Skipton Castle

Another painting of a sunny day in Skipton, it doesn't seem possible that 6 weeks ago farmers were digging lambs out of snowdrifts, gritters were out on the roads, glaciers were slowly advancing and our coal bill was huge, but that’s all in the past. Spring has arrived, albeit rather late, to the splendid market town of Skipton, self-titled 'The Gateway to the Dales'.

So while my wife was in town trying to sell her wares (don't get the wrong impression - these are bridal fascinators), I went for a stroll along the Springs Branch of the Leeds / Liverpool canal (previous post) which was, for one day of the year, bathed in glorious sunshine. I managed to capture the view of the previous post and this post within 5 paces, not bad eh? I guess inspiration is like busses, you wait hours for one and two come along at once. Or does it depend on your frame of mind? I mean - glorious sunshine, happy face, snap snap that'd make a great painting.

I have visited Skipton castle regularly over the last 30-odd years, my first recollection was when my sister took me there when I was a wee nipper. It is a superb place to explore, and well worth the entry fee, I won't go its history here, suffice to say it is riddled with the stuff, and although many parts of the castle are a private house, there is much to explore, my kids love it. 

"Skipton Castle" Oil on Board 8x6"

This is the view of the back (north side) of the castle on the crag overlooking the canal and river, it must have been quite a structure in its time, and although most of the castle here is bathed in shadow, I hope it gives some impression as to its splendour.

www.skiptoncastle.co.uk 

Springs Branch - Skipton

Springs Canal - Skipton Oil on Board 8 x 6". 

Yes a miniature! good to get back to these smaller, more detailed paintings. I enjoy painting them and can get one finished (well almost) between dropping the kids off at school and picking them up. Plus I have a surplus of 8 x 6 canvas boards kicking around... and no more canvases... time to order some more!
 
The view is Springs Canal behind the castle at Skipton, a short stubby branch of the Leeds-Liverpool Canal, only about 1/2 mile long the canal terminates at a pool behind the castle, built to serve the mills and quarry the view is looking towards Mill Bridge, Skipton with the Castle to the left. It's painted from a photo I took on Friday last week in superb sunshine (two slaps on wrist, one for painting from a photo, and the other from taking the photo at midday). I know all the books say to wait until evening or early morning for the best light - but I wasn't there then was I ?
Honestly some purists!!!