Painting “Farne Islands and Black Point”
Plein‑Air Painting – Acrylic on Paper
Bamburgh Castle, Bamburgh, Northumberland, England, UK
The Farne Islands on the horizon, seen from Black Point, are often caught by dramatic lighting.
Sitting high on a bank overlooking the landscape of Bamburgh beach, I settled down to paint a scene I know well: Black Point Rocks. The rocks fold, and curve in an artistically challenging way, betraying ancient upheavel, I assume.
The richness here is surprising. As an artist, the shapes and texture are enthralling. Then there's the wildlife, the light on the sea, and in the distance the various changing silhouettes of the Farne Islands.
This is an acrylic on paper, painted on location in the fresh sea air. Should I decide to make a studio painting inspired by it, I'll be sure to include the wildlife I know dwells in this special place.
Eider duck, Cormorants, Oystercatchers and Rock Pippets in the Summer, as well as other passing visitors migrating up or down the coast. The black dot in the sky is a note to myself to remember the Rock Pippet especially, but also all the others.
Though I've not called it out in this painting, the light on the Farne Islands in the distance is beguiling at times. In a larger painting, I'll have the scope to express, in their full glory, some of the effects I observed and sketched.
This painting is one of many I made while staying for a week during a so‑so June. While there seemed to be a permanent cold wind, forcing me to retreat after a while to warm up, the light was often beautifully bright.
When I found a sheltered spot, and the sun was out, I rapidly got too hot! All part of the adventure that's painting outside, of course. The week was an example of the English Summer in all its richness.