My daughter Sam and I recently enjoyed a lovely spring picnic in the magical landscape of Banbury Hill, north Dorset. Walking from Broad Oak village via enchanting woods and delightfully named Banbury Cross we climbed a steep narrow lane, found a muddy footpath leading onto wide open grassy fields. It was warm. The views took our breath away. We ate our sandwiches and drank hot soup. Perfection!
A spell of warm weather had held on for one more day and overflowing with inspiration we promised ourselves we would paint the views of the distant hill fort of Hambledon or blackthorn blossom covered hedgerows. Contrasting colours of golden yellow pussy willow reflecting in a dew pond in the foreground with a sunshine sky above lifted our spirits and we thought, surely winter is finally over.
Not to be… while Blackthorn is in blossom there is always a risk of extreme cold weather, even snow… the following day, icy winds returned.
Wearing our thick coats, scarves and hats to keep warm, we will go back to this beautiful area to look again at the carpets of white anemones, primroses and early flowering bluebells. We may not be able to paint outside just yet but we can dream.