It started off at a sterling pace, I managed to thrash out 2 pochades in the first day of my resolution, although I have to admit by the end of that day I just wanted to get the painting finished and to head off home.
The view in the first is towards the "Tay Bridge" through Crooks pasture, Horton-in-Ribblesdale. I guess its called locally as the Tay bridge because its predecessor got washed away some time ago, and the new bridge was built about 20 years ago. As the day was wonderfully hot, and dry weather forecast, I wanted to get the scene in before the farmer cut the grass for silage (which happened the very next day). I positioned myself across the small back (which is just in the foreground) away from prying eyes from the footpath which runs across the field. I don't know why I settled on this composition, I guess I have always found it pleasing and any path which takes you towards a bridging point is aesthetically pleasing (not that I am spiritual in any sense of the word!).
The painting is on an 8x6 canvas board (one of 7 remaining), and painted with water mixable oils, these are quite handy when out and about. I tried to get it thrashed out as quickly as possible, but it still took 1 1/2 hours to complete. Perfect I reckon as an oil sketch for a future painting?
