22nd September 2020
After painting nearby I see this view, and quickly decide to paint it. The interplay of the distant Dales is wonderful. The foremost is Sylvan Dale, though it is hidden below the line of trees on the right. Millington Dale with Scoar Dale can be seenin the distance. I stopped at a field entrance which has been temporarily fenced off to contain and protect the pheasants and partridge from the road. I am near Coldwold Farm on the road to Pocklington. The late afternoon sun was dropping quickly causing shadows to grow down the hillsides. The harvested fields mostly remain cropped but they are rapidly being ploughed, the pale, almost white straw turning soil brown. As I painted pheasants kept appearing, unhurriedly strolling around looking for food. The edge of the field contained a mixed flower, shelter belt, and sweetcorn provided more safety at the far side of the field, where there were feeding stations and water. One of my particular delights when painting here is to see the huge numbers of sunflowers growing at the edges of the fields. They are part of a mixed, tall growing set aside crop which has the added benefit of providing more cover for the many partridge and pheasant, but also for hares in particular.
As I painted an estate worker pulled up in one of the typical vehicles used for servicing the feeding stations for the birds. She had the job of touring the field boundaries ensuring the water and food station were maintained. I offered to get out of the way but she very kindly said that she would seek another entrance so as not to disturb me while I painted. This was kind. She did eventually pass me, in the field some time later. The vehicles, I noticed seem to be left hand drive, not sure if this is significant though...but maybe it is....or, as a dear friend would be wont to say...............................................maybe it isn't.
Oil on canvas board, 12x10 inches, POA
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