July 24th 2023
I set off with an idea to sketch and took my A4 landscape sketchbook. Finding myself exploring the Wolds near Gills Farm I could see Thixen-Dale below me, stopping, I examined several views, I could see minor Dales branching off the main Thixen Dale valley. I was not exercised to sketch here so drove down the steep hill to the Fotherdale road which leads to Robert Fullers Gallery. I spotted some tall rose-bay willow-herb, it was going to seed looking rather dramatic against darker tree foliage. It would make a nice study, I intended to paint this, rather loose, more suggestive of colour than to be detailed. First, I got out my sketchbook and did a very quick, simple pen and ink sketch. Then I set up a large 3x2 feet canvas and began laying out the painting focusing on the rose-bay willowherb. A buzzard flew overhead and swallows danced , swerved and darted, though I saw no swifts. Reports of large numbers of swifts heading south have just been announced. This is so sad as they have been forced to abandon their chicks due to the heavy July rain making food scarce. Last year was similar due to drought! I stopped and packed up quickly. A visit to RF's Gallery followed and I saw some people there whom I had previously spoken to. I was given a welcome cup of coffee and heard how RF had just returned from Svalbarg where several polar bears were seen. It will be great to see Robert's subsequent paintings and hear how the trip went when a video is produced.
Hope you like the painting, oil on canvas, 3x2 feet.
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Just a reminder, to visit the Ferens Art Gallery in Kingston-Upon-Hull
where you will see one of my paintings until 1st October.
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My Book of sketches showing double page spreads of views front the Yorkshire Wolds.
Also, you can see a very short video of the book, see below, Short video here.
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