In late December, 2009 a severe cold stretch of weather began that continued into early 2010. This painting records that time. Fortunately, because where I live is so close to the sea we were spared the worst of the snow and ice as can be seen from the fields, where muted greys and browns can be seen rather than a continuous blanket of white. This is my third painting in my series of painting the same view over four seasons.
I hadn’t painted for 6 months before I started this. I was determined to make a highly detailed painting as I was a little disappointed with the previous painting’s foreground. Based on a reference photo; the day I took it I wasn’t in the area, I was down by the prom walk in Garryvoe and noticed bales in the field on the higher ground. When I got there I found that they were in every field towards the sea. So I spent the next 6 months painting. The last 3 were spent on the foreground, doing those stubbles trying to depict the sunlight reflecting off of them. No compromise!
This is the first of my views of Garryvoe the place where I live. The view is from one of our fields, the ‘High Field’. I had been wanting to do this view for a few years before getting around to doing it. At the time, it was a very ambitious goal. The sky appealed to me a lot, I like how over in the east and south opposite to where the sun sets, the sky goes purple to a deep blue near the horizon.
Painted from 28th June to 23rd September, 2006.
About half a mile from my home stands an old Medival church, surrounded by headstones dating as early as the late 18th century. It’s one of the most intact churches in the region. I was pleased with the soft indirect lighting effect on the stonework. I spent over a month painting it.
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