Towards the Pentland Hills from Ratho, February 2nd – Ink/Inktense on a Watercolour Moleskine
Heavy snow was forecast so I nipped out early to the local shops for supplies, before Armageddon arrived. Just in time! This shows the start of the rough weather which we “enjoyed” on Monday. We were, however, not as badly hit as our cousins in England who have had much disruption. As happens, frequently at this time of year, the snow has all but vanished although Jack Frost is threatening us with more towards the end of the week.
crosshatchling 9:01 pm on February 3, 2009 | #
that’s a fantastic skyline. beautiful portrayal of the clouds, especially; i really get a sense of ominous weight, but then relief at seeing the golden linings.
Matt L 9:45 pm on February 3, 2009 | #
Nice sky
bontemps 7:49 am on February 4, 2009 | #
do like your sky’s… Not taking anything away from the whole painting of course.
meghanwas 8:40 am on February 4, 2009 | #
Brrr..makes me want spring even more.
Rudat 8:50 am on February 4, 2009 | #
This is wonderful…one of my favorites. The dramatic sky and deep perspective is really beautiful.
Bodhi 11:30 am on February 4, 2009 | #
Dramatic sky and clouds. KUDOS!
rob carey 1:34 pm on February 4, 2009 | #
I like it all- the sky, the foreground (excellent), and the telephone poles- awesome image, Bob.
trebor61 2:10 pm on February 4, 2009 | #
I am surprised but really delighted by all of your kind comments, so much so, that I’ve decided to work this sketch up into a full-sized painting. I’ve already got the sky roughly how I want it http://www.flickr.com/photos/28475994@N00/3253232517/
and will work away at the rest in small spurts. I’m using a fairly heavy, hot pressed paper for the thing and the surface seems a wee bit more receptive to ink, than the rougher surface of the Moleskine Watercolour book ie the colour seems a bit easier to control, not settling into the hollows of the textured paper. I would not have bothered trying this unless you all were not so supportive. I’ve avoided “proper painting” for some time now, preferring to post small sketches on Skineart. These, I hope/think, have helped me to loosen up my style which should be good in the long run. Thanks again for your kindness – Bob McDowall
Sophie Brown 10:21 pm on February 4, 2009 | #
The clouds are the best! Plus a change in subject matter. I like the pastoral elements of being out on quiet solitary walks. I think I like your work more because we don’t have those moments in NYC.
Joseph R Tomlinson 11:49 pm on February 4, 2009 | #
Powerful image with the sky/clouds. The fence and power poles reminds me of a place near my house where I used to walk my dog (may he rest in peace).
Jack McDaniel 3:04 am on February 5, 2009 | #
Very nice, Bob. Thanks for sharing.
trebor61 6:19 am on February 5, 2009 | #
Thanks folks. Sophie – there must be some wonderful stuff in NYC. My sons have visited the place and they have returned with loads of photos of your city. Maybe you don’t stay in the place where the tourist go? Joe – Glad this brings back memories which I hope are good ones. I have always felt that it is sad that we outlive our pets who give so much pleasure. Jack -I’m glad you like this and, you are most welcome. – Bob
Sophie Brown 4:20 pm on February 5, 2009 | #
New York is the best. We have more of everything day or night than anyone in the world. Free jazz concerts at Grant’s Tomb. There’s always something to do, but ALWAYS. It’s never as dangerous as you come to expect. It’s a more interesting mix of people for watching than you will ever see again. But we can be a little bit short on peace and quiet. At least outdoors. I’ve been to the Statue of Liberty and I’ve been on the top of the Empire State Building. But I don’t really hang out at tourist attractions (though there ain’t nothing wrong with our tourist attractions). A lot of things people COME to DO are pretty expensive, like musicals and plays and similar things. We have free concerts in Central Park every day in the summer. Free movies in Bryant Park on Monday nights (you may not be able to squeeze yourelf in). Street musicians. The Library is one of the best in the world, but there is quite a bit of bustling around out there. Inexpensive ethnic restaurants, street vendors–you would love it. I’m glad I have another couple weeks of quiet out HERE. But I bet you I’ll be ready to go home when the time comes. Though I live in the Bronx and want nothing more than to move back to Manhattan with my cat where I belong. The Bronx is “not a pretty town”. Asphalt, chain link, bridges covered with more chain link, concrete, blocky buildings, tire stores and car washes for miles, all of one monotonous gray color. I think it was just built up without much thought to how it looked, which has some interesting possibilities in terms of drawing. But even the river is ugly. And who has ever conceived of an UGLY RIVER?
Margie 4:34 am on February 6, 2009 | #
this is beautiful! the beginnings of the full sized image look promising. You are the master of skies!
trebor61 10:20 am on February 6, 2009 | #
Ah Margie! You are too kind. If only I was “The master of skies”. That tile must belong to John Constable who once said that we should paint a sky every day. He got rather good at it. One his, in my humble opinion, best is “The Vale of Dedham” and hangs in the National Gallery of Scotland here in Edinburgh. His sky in this work is astounding. I could stand and look at this for hours. Thanks again.
http://nga.gov.au/exhibition/constable/Detail.cfm?IRN=143206&ViewID=2