poly@pollyduton.co.uk
Sketching in the Landscape - Chichester Harbour
'For me, a landscape does not exist in its own right, since its appearance changes at every moment; but the surrounding atmosphere brings it to life - the light and the air which vary continually. For me, it is only the surrounding atmosphere which gives subjects their true value'
Claude Monet
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Spring is here!
What a joy to be able to get our into the landscape again to sketch now the days are getting warmer.
I'd like to think I'm an artist that goes out in all weathers, battling the elements for my art, but that really isn't the case! In truth, during the winter months I hunker down in my studio, light the fire and work away while my dogs snore on my studio sofa.
Whilst I would never align myself with Monet I really relate to the idea of capturing the 'atmosphere' of the landscape in a painting. So for me, being outside, scrambling about in the countryside with my materials is the most wonderful way to feel what's happening rather than simply seeing.
I will use these loose quick sketches as a starting point for a body of work inspired by Chichester Harbour.
I went out onto the reeds beds on Chichester Harbour last week and created a series of sketches. As you can see from the top photo, I plonked myself in the reed beds - in fact, judging by the bits and pieces around me, I think I was sitting in a disused swans nest!
As I worked in my 'nest' I was aware of so much happening around me. The curlews and moorhens were calling and the swans performed the most beautiful mating ritual. The clouds moved slowly, changing constantly, adding light and shade to the landscape.
