Long Wood.

I haven't painted for a while, or posted for even longer. Time to put that right. I have been too busy, being back at work, running and reading. Actually the running has tailed off of late and I need to pick that up again, for my own sanity/waistline. This painting is a return to landscape, particularly to painting with the intention of suggesting the possibility of magic. Certain kinds of light at the start and end of the day can suggest magic, especially in the woods. Yep, I've been reading Graham Joyce again, my favourite author this year.

This painting is from some photos that I took last weekend in the woods at Thorpe Underwood estate, near Little Ouseburn. Anne Brontë worked there for a while (it was called Thorpe Green at the time),as did Branwell, and it is believed that the Hall was used as the setting for Horton Lodge in Agnes Grey. Branwell had to leave after being discovered having an affair with the lady of the house.
Anyway, this painting is on a reasonably sized (bought this time) canvas. I am pleased with how it has started. Let's see how I feel when I look at it through fresh eyes in a day or two.

As yet untitled, and unfinished.
The paint had dried off enough for me to pick this painting up again, so that's exactly what I did yesterday. I started by working into some of the foliage a little, to brighten it up in places, and then I started adding the sky. It looks to me like it needs a little late afternoon light picking out some of the boughs, and some of the tangle of thinner branches here and there. I may try to add some of this today, but first I'm going for a run down Nidd Gorge - a new route for me, then I've got lessons to plan, and I fancy a lazy afternoon reading my new book......the painting may have to wait for a week.

Still unfinished, still waiting for a title...

Worked on this again yesterday for a few hours, and then again this morning. That's it, finished, apart from tidying up the edges of the canvas.

Long Wood, Near Little Ouseburn.