Statue in Hinton Ampner Gardens I

7 x 5 ins/17 x 13 cms
mixed media on paper

Hinton Ampner is an 18th century house and garden in the depths of the Hampshire countryside. The garden was completely redesigned in the 1930s, but in the 18 C tradition, and is thus still a developing project. It is an intriguing mixture of formal parterres, long walks that end in vistas over the open fields and woodland, and wilderness areas as contrast to the more organised planting. I love any kind of structure against this kind of backdrop, be it a building or ruin or statue, so these two stone figures were irresistible subjects.

Statue in Hinton Ampner Gardens II

7 x 5 ins/17 x 13 cms
mixed media on paper
sold - Private collection

This statue of Diana, the huntress, is at the end of a grassy walk, hedged with yew trees. There is apparently a little classical temple along the walk, which I missed on this occasion but would also be a very tempting subject. In contrast to the statue above, this one is much more formally attired and posed which made her very challenging to paint. In the end I was happier with the background than the figure, which is not unusual.

Prelude, December

7 x 5 inches/ 17 x 13 cms
mixed media on paper
Sold - Private Collection

In this painting the cellist has moved indoors, and I loved the way she was silhouetted against the brightness of the window. It was the second painting of this subject in which I have kept to a monochrome palette, which proved a very effective technique to accentuate the effects of light and shadow. Although it's not an obviously festive subject, I chose it as this year's Christmas card...

Sarabande at Ferriola

7 x 5 inches/17 x 13 cms
mixed media on paper
Sold - Private Collection

This is another view of the cellist playing on her balcony at Ferriola. It is now evening and she is illuminated by lamplight, the square beneath her house is in darkness, and the music is wafting across it in the night air. The Sarabande forms one of the six movements that comprise each of Bach's six Cello Suites. A Sarabande is literally a slow dance, originally from Spain, which makes it an entirely appropriate accompaniment to this painting.

Violinist at Pampaneira

7 x 5 inches
17 x 13 cms
mixed media on paper
Sold - Private Collection

Pampaneira is a whitewashed village high in the Alpujarras. Life centres on the square, full of cafes, and a few stalls selling local crafts - particularly hand woven rugs in fantastically vivid colours. I was sitting sketching there when this young chap appeared, almost out of nowhere, and started playing. He was silhouetted against the large church which dominates the square. Violinists move pretty quickly so I had to rely on photos as well as a speedy sketch. The village is a popular place with tourists, especially the Spanish, so I expect his summer earnings are fairly respectable.