Golden memories at South Dalton.

Trees framing St.Mary’s Church at South Dalton.

Friday 30th October - after a visit to the post office, where a huge queue had formed, I escaped to the countryside near South Dalton. I was delighted to see bright yellows, oranges and rust colours on various trees particularly sycamores, horse chestnut and beech. Parking on a broad verge where I often stopped to walk George, I paused. Though not with me now, I walked our familiar walk along the road heading east. I saw this view of St. Mary’s Church appearing framed by two huge trees. It reminded me of being here with George and so I decided it would make an attractive painting. Earlier, as I drove along the roads I saw more evidence of trees damaged by the recent Austen and Boelo storms. Huge branches had fallen demolishing old hawthorn hedges. The necessary remedial work meant heavy plant (sic) compounded the damage. Eventually all the fallen wood will be removed and new hedging planted. I sketched, using a ‘Sharpie’ permanent pen, standing on a grassy verge, wet with morning dew. Occasionally cars drove past heading for South Dalton. I guessed they were on route to the Pipe and Glass.  This is Mere Road leading to alligator pond. After making this sketch I walked back to the car., remembering how this would have been the time to give George some water. Setting off slowly, approaching the hidden bend, anticipating ducks on the road I glanced at the pond. Ducks were predictably swimming around but then I saw a heron in the pond, standing tall. I have seen one here before, though in the far side of the pond. Today, close to the road I could see it in great detail. I thought it looked a little worse for wear, maybe it had lost some weight. Ridiculous really, the pond is full of fish so it must have been well fed.   Did not notice the alligator, perhaps it was submerged. Must check again soon.

12 x 10 inch acrylic on canvas board. Treated with Pozzuoli red transparent ground before painting.

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Simple ‘Sharpie’ pen sketch

Michael Harding Pozzuoli transparent acrylic ground, added before painting

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The calendar is A4 format opening to A3 when opened up. Email me if you would like a copy. £12 including p+p via bank transfer - details by return email.
Video link here showing the format and paintings

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​BOOKS

Below are art books, Except for the sketchbook, which is intended as a simply that, the rest are an immersive, literary and artistic experience. They are much more than simple art books, they are informative, in part a diary, a record of the countryside through observation, poetry and serendipitous meetings. Each is fabulously produced in hard back. More details on my blog.

Here is a short glimpse of the High Wolds book.

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