As I paint outside, many of my pictures feature Spring and Summer scenes. Mainly because it is warm and nature comes to life then.
This year, however, inspired by the particular beauty of the Cherry Trees Autumn leaves on Harrogate’s Stray, perhaps because of the dry weather, the colours were amazing. Inspired I took my canvas outside in November to create two paintings. I am particularly drawn to painting trees and loved mixing oranges, red, burnt sienna and Vandyke brown plus purples using just the end of fallen twigs. It was challenging at times, battling with the elements, the wind, dodging the rain at one stage my painting was washed away. However the sun came out and so did a beautiful rainbow!
I was asked to create a special painting for the prestigious annual Berry’s Tennis Event by Martin Wicks, owner of Hazlewood Castle. This is a magnificent 12th-century castle hotel set in spectacular surroundings near York. As the Artist-in-Residence here, I have many
paintings displayed throughout the castle.
Spring presents the most amazing spectacle and in a short window early May, the Cherry Blossoms burst forth followed by the Bluebells and sometimes at the same time. I love being outside in the elements capturing these sights.
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!
Peter Bowerman
Author