Inspiration from autumn colours

Today the weather forecast was bad. Potential snow tomorrow. The first snow of the year. After two freezing winters in a row, it seems inevitable we will get some of the white stuff. I can remember going years without seeing any snow, but it seems to be expected nowadays.  We don't cope very well with snow in this country....but that is another story!


So looking out of the window today, I realised most of the colour had gone from the garden , and would not be back until the spring. It was not very inspirational.


 I felt  like starting a new painting, so had a look through some photos I had taken over the last couple of months. I was drawn to some beautiful autumnal photos I took 2 months ago.


These photos were taken at Westonbirt arboreteum. The trees there are famous for their autumnal colours. I love taking photographs when the subject matter is this stunning. I took the photos as inspiration for paintings, but also as photos in their own right. The colours are so vivid.

I have done one painting from Westonbirt before. This was probably about 3 years ago. I sold the painting through a local gallery, so have no idea who has it now. 


The painting was done on textured board.  I built the texture up with tissue paper, and then tried to line up some of the branches, foliage and undergrowth with the texture. I think it worked in places, but not over the whole painting. The cropped samples give you a better idea of the technique.

I shall post my new painting on here when it is completed. Though that could be months away , because I usually have several paintings on the go at any one time. This is as well as all my craft projects..,..and now my blog as well.