OLD SKETCHES FROM THE PAST

A few old sketchs from my past. Above is a pencil sketch of a Tibetan prayer wheel drawn whilst living in Kathmandu Nepal, this I obtained and now resides in a cabinet in my studio.
Below, the first is a pen and ink drawing of where we lived in Bradiford North Devon and on the distant hill you can see the Upcott Folly. The next pen and ink is of Barnstaple Parish Church where my wife and I were married over 37 years ago. The third is of Tarr Steps a medievel clapper bridge in the Exmoor National Park a particular favourite walk of ours. The walk from Withypool to the pub at Tarr Steps is wonderful during the summer and offers opportunities for wild swimming.

WESTWARD HO

This is a painting from a while ago of my twins, wife and friends on Westward Ho Beach. I was taken by the glassy reflections on the wet beach from a recent tide and in the distance, across the estuary, is the famous Saunton Sands Hotel. This image has been created using watercolour, pastels and acrylic paint now in a new frame and double mount!

SAUNTON SANDS

Saunton Sands painted on Bockingford paper using natural pigments found at Fremington Quay in North Devon. Amongst the rocks and strata at Fremington are various pigments including the usual Bideford Black, which I usually get from Greencliff at Abbotsham, a blackish colour called Poor Man’s Coal, Yellow OchreBurnt UmberWhite Clay and Grey. I collect these pigments for further preparation where I finely ground them and use them for my paintings!

PEN & INK FROM THE PAST

A few more pen & ink drawings from the past including various North Devon scenes. All drawn on Fisk draughting film and using Staedler mapping pens although now I prefer to use traditional nib or Unibal pens. Please click on an image to see it in full resolution! Al

CLOVELLY HARBOUR

A print from a sketch I completed many years ago on a visit to a local village called Clovelly. This came to mind on a recent trip with my wife and after found some prints in one of my print drawers. Below is the sketch made on a lovely sunny day with the Red Lion Hotel in all it’s glory and above a hand washed water colour rendering!