Beltane Series

The Beginning of Summer
 
Until this embarking on this series I’ve always been quite fearful and overwhelmed by ‘en plein air’ painting – painting landscapes in the landscape. There’s all the kit, the unnerving passers by - who don’t really pass by and who can be quite judgemental, the enormity of landscape - it’s not just in front of you but ALL AROUND you - where to begin?
 
But do you know? I’ve really enjoyed it - I love the sitting, the absorbing, the gradually tuning into the place, not just the view but the sounds, the smell, the weather of it.  I even quite like the passers by - there are points in every painting where it’s rubbish, of course they’re going to think you’re awful if they come along then but most people are so genuinely delighted to see someone actually painting that they’re lovely! I’ve met some great people and had interesting conversations about all sorts of stuff.