A Quiet Day

It was a quiet day on the moors, with no wind and patches of fog gathering in the low-lying areas. Freezing temperatures made it a bit uncomfortable, but it was nice to be out in the clear winter light.

Clouds around Morven
Watercolour, 7 x 10 inches, 18 x 25 cm

Frost on the Beach

2009 started with a very cold spell of weather. Temperatures didn't get above freezing during the day and everywhere was white with frost. It was nowhere near cold enough for the sea to freeze of course, but the higher parts of the beaches had a white crust on them.

Frost at Reiss Sands

Watercolour, 10 x 14 inches, 25 x 35 cm

Painting with a Knife

Someone was asking recently about a way of sketching with acrylics. I suggested using a painting knife and, having given the advice, I thought I should try it for myself.

I worked on an MDF panel with four colours, plus white. The colours were Raw Sienna; Burnt Sienna; Ultramarine Blue; Pthalo Green. I used a small painting knife and mixed the colours on a plastic palette.

I was quite pleased with the results and the method worked well. I did resort to a brush for the final details, but with more experience I reckon I could use a knife throughout.

I think I like the feel of a brush too much to ever become a serious knife-painter, but it definitely could be useful for sketching.

Suilven
Acrylic 6 x 8 inches (15 x 20 cm)