Painting on the Edge

The Isle of Skye is famous for the Cuillin Mountains, probably the most impressive range of mountains in the British Isles. There are actually two separate parts of the range, lying on either side of Glen Sligachan. On the northern side are the Black Cuillin, composed of very old, gabbro rock. They have a very jagged outline and provide some challenging climbing conditions. To the south the mountains are known as the Red Cuillin, because of their pink granite rocks. They have a more forgiving, smoother outline. These hills include Marsco, the subject of the painting, with slopes which sweep down into Glen Sligachan.

Location - https://goo.gl/maps/zW5izUcYmfT2

Crags on Arkle Watercolour 25 x 18 cm


This is a small watercolour of some crags on Arkle, a mountain in North-west Sutherland. I was pleased with cliffs and the feeling of recession, but the top half of the painting felt a bit empty. I thought that an eagle, soaring on the updraughts in the background, might give it a bit of life and a sense of scale. It's amazing how a simple brushstroke can transform a painting sometimes.

Abandoned Farmstead, Watercolour, 25 x 36 cm

I love painting these abandoned farmsteads. They usually make a good focal point in an empty landscape. This one isn't too decayed yet and is still weatherproof. I think it's used as an overnight shelter sometimes, probably by fishermen.