Wordless Wednesday

A quick sketch

FRIDAY - Painting en plein air at Arlington Court - 

Weather - Very Windy - Lost my hat 4 times.  Thank goodness I didn't opt to use my easel, it surely would have fallen over.  Needless to say, I got some painting done and started a 12" x 9" watercolour (which I can't show yet as I still need to finish it in my home studio).

There's a lot of note taking during my sessions, regardless of the weather - sketches, doodles etc for my artwork at Arlington Court.  I am gathering quite a collection and yesterday I added some quick sketches to my stock....

I look upon them as 'Prompts'  and  'Reminders for paintings yet to do'

It's really helpful to do these sketches as from them, I get more ideas.

vignette's

have sprung to mind.

- Have a great weekend -

County Show plus a Horse Show

Last week was Devon County Show (link) again, held over three days in May, and thankfully the weather held out for the most part.   I went along with daughter on

SATURDAY

 and reckon we walked about 7 miles during that day...phew, I was beat.

As you see the clouds built up and hence the pics are a bit dark.  Loads of things going on, from farming equipment to marquees with clothes and the usual Rings where there were displays and also competitions for jumping.

....and these things

ALPACA'S

Ummm, I'm not sure about them.  They look so cute,

but make a strange crying sound

and those long necks....weird or what.

 ...and they are as interested in what's going on as me!

The clouds eventually opened and we got a downpour or two

but it was okay,

daughter managed to get a free poncho from Mole Valley farmers

On

SUNDAY

thankfully turned out to be much brighter.

We went along with one of her ponies,  Buddy,

to a small Show at Poltimore

 (the building in the photos that's covered up

was a grand house one time, Poltimore House.  If 5.5 million can be raised to restore it

then that would be good) (link)

I think both pony and rider were pleased with their rosette

She got great support from her friends

It was busy

but it was a

LOVELY WEEKEND

~

We love living in the south west

....but don't pretend that the weather is always...

sometimes it is overcast, but great for walks....

and other times the view seems to disappear!

~ actually happens during May and June for a day,

we can live with that ~

Watercolours

Although I didn't get far, it rained...and quite a bit, but never mind.  At least I made a start and will have to finish this over the next day or so in my studio...

here's my reference position on the meadow part of the lawn

So what happens when it rains and I'm outside.....I found a nice place Inside.  

I retreated to the Conservatory, where not only did I warm up

I found a lot more inspiration for my paintings too

....and whilst I sat there, I did a quick sketch.

Think this will be a painting in its own right somehow...

...and I know there will be plenty of opportunities to paint flowers here.

So looking forward to the growing season bringing me more subjects.

~ Have a good weekend ~

Not only were the farmers busy, but the sky was busy too

Wonder where they were all going....

New drawing materials

Isn't it just fun when you get new supplies.  I've just bought a 72 set of Derwent Inktense blocks.

Lots of lovely delicious colours to play with

The only thing is, Inktense NUMBER these Blocks, so it is time to make a note of them.  

Best way of getting to know what colours they give too, is to do swatches...

~ Loving them already ~