Watercolours
My watercolour work has always revolved around attention to detail and being as true-to-life as possible. I work in watercolour and gouache (which gives an opacity and depth not available from watercolour alone). Many of my studies are inspired by my time in the Lake District and a selection of these are presented below.
Badgers
(44cm by 30cm)
We used to watch wild badgers regularly in the
woods nearby. The patient waiting in the cool of an early summers evening surrounded
by a white carpet of alium and the almost overwhelming aroma of garlic would often be
rewarded by a fine display of romping and play-fighting from this year's young badgers
cubs. Memorable moments which in retrospect you wonder if you have really seen.
Autumn Woodland (25cm by 15cm)
If early summer is the time for badgers then autumn must be the turn of the limestone
woodlands. Crisp leaves, misty mornings and the excitement of a fungus-foray.
Dipper (15cm by 17cm)
Dippers are common in the invertebrate-rich
streams and rivers of the Lake District. These delightful but often elusive birds,
always on the move, are a pleasure to watch.
This picture, of a dipper on the River Levens, capture the feeling of movement and light
associated with the bird's habitat. It also captured an award in a regional BBC art
competition.
