Have you seen me paint the Cherry Blossoms outside on Harrogate’s Stray? I usually paint the glorious Cherry Blossoms on Harrogate Stray annually.
Taking a large canvas outside I set up underneath the stunning blossom archway on this public parkland. I just use just twigs to paint with dipping the ends into acrylic paint to create the trees and then dipping into pinks and whites to individually create each blossom.
The Stray is always filled with people enjoying walking under these archways of pink blossoms, taking photos, having family picnics, dog walking and generally enjoying themselves.
Many people stop to see what I am doing and ask questions which I am delighted to answer, they are usually intrigued by the colours I use and the methods with which I paint with.
Its all about being in the right place at the right time. This year Simon Hulme, of the Yorkshire Post photographed me painting one of my canvases. Here is the resulting photograph which was published on the front cover of the newspaper a few days later. A few years previously he had photographed me in the Stray with my sheepdog Poppy.
Hope you like these new paintings. All available on canvas as Limited Edition Giclee Prints too here. Do keep an eye on my website for more.
My background to painting outside stems from early childhood. No matter what the weather - I'll always try and paint outside of my studio to capture the subject matter be it animals, landscapes or as is often the case - a combination!
Beautiful autumn colouring this year inspired me to capture the cherry trees on the stray in Harrogate - slightly windy conditions made the outdoors challenging but well worth the effort - !
Had a fabulous time at the gardens of Monet in the tranquil village of Giverny. Made all the more exciting when a massive storm hit the village the evening we arrived - ended up eating my Sea Bass in a plate full of rainwater..... as the restaurant got deluged!
Anita Bowerman
Author
Artist