Spring promise, a cultivated field near Etton using a ‘Sharpie’

After updating my Thixendale iPad sketch I headed for home via Holme on the Wolds and South Dalton. I stopped at this field, near Etton. The distant spire of St. Mary’s over in South Dalton provides a minor point of reference. However my interest was sparked when I saw an almost luminescent pale green strip. It was a sunlit embryonic crop made more dynamic as the dark woodland behind it provided deep contrast. My gaze fell on the field nearest me. It was essentially the colour of dark soil, yet drilled lines of feint green were emerging. The green lines being parallel with each other to the degree that the slightest deviation from a straight line was amplified by all those adjacent. The setting up of the drill must have been well done. I always like to see the emerging crops. They are getting a foothold before the short days and cold nights. It could be that the crop is spring barley or wheat, I cannot tell. If I see a farmer I will enquire. I used a ‘Sharpie’ pen and worked quickly and loosely. Then at home, I added a Michael Harding transparent ground, in this case burnt umber. This would seal the ‘Sharpie’ ink which can be aggressive, eventually emerging through oil or acrylic paint. When Dry I used Winsor and Newton professional acrylics to add colour. Colour is added simply using the ‘Sharpie’ lines as guides. I added colour on the same day thus assuring I remembered them correctly. I could have added notes to the reverse of the board, as I have done previously, however in this case I trusted my memory. Painting was done on 12 x10 inch canvas board.

‘Sharpie’ sketch

Ground added

Final painting

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