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.

Upcott Sunset.

Attempting a timed piece to regain some spontaneity. Well here is the completed sketch although it’s quite difficult to get the right colours with the camera in real life I’m very pleased with the overall image. At least I’m regaining some freshness and honesty with my brushstrokes. This is of Upcott Vale near Bradiford Barnstaple, North Devon. From this high point behind the Upcott Folly you can see out over Barnstaple and down the Vale towards the Taw Estuary and beyond to Saunton. There is always the sounds of sheep and sometimes foxes can be seen. Sunsets are always magical here on summer evenings. This is acrylic on primed panel 670 x 410mm.

Upcott Folly Sunset.

Not many more of these warm evenings left this year as the cool Autumn air begins top sweep up the River Taw. Wonderful to be sat under a large oak tree watching the slowly unfolding sunset, even the foxes were out dodging between the grazing sheep. This is the ancient folly overlooking Upcott Vale near Pilton, Barnstaple, North Devon.

Tiger Moth over the Folly.

The finished acrylic painting is 1000 x 7000mm on canvas. The painting is inspired by an evening walk with my son Archie to take some photographs of the summer sunset from the Upcott Folly. This folly is near Pilton, Barnstaple in North Devon. A Tiger Moth biplane on it’s evening flight from Eaglescott Airfield flew over and we managed to take some great pictures. I must have a flight in this wonderful plane. Al