Cottam Warren looking down towards Elmswell Slack, Yorkshire Wolds.

Had been to Warter and painted a large 3x4 foot canvas but soon realised it was simply too hot, so I stopped and drove to Cowlam Manor where I visited the modest church of St. Mary's with its ancient Norman font. I like this church, which I see, sadley, is under threat of being closed. It would be a shame if this happened, it is quirkily situated behind Church Farm, where the casual visitor needs to be prepared for a short detour through the farm. Indeed on my visit the roadway, through the farm yards was being repaired by a lone man driving a heavy roller. I wandered about after leaving the church and noticed very tired farm buildings which had become redundant, which spoke of another time from the past. The old Hall (?) seemed decayed standing square overlooking weed covered yards. Its rendered walls were faded, peeling windows with threadbare, torn curtains suggested abandonment. Walking along I saw evidence of better times. Some beautiful roses, one in particular with a scent from heaven, were managing to grow from a weeded minimal border, against some tired old brick storerooms. 

It was still too hot.

 I left still seeking shelter from the sun and decided to find a place with a little elevation, where there might be a cooling breeze.This found me arriving, for the first time, at the impeccable Cottam Warren Farm, with its neat lawns and verges, staff everywhere seeming busy.

I parked under  the shade of beautiful beech trees relishing the fresh breeze and walked George along a public footpath heading north. Alongside the path was a copse providing much appreciated shade, A man was cutting grass on a ride-on mower and smiled as we passed. Leaving the wood belt behind, walking  a little further I saw a delightful sight, lambs with their mothers in a tiny fold in the land. This was the termination of Bortree Dale. One chubby lamb stood with translucent ears transfixed, staring at me, staring at him/her. Mothers were sitting in the lush cool grass uninterested.

I will return to paint the scene, however it is too far to carry my equipment for a large painting and so it might need to be a 12x10 inch. Back at the car I fed George and decided to paint this view. As I painted a curious little Westie came over to have its ears tickled, soon followed by a handsome tan labrador. Earlier, when looking for a view to paint, I had noticed two people walking amongst the crops and assumed they were agronomists. One came over as I painted and told me they were working for a seed merchant and that she lived at the farm. Ah ha, I remembered the view seen earlier near the sheep, so I asked if I could drive down the track and was given permission, great. Obviously, this does not apply to everyone, please enquire with the farmer before you try it.  The painting was done quickly using the palette from Warter, so limited to three colours and judicious mixing. The farm is hosting an event shortly which I am sure will be a huge success.

Original painting available at my online store, here.

****************

My Yorkshire Sketchbook, limited edition with double page spreads which include notated sketches is now available from my online shop.A very short video of the book ca be seen below, 

Short video here. 

Sketchbook book available here at my Online store.