Brims Castle
Brims
Castle, a few miles West of Thurso, is in a ruinous state now. It's
rather overshadowed by the large, modern farm buildings next to it.
Originally, I think, it would have consisted of a strong tower with a
courtyard around it. The beach below would have formed a natural
harbour. Later it seems to have had a large house added on to form a
more comfortable dwelling.
I
used the controlled-wash method again for this painting and just
three colours: French Ultramarine; Burnt Sienna; Raw Sienna.
Stage
One
Starting
on damp paper, I applied Raw Sienna to the bottom of the sky and then
mixes of Ultramarine and Burnt Sienna over the rest. While it was
still wet, I dropped in stronger mixes in some areas to establish
some of the colour and tone.
Stage One
Stage
Two
I
let the whole painting dry and then I started to build up the
mid-tones, still keeping everything fairly loose. I think, with
hind-sight, I probably could have put more of these in at the first
stage.
Stage Two
Stage
Three
I
put in some stronger touches to sharpen up the painting.
Stage Three
Stage
Four
I finished off with a few darks in
the foreground to give some depth. I also felt that a background was
needed. There is in fact a hill behind the castle, but I couldn't see
it from my position down on the beach. I decided to use a bit of
licence and put it in.
"Brims Castle" - watercolour - 18 x 26 cm
This painting was admired by King Charles III, and it's now in his private collection.
Comments
Your adding in of your new process of working really adds another touch - an overall ambience of the "ghosts" who might have lived their entire lives here...at a time when the castle bustled with life and energy.
A beautifully and skillfully executed watercolour Keith. Another Tilley gem!
Good Painting!
Warmest regards,
Bruce
All the best,
Keith
Now how do you suppose I knew just how good this was going to wind up in the end.?
Probably because I've seen your work and you can see the "I know what I'm doing' LOL! Thanks for the WIP ... love it.. BJ