Valley view

View of Trent Vale and Clayton from Thistley Hough

We went for a walk in the evening yesterday, and instead of just taking photos I took a small sketch pad with me. I couldn’t draw all the details I could see and because its black and white it’s hard to get shade and tone, but I did my best. The two blobs in the sky were hot air balloons. Too far away to see any detail and they were travelling sideways on to us very slowly (left to right). This took about 15 minutes, just trying to get an impression of the view over the valley. I wish I didn’t shake, my lines are very wobbly!

Galaxy

Today’s #bandofsketchers prompt was Space. It is a favourite subject. I love the Sky at Night Programme on the BBC. I’ve tried to paint the Whirlpool galaxy, using Arteza metallic watercolours and some black and white acrylic. A bit splodgy but the detail on the photo was overwhelming.

Waiting

Tied in knots.. An old drawing from the 80’s

The results of this semesters work on the illustration course I am doing are not due out till the middle of June but we go back to work at the start of June. So effectively we are starting back without knowing if we have passed or failed. The fees are due so you might also pay without knowing if you are allowed to continue. To say there are quite a few nervous students about is no joke. Tied in knots, waiting to see what happens next.

Owlish

I’m watching Spring Watch, a BBC nature programme that is on at this time every year in the UK. Its a pleasure to watch animals and see their lives, to see places in Britain that I may never visit. I can learn about the life cycle of beetles, explore pond life, watch deer that were imported by the Victorians. This time they have discussed ancient oak trees and what lives on them, the release of a seal in Ireland, buzzards and their young, swallow nesting and many other topics. So yes little owl, I’m watching you!