The mountains of wales drew me once again, painting the brecon beacons! Wide open mountainous landscapes
Once again, I was drawn back into the mountains of Wales. This time I was painting the Brecon Beacons in the south. They were formed during the ice age and left us with rounded summits and valleys. Very unlike those of snowdonia. They have such powerful and ancient shapes.
As usual, I was out early each morning to try to capture the morning light as it rises between the mountains. It forms ever changing and fleeting shadows. Apart from sheep, I was a lonely figure in the landscape. Just me with nothing but a few brushes and paints to work with. The occasional ‘bleat’ from nearby sheep, would keep me on track and ‘in the moment’.
Any studio painters who suffer from lack of inspiration, need to just get out there into the countryside. There you will never be short of ideas! My heart keeps bringing me back to Wales so I can’t ignore it. I feel like a different person once I cross that huge bridge. Standing there, I can almost hear Bryn Terfel singing of his homeland.
Here is a view of Treorchy.
It sits in the Rhondda valley. It is a one time mining community, boasting an internationally famous choir. With my own love of singing, this valley was begging me to be painted.
In the mountains, the weather changes minute by minute and it can be incredibly challenging for an artist.
I’ll leave you with my plein air studio at the ‘Big Pit’ Blaenarvon, the best mining museum there is. I have been several times, where you ride down in a cage 90 metres, into the dark. Wearing a helmet, light, battery pack and gas sensors. It is a real quality experience.