I found some interesting dried seaweeds at St.Bees beach on my recent visit there and decided to have a go responding to it through thread on fabric, and pen on paper. I had previously thought it would be a good visual resource for such responses and was glad I remembered to collect some whilst on the beach. The abstract shapes lend themselves to linear responses whatever medium you may use!

I created this small oil painting on canvas board as a commission for a friend. It was fun doing it. My initial photos of the iconic hill did not fit the brief and I was grateful for the feedback from the commissioner. She then hunted down her own image and sent it over to me which was much better as I understood what she really wanted. A ,more brooding and atmospheric Pendle. I made a little sketch which she liked and proceeded with the commission. It was an enjoyable journey completed when I gave it to her daughter in person. Communication is so important throughout this process so the resulting piece is in line with what is looked for.

I should add that I found it really quite hard doing the initial sketch which was a mix of looking at the photo provided and the view of Pendle from my little studio window. I think it was because you have to be in a certain frame of mind to draw atall I think. I was struggling with the lockdown due to Covid, but in retrospect was really grateful fo this work for moving me along and ultimately doing something for someone else that will hopefully give pleasure. My friend’s daughter is returning to Australia where she lives soon, and the view of Pendle will remind her of home I hope.

I have just completed this little painting from a sketch made on the spot of the mountains, specifically the gulley on the side of the mountain, at Netherwasdale in the the Lakedistrict in the UK. Here is the sketch along with the little oil I made when back in the studio.

Here is a drawing I found made way back in the 1970s when I was at Leeds Uni studying Fine Art. Can’t remember exactly what year, but know it was from that time. I was missing my old village and especially the beach. I thought you might like to see it as it connects with my recent St.Bees revisited posts.

Here are a few more shots of my visit to the beach at St.Bees for your delectation. People had balanced special stones on posts etc it wasn’t me! I found them like that which is even more wonderful.

Well we managed to get away, finally, on a camping trip up to the lakes and I was able to go to my home village of St.Bees where I grew up. I had all of an hour there as that’s all I had for the parking!  Just  long  enough  to  take  some  shots  and  meditate  a little to the  sound   of   the   waves.