On Sunday we went to Fowlsheugh Nature Reserve and saw the most amazing views. The colour of the water was jewel like. I did a quick sketch looking down to the sea. There was lots of sea birds which we got quite close to.
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.
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.
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.
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.
This is a study for a larger studio painting which I have been busy finishing. It is done on the rough side of Canson Mi-Teintes paper, on a lovely poppy red colour. You can see the texture and colour of the paper showing through.
The painting of Anstruther is done on a red ground with some of the colour allowed to show through.
Looking through old photographs I have found some good subjects to work on. I have lots more in a box ready to be sketched into new ideas for paintings.
Today I was looking out the window and noticed how nice the snowdrops looked behind the sleeping cat ornament. I sat outside and did this study with the birds chirping in the background. It was a lovely spring day, the gardening will have to wait!
This is a detail from a larger painting I have been working on. The inspiration for this painting was a result of visiting with the campervan. We camped on Mull and did a day trip to Iona. What a beautiful place.