An Ice-Breaker: Almost Too Hot To Paint.

After humping* my portable(?) plein air easel across several fields to the path around the lake (Thorpe Underwood Estate), I tried to find the path. The easy and most direct route was blocked by a family of mute swans (2 parents and three juveniles), and I didn't fancy a: disturbing them, or b: wrestling them to get past. Have seen how big they are and how aggressive? So I decided that a tactical retreat was in order and would take the path in the other direction around the lake. The trouble is the path was completely overgrown, largely with nettles. Finally, bitten and stung, I set up and started to paint. Given that this is the first plein air painting I have done since last summer, it was all about (re)learning.. So there I was, stripped down to boxer shorts (not a pleasant sight) toiling in the hot sun, feeding the midges and large, ugly b****** flies. When it came time to pack up and leave, the swans were on the lake, so I was able to take the shorter route, through their 'rest area', picking my way through their abundant offerings (guano). Have you any idea how big swan sh*t is?
Rant over. Dodgy painting, but plenty of lessons learnt..and I did enjoy it......honestly.         

Here it is.
             

                  *Humping - British informal. carry a heavy object. NOT, Sara, what dogs do to your legs.

Thorpe Underwood Lake

Ouse Gill Beck.