POPLAR TREES (at Black Dog Crossroads, nr. Littleton Panell)
Painted this 2 weeks ago on a lovely Sunday morning. The poplar trees nearby were beginning to turn as things get cooler; changing quickly day by day and and crying out to be painted. Cycling to the spot and setting up the easel I realised I'd got my turps pot but had left the Linseed oil behind. Disaster threatened! "...... "But I have to try" I thought ....... it all got a bit odd and tricky with no oil to lubricate things - turps melts the under layers (those who use oils will understand). Finally I did a bit more from memory to rescue it, and I think it works OK.

.....the next stage..... With more build up of the 'shading' paint . This is shown here before 'firing' where the paint will typically fade about a tone lighter, then more paint may be added to create contrasts of shadow. THe window nearly finished but I have to fire the silver stain which produces yellows and golds. Then the glass is leaded together.

NEW WINDOW FOR MARKET LAVINGTON CHURCH
Very busy working on other things lately so the outdoor painting is held up. This photo shows the development of a new window as the painting is progressing. (The glass is adhered to the plate-glass easel with a drop of melted beeswax at the corner of each piece of glass - the process smells really good - honey like. Black lines are temporarily painted behind the plate glass to simulate the leadwork.)

Evening, towards Great Cheverell
My attempt to capture what seems like contradictory yet harmonious colours and light at sunset, where the sky goes from orange/gold through a pale green blue to a darker purer blue. The light changes so quickly.
Oil on Panel 30 x 23cm