Now that we are getting warmer days I've started going out with my sketchbook again, but earlier this week I joined in with some other artists at the village art group to paint this small still life in oil, which I finished off later in
my studio. I love working alongside other artists and seeing the diversity of approach. We can learn such a lot from each other.
This is a much bigger work in oil, which I painted over several weeks in the studio after a long walk at Wells. I tried to get that almost ethereal feeling when the tide reaches its highest point and there is a brief pause and stillness before it begins to move in the opposite direction. You can see this happening in front of you, but also see the movement of the tide as, one by one, the boats swing round on their moorings.
Finally, a couple of sketchbook images, painted/drawn in the compound where many of the boats are stored safely for the winter. I thought the lines of masts and rigging made a fascinating pattern against the sky.
I'm off to the allotment now to plant more potatoes, but will spend just as much time sketching and drinking coffee as gardening! It's a very peaceful space and very inspirational.
Wherever your inspiration comes from have a creative remainder of April and thanks for reading this!