Kipling Cotes Derby, founded 1519, the oldest horse race in the UK.

 Kipling Cotes Derby racecourse. 

Just realised I have painted more views associated with this historic, special race dating back to 1519 and the time of Henry VIII. This means I can create a virtual exhibition on the theme of Kipling Cotes Derby. I may need to visit more locations especially on the section of track from Enthorpe…hmmm.

I travelled to the place where the Kipling Cotes derby crosses a road near the finish, parking on the south side of the road on the deeply rutted section which rises from Enthorpe. On race day I made some pen and ink sketches, my intention today was to add some colour. 

Here is the colour washed pen and ink sketch

After this quick little sketch I took the plunge, quite unplanned, to attempt a large 100 x 50cm oil painting. I set up the french easel and my collapsible folding table. Deciding to use only the primary colours of red yellow and blue, plus titanium white I began to set out the painting. Behind me the nearby road roared as large pantechnicans flew by, foot down in a hurry. Tractors with enormous bulk trailers approached from Loaningdale, stopping at the junction before turning to I their right. I turned as a huge tractor unit approached the junction watching it cross and stop beside me. The farmer opened his cab door, he was sitting high above me, looking down, he smiled and we chatted. G. Was from the nearby farm. He was the son of a man, now I think, a friend whom I had met at the finishing post on Kipling Cotes Derby race day.

I mentioned the view from his farm and how I would love to paint it if I could. He was very accommodating and helpful and suggested another view that I could also consider, as well as confirming I would be welcome to paint at the farm. We also talked of David Hockney and how he painted trees near at Loaningdale as well Dalton Gates. This is what getting out, into the real world, into the clean air and open vistas is all about. Unplanned meetings where conversation and generous, friendly people enhance the painting experience.

Click to see larger image

Here is the finished painting. It was all done at the venue with no work added at home. It is thus an ‘alla prime’ work, wet on wet. The painting is on stretched canvas 100 x 50cm, produced using long handled Rosemary hogs with the three primary colours plus white. Below the painting an be seen in-situ, the canvas orange ground showing through. The table at the right hand side. George was resting in the car behind me. He fell asleep as we had both had a disturbed night which needed a walk at around 6am. Hence being here quite early. 

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Below are some close up views of the finished painting.

Click image to see a video of the painting.