As autumn becomes winter, days are short, sunsets brief. The winter solstice will soon be here. My daughter and I wrap up well and continue our walks in nature, always finding inspiration for painting in the countryside around us.
At Pamphill common ancient oaks cling on to the fading colours of autumn, their leaves still tinged with russet and gold.A hollow way takes us through high banks of fresh green ferns and delicate catkins on hazel branches reflect into green pools by the river Stour. Glorious deep green cedars at Sherborne Castle contrast with magnificent larch and evergreen spruce trees in the Broadoak woodlands near Sturminster Newton creating a magical space where white winter sunlight filters through on to bracken covered pathways. We wait for the Redwing to feast on the red holly berries. We stand quite still and inhale the atmosphere. We look at the scene in front of us while we drink hot tea and eat our sandwiches. A winter picnic is as good as a summer one, well almost.
In spring the oak woods will be carpeted with bluebells, the hollow way will have primroses and snowdrops but in the meantime we will enjoy everything that winter has to offer. It is often tempting to stay in and sit by the fire but if we wrap up well and go out who knows what we may find for our next paintings.