Flam

Alex and I were recently in Norway and the watercolour above is of the Fjord in Flam. Over the years I have experimented with many different ways of painting or sketching when travelling about. I have now got it down to the following methods. I generally carry an A6 Ebony sketch book which fits in a pocket and is good enough to take watercolour as well as for sketching. I tend to use this for sketches of about 4-5 minutes at most.
If I am going somewhere I know there will be good subject material like the fjords then I take an A4 ring bound pad of watercolour paper along with an Aqua pen a small plastic field palette of artists watercolours and an old no 8 watercolour brush. These fit in a canvas satchel and are light enough to be no trouble to carry.
Of course using them is the trick. I can now having had much practice stand and paint with the pad without too much trouble. The results will never be as good as if I took my Julien work box and easel which gives a reasonable stable surface to work on. However due to size and weight I only take the easel if I am specifically going to paint a certain view.
The watercolour above was painted standing with my pad and watercolour paints being juggled in both hands.The Fjords are stunning and we were lucky in that the weather was glorious. Alex and I have sailed in the Fjords and around the Lofoten Islands previously but as part of a working crew on a large sailing yacht so this was a more relaxing visit.
Today we had some very good news our eighth grandchild has arrived in the world.

Morning light over Penlanffoss

From Spring onwards there are generally cattle on the top field overlooking the valley. As I open the gate to get on to the lane early in the morning I generally join the long meandering queue of cows walking to the top field having just been milked. Jac is always nervous and I am always wary.
Anyway the cows on the skyline make for a good picture with daylight coming up behind them. Further to the left in the distance out of view are wind turbines some 7 or 8 miles away. I have mixed views on them. I agree with using renewable energy but there are obvious downsides to them. I do think it is about time that a proper established strategy for our energy needs was put in to being or we will be in the dark in ten years time.

Through the gateway

On the way down Penlanffoss  hill there is a field with a gateway that is often open and in the mist you can see the outline of Merlin's Hill. The lane is sunken with hedges high on either side. A variety of birds can be seen from goldfinches, bullfinches to buzzards and kites overhead. Yesterday I found a pile of pigeon feathers. Obviously all that was left of a sparrow hawks breakfast.

Today I am doing some sketching and Alex is taking a day off.

Cwmoernant Reservoirs

I have painted a view along the path around the reservoir. The sun is coming up and is low in the sky, shining through the trees.
The two reservoirs were built in the 1850's to serve the town with water and as an amenity. I have to say it is only in the last 20years that there has been a proper path established around the top reservoir. Prior to that it was pure mud in winter. There is an abundance of wildlife which is supported by the reservoir and cover around it. I occasionally get to glimpse a kingfisher darting over the top reservoir. There are woodpeckers to be heard in the trees above. Moorhens nest in the floating islands and at the moment the little ones are hopping over the weed walking on water. I have seen an otter there early one morning but that was quite a few years ago.

Merlin's Hill

As I walk down the lane from the top of Penlanffoss Merlin's Hill becomes clearer. I start to hear the sound of cars on the bypass and dogs barking in the gardens of houses. Also the gees form the farm. Looking over I can see my house and know that breakfast is under way. There is no better start to the day than a walk to clear the mind and mentally prepare yourself. It is at this time I will go over a painting in my head deciding how to paint it. In what order and style it will be done. I find that having a clear picture of the finished result in my head and the order of work makes a successful conclusion more likely.

From Penlanffoss

Here is another view from my morning walk. Unfortunately the picture hasn't come out very well it is a bit dull. The original isn't that bad. Anyway the view is from the top of Penlanffoss looking South East towards Merlin's Hill and down the Towy Valley. This view changes every day, it can be misty, dull, bright or covered in dark skudding clouds.  

I love this part as it is also all downhill from here. I often stop and listen to the sounds and take in the sights. We have been to many places but the Towy Valley takes some beating.

Morning Walk

I have said on many occasions that I enjoy an early morning walk with Jac our dog. I thought I would post a couple of watercolour sketches of the walk. On many occasions  there are horses in the fields at Cwmoernant. At the moment they are neatly attired in their winter coats. They always trot over to the path as we pass by. Jac is not too keen on them and hurries off to sniff someplace else. 

I dont paint horses as a rule only as part of a landscape and I am not interested in riding or hunting. I do recognise the beauty of the equine species however. My favourite painting is "Whistlejacket " by Stubbs which is outstanding and to my mind the most impressive painting in the National Gallery. Stubbs was a genius but you wouldn't want to ave accepted an invite to dinner. He kept disected horses, animals and I believe human remains for study (all without the aid of a refrigerator).

link

http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/george-stubbs-whistlejacket