with pale,

light crinigerous ears,

seeming to mix into a mass of

movement and shade, shimmering

in the light breeze.

The rough mixed grassy field edge contained umbellifer flower heads, though the cow parsley now, mostly, passed over. I liked seeing the sinuous tractor lines towards the field boundary, so typical of the Wolds. The elderberry in the foreground was covered in blooms, a useful reminder of the time of year. I find the subtle delicate fragrance a highlight of the season, and look forward to drinking elderflower cordial later.

I was not sure where exactly I was, which did not matter as I would check later.

In fact, I was looking down on to the far end of Brubberdale.

The small wooded spur valley in the distance is not named...so it is now called Geekie Dale and I claim the name as I plant my imaginary flag.

I have included the sign as a marker for when you visit. From Fridaythorpe take the road past the ancient church and it will be seen after about half a mile.

Hope you like it.

24x18 inch,

Oil on canvas,

£350