At the weekend we went on a trip in our campervan to Stonehaven. On the morning we were leaving I set up my materials and worked a very quick sketch of these boats in the quiet harbour. With my neocolours set out beside me I attracted the interest of a male mallard duck. He was sure the wax crayons were some kind of food. He came really close just to investigate. That is the fun of painting outside there is usually something interesting happening that makes it very memorable.
This cute pup was just at the waterside as we arrived on the Isle of May. Adult seals were swimming near by.
Here is another sketch that I did on the Isle of May at the weekend. I did a number of quick sketches to capture the different poses and situations. I wanted to stay and keep sketching but the boat was leaving and I had to go home! These will be good references for my studio work.
Saturday I went to the Isle of May sailing from Anstruther. The highlight is always to see the puffins. I sat next to them and enjoyed sketching away as you can see from the photo taken of me at work. They all seem to have their very own personalities. Some had lots of sand-eels in their beaks. Great day and a treat to enjoy the puffins company. The first sketch is done with permanent ink and Neocolor watersoluble wax pastels. When I got home and had more time I added the water to the picture. You can see how vibrant the colours are after the water has been used.
Since visiting Culzean Castle and doing the cliff top walk. I have since had this view in my mind. The bluebells were amazing there and the colour of the sea glimpsed between the trees made a lovely scene.
I did a couple of sketches in my small sketch book at Dunure. Interesting little harbour as you will see from the photo of me sketching. Walking along to Dunure Castle the cliffs are quite stunning.
This was one of the views that really inspired me on my holiday. I decided to get on and do a studio painting while the place lingers in my memory.
I did a really quick sketch at the edge of the windy cliffs at Portpatrick. The photo shows a picture of me at work with my lovely Neocolor wax pastels. As you can see they are brand new!! Later I applied water with a brush to the wax pastels as they are water soluable. This brings out the colours and allows them to flow and give the appearance of a watercolour. I am just getting the feel for using these pastels but they are good for working outdoors.
I have been away to the Ayrshire coast getting inspiration for new paintings. I have uploaded a sketch done very quickly at Lendalfoot. My husband took a picture of me while I was sketching and in the distance you can see Ailsa Craig where granite was quarried to make curling stones. The weather was sunny however very very windy and icy cold. You would never guess it was summer!! More sketches to be posted over the next few days.
This is another sketch from my sketch pad. On the way home on Sunday we stopped off at Auchmithie and I sketched this from the harbour.