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.
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.
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.
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.