MODERN WILDERNESS
A closer look at the landscape from within the reserves; this series focuses on natural lines found with the habitat to move the eye around and describe the processes occurring in nature. They act to guide us through this complex and busy subject matter, beginning to abstract and build information by following contours of ground, plants, rocks and elements such as water. Natural colours from the reserves are used but limited to a slightly reduced palette in order to harmonise the painting, allowing the focus to remain on the linear movement. For closer studies of plants with grouped round forms, the linear pathways are formed from point to point, highlighting the spreading growth and movement.
Sphagnum Mound, Summer
Kirkconnell Flow
Oil on board, 20x24in
Kirkconnell Flow is a wonderful example of a raised estuarine bog, with patches of active peat layers. Hummocks of spectacular pink-green sphagnum moss sit above the peat, retaining water throughout the summer. This mound has fantastic tangled heather roots threaded through it.
Downward
Wood of Cree
Oil on board, 20x24in
There are very strong linear elements to parts of the Wood of Cree, where the oaks line the ravine along the Cordocan Burn. I wanted to concentrate on the vast amount of information contained within the forms of the waterfall, rocks and trees, making a high-key tonal study using warm colours to harmonise the palette.
Gull Loch, Winter
Kirkconnell Flow
Oil on board, 16x12in
Winter sunlight begins to melt patches of snow from rushes and moss, the loch sparkles with layers of frost over the ice, making patterns of lighter colours over the the dark depths beneath the lily pads.
Beneath the Birch Saplings
Kirkconnell Flow
Oil on board, 11x9in
The canopy of young birch and rowan trees casts an emerald glow over the dark woodland floor, mounds of bright haircap moss offer up long capsuled stems, glinting amber in the patchy light. Fallen branches flow like rivers, half-buried beneath fresh ground cover seedlings.
Wall Ferns
Rockliffe
Acrylic on bamboo fibre paper, 32x24cm
The old half-fallen drystone dykes that run through woodlands are spectacular micro-ecosystems, covered in moss and lichen. In springtime, tightly coiled fern fronds begin to unfurl making wonderful shapes and patterns.
Snowdrops
Rockcliffe
Oil on board, 9x11in
In the darkness under a hemlock tree, a springtime treasure is suddenly highlighted by rays of low sunlight, a crystalline carpet of glittering white petals.
Sphagnum Mound
Kirkconnell Flow
Oil on board, 12x16in
In summer, mounds of brightly coloured sphagnum moss fade into bleached shades of chalky pink and jade, looking strangely bright amongst the soft brown peat. Heather roots seek the water stored within the mound and sticks lie scattered on the drying surface.
Round-leaved Sundew
Kirkconnell Flow
Oil on board, 9x11in
These striking tiny carnivorous plants stand out from the peat like fireworks, lime green disks with red tendrils, each with a sticky droplet attached to the end looking like a covering of dew.
Gutcher's Isle Rocks
Colvend Coast
Oil on board, 24x20in
At low tide, these huge smooth rock formations are accessible through natural ‘smugglers’ tunnels that are normally underwater. Waves spray and foam, washing over the rocks and limpet-filled gaps, leaving a shallow layer of clear water as they retreat, revealing the sandy sea bed beneath.