Memory Studies

Memory Studies

In contrast to field painting, I sometimes paint more from memory, notes or poetry that I begin to write in the field. An exercise I like to do involves walking from the house, or around a reserve I know well, simply observing and thinking about what aspects of that experience that day really sticks out to me, then returning and painting what I remember, trying to make an expressive reaction to the atmosphere, colours or forms I noticed. It can be quite a fun, challenging creative process, which reduces the information to reveal the important story. 

Rough Island, Dawn

Rockcliffe

Gouache on watercolour paper

20x30cm

First light, the morning-subdued colours of summer highlighted in patches of sunlight through a lifting sea-haze promise a perfect day.

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Islands

Colvend Coast

Gouache on bamboo fibre paper

24x32cm

A walk at sunset, the draining Solway making blue and orange mirrored lengths across the estuary, light casting a warm glow on leafless trees, small pale coves and fir stands.

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Rough Island, Summer

Rockcliffe

Gouache on watercolour paper

20x30cm

Summer light gives a turquoise, jewel-like appearance to the Rough Firth as the tide rises around the Island.

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Through the Mist

Colvend

Gouache on bamboo fibre paper

24x32cm

Heavy mist lends an atmospheric beauty to the Colvend heathland, hiding the track ahead, revealing the twisted forms of old sloe bushes and hawthorns with each step toward the brightening sky.

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Caerlaverock Saltmarsh

Caerlaverock

Gouache on bamboo fibre paper

12x12cm

Sunset casts a fiery glow over the marsh and distant hills, large herringbone clouds stretch across the sky.

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