Scottish Landscape - Tumblr Posts
Some paintings I did and the reference photos
“Autumn Sunset, Isle of Skye”.
Pastel on paper, approx 81mm x 104mm.
A memory/feeling drawing of a chill and damp autumn evening camping on the Isle of Skye. The setting sun cast a hint of warmth on the distant mountains.
Harbour view.
This is the reference photo for my next drawing, taken in Oban, Scotland.
I like the limited palette, the silhouetted boats and the atmosphere of calm at the day’s end.
Harbour sketches.
Boats moored in Oban harbour, Scotland.
Pencil on drawing paper.
Two, tiny thumbnail sketches of the reference photo for the composition and values. Although I work from memory without any reference images in front of me, sketching helps me absorb the information I want to convey.
“Boats Moored in Oban Harbour”.
Pastel drawing on smooth 300gsm paper, approx 110mm x 117mm.
Boats moored in the harbour at Oban, Scotland.
Loch Brittle view.
The view down Loch Brittle from the Glenbrittle campsite on the Isle of Skye, Scotland and the reference photo for a pastel painting.
The mainland is on the right, and in the centre on the horizon is the Isle of Canna.
Loch Brittle sketch.
A tiny thumbnail sketch based on my reference photo taken at the head of Loch Brittle on the Isle of Skye.
Pencil: 6B, 5.6mm diameter lead.
I get easily distracted by details so working on such a small scale with a large pencil makes me focus on the information I need and maintains my interest, energy and motivation. There are some marks testing the colours at the bottom right.
“A Break in the Rain at Loch Brittle.”
Pastel on smooth, white 300gsm paper, approx 102mm x 113mm.
We’d been confined to our tent all day as it had been raining heavily. Then just before sunset the rain stopped and we celebrated with a walk along the loch, thanking the weather gods.
Dunollie Castle view.
Dunollie Castle ruins in Oban, Scotland.
An early morning, atmospheric photo taken way back in 2007. The reference photo for my next pastel painting.
Dunollie Castle sketch.
6B pencil on drawing paper.
A preparatory sketch of the ruins of Dunollie Castle, Oban, Scotland seen from Gallanach Road.
“Dunollie Castle Ruins, Oban.”
Castle Dunollie Ruins, Oban, Scotland.
Pastel painting on white drawing paper, approx 80mm x 103mm.
A soft and hazy painting with subtle colours. Remembering a peaceful, early morning walk along Gallanach Road to the Kerrera ferry.
Kisimul Castle view.
Kisimul Castle from Castlebay on the Isle of Barra, Scotland.
This bland, poorly composed and low resolution photo is the reference image for my next drawing. It may not look much but it’s inspired me to create a dark and moody painting.
Kisimul Castle sketch.
6B pencil on drawing paper.
There wasn’t much going on in the reference photo so I changed the orientation to portrait and added some foreground diagonals and colour notes.
“Kisimul Castle, Isle of Barra”.
Pastel on white drawing paper, approx 146mm x 90mm.
Subdued colours and dark tones make for a brooding and moody interpretation of Kisimul Castle, protecting the village of Castlebay.
“Hebridean Machair”.
Pastel on 160gsm ingres paper, approx 123mm x 118mm.
A bright, warm painting of the grassy plains just coming into bloom with wildflowers found on the Isle of Barra, Outer Hebrides.
“Hebridean Machair” no. 2.
Pastel on 160gsm ingres paper, approx 110mm x 60mm.
Remembering a sunny day on the Isle of Barra, Outer Hebrides, Scotland. There wasn’t a breath of wind, the insects could be heard among the wild flowers of the machair and the sun warmed my bones.
Pencil sketch, 6B pencil on paper.
The Isle of Mull behind the silhouette of the Isle of Kerrera. A view from Oban, mainland Scotland where the sunsets are spectacular.