Today I was back down memory lane painting this seafront scene from our childhood for my sister. I remember the soft low light of dawn and dusk and the pinks and pale blues that it cast on the beach with fondness.
Aldeburgh Beach, Suffolk
Aldeburgh Beach, Suffolk.
Memory Lane
Aldeburgh Beach, Suffolk.
When we were kids I have fond memories of visiting our Grandparents in Aldeburgh. We vividly remember the boom of my little sailing boat breaking as I walked through the door at Horseshoe Cottage and being devastated at not being able to use the boat on the local boating pond there. Fish and chips under the sea wall with the small of salt in the air.
Recently I was asked by close family members Sue and Clare to paint Aldeburgh for them to take them down that same memory lane, and it was my pleasure to do so. Here are a couple of the paintings that I did, in case it takes anyone else back in time too.
Taagan, Loch Maree, Gairloch, Scotland.
Loch Maree
Until very recently we lived in the most wonderful part of Highlands Scotland (Gairloch). One of my wonderful friends there took a photo of Loch Maree a couple of days ago and I felt it so beautifully captured the feel of the loch on a calm day that I wanted to paint it. Thank you Julia. I always love seeing your photos.
Abbey St Bathans, Near Dunbar, Scotland.
Abbey St Bathans
Today I went for a drive. On a week day, when I was meant to be working, I just packed up for the day and went for a drive. It was wonderful driving around the hills to the south of our new home in Dunbar and exploring the stunning hills and farmland.
There has clearly been snow as there was a little snow in pockets on the road. When I arrived at Abbey St Bathans it was chilly but the light was lovely so I just had to capture the moment on paper.
The Torridon Mountains from Lonemore, Gairloch, Scotland.
The Torridon Mountains
I was wandering down the road with my mother on a visit to Gairloch the other day when I noticed the softness of the scene. The clouds were thin and the sun was just breaking through them. A gentle tinge of sepia was hugging the mountains and there was a peace in the air that was wonderfully calming. One of those moments to just take in.
Abstracted Highland beach
Abstraction - The art of not much
Less abstracted version
I have been playing with just how far a scene can be abstracted.