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!
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!
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!
Peter Bowerman
Author