Sketchbook Explorations

I like to keep a sketchbook with me when I’m out and about and usually do very quick, quite rough drawings in ink if something catches my eye. I loved this view down the hill heading for Thornham, with the hedge, road and field shapes forming blocks of colour. Back home in my studio I did a sketch in acrylic on a much bigger piece of paper to explore the colour contrasts. Sometimes I look back on these ideas and develop/change/combine ideas to create a finished painting, although I try to keep the 'immediacy’ of the original drawings.

These drawings were made during my walk along the edge of the marsh, not far from the sea. The colour washes were added later, but sometimes I use my tiny water colour set and add paint straight away.

I used a colour wash and ink for these drawings, looking at the trees and one of the fire breaks at Sandringham.

Now it’s a glorious sunny afternoon and I’m heading outside with a big easel and canvas to paint the Wisteria which is covering the end of my studio. I may share the results later!