In the Corrie of the Snow

In the Corrie of the Snow, Watercolour, 25 x 36 cm


When I first visited Coire an t-Sneachda, in the Cairngorms, it was October and already there was a covering of snow. The cloud level was low and the surrounding cliffs disappeared upwards into the mist, making them seem even more dramatic. The floor of the corrie was covered with scattered boulders that had fallen from the crags above. The scene was desolate, but there was also a peacefulness in the complete silence. I hope I have managed to convey some of that feeling in the painting.

Comments

Bruce Sherman said…
Hi there Keith!... What a shift in process for this one! It almost is taken toward abstraction with the clever use of that veiled atmosphere. The presence of the rocks shifts one back quickly... re-establishing the notion and feeling of reality!

I really enjoyed your use of warm colour... again no clear definition of the kind of light or its source to sweep the eye rapidly upward to the upper right away from this colder area.

This is a real departure from the usual Tilley panoramic formats. A very nice change... and very dramatic and different effect!

Good Painting!
Warmest regards,
Bruce
Sherrie York said…
Perfect. I visited the Cairngorms, in spring rather than autumn, but the persistent clouds compelled my host to begin most sentences with "There's a really big mountain here. Really." They were sensed, rather than seen, and you've captured that feeling.
Keith Tilley said…
Hi Bruce, I don't think it was a concious change in process, more a response to the subject. I do like the abstract quality, though, and it's something I would like to get into more of my paintings. It's all too easy, with known subjects, to concentrate too much on getting everything looking right. Sometimes it's better to let the paint have it's way and see where it takes you.
Keith Tilley said…
Thanks Sherrie. It's possible that you wouldn't have been so impressed if the weather had been completely clear. Imagination has such a powerful effect on us.
Hi Keith.
This looks exactly how a watercolour should look, Clean and pure colour.
I like it. All the best keith.
Vic.
Hi Keith, truely lovely work from the soul. You have captured the heart of the mist and wind in this dramatic location.
Keith Tilley said…
Hi Caroline, "work from the soul" is just how I feel about this painting. It's one of those really satisfying pieces that seem to come along from time to time.
John (JWJarts) said…
You've certainly captured the desolation and silence brilliantly Keith. And there's a grand sense of a warm autumn sun just trying to break through the low cloud. A very appealling painting.

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