Hello everyone. Well, we had a few fine days last week and I was able to get out for some fresh air. And we went to a couple of local beauty spots to enjoy the autumn landscapes. So, the image above is the view across Worsbrough Reservoir, looking towards the fields and hills beyond. Honestly, it was a feast for the eyes – soft, mellow brown, gold and russet. We were sitting in a nice sheltered spot and the gentle autumn sunshine kept my fingers warm as I sketched. (35 minutes)
Sketching Autumn Landscapes at Wentworth Castle Gardens
Another one of my autumn landscapes. This took me about 25 minutes. To be honest, it was quite difficult to isolate just one part of this view. Because the vista was huge, stretching from the stream at the bottom of the parkland and then up the hill. And, right at the top was the village and the church. As you can see, the trees in the parkland are beautifully placed. And, at this stage of autumn, all the leaves are now shades of brown. Really, I feel so very lucky to have such delightful countryside so close and accessible. Especially now that we are again in lockdown here in the UK. Personally I think it’s so important now to go outside, somewhere pleasant, if that’s possible. And just breathe and let your mind relax.
Plein Air Sketching with Urban Sketchers Yorkshire
This is a watercolour sketch I did last year when I went out with Urban Sketchers Yorkshire. And what a lovely day it was! To explain, we sat outside on the terrace of a coffee shop and watched the crowds dash by. And I even tried my hand at frantically sketching figures as they wandered around the park and admired the fountains. But, that’s a skill that doesn’t come easily to me. And, now is not quite the time to practise it, for obvious reasons. Oh well, perhaps soon! Stay safe.
P.S. This area is just around the corner from the wonderful Millennium Gallery – click here to see an intriguing exhibition by a local artist from last year.
I like how free the landscapes are, gives me the feeling of movement and transition that characterizes fall in my mind.
Thank you, Claudia. I never thought of showing movement in my sketches. But I do think that plein air painting or drawing does have a lot more life in it. I try to complete a painting in that one session and very rarely add to it afterwards.
Its good to get out in this mild weather, though the shifting light can make painting a challenge. I tend to stick with a camera at this time of year.
Yes, you’re right – the light does change quickly. Anyway, I don’t expect there will be many more suitable days now.
“…a feast for the eyes – soft, mellow brown, gold and russet. We were sitting in a nice sheltered spot and the gentle autumn sunshine kept my fingers warm as I sketched.” – your poetry matches your art, Margaret! 😊 Love how you do these so quick, and “very” amazed when I read your notes on the 2nd sketch, wow, what a hill & view! But gotta say, really love the final image, with its balance of lines and colors, a skill I’m still hoping to begin to play with in the future ❤️
Thank you so much, Felipe. I suppose I really enjoyed our afternoon by the water and it came out in my words ! My urban sketches are by definition quickly done. But the sketch of the town centre was done before the pandemic and I was out urban sketching pretty often. So, the more you do, the better you get !