Walking, drawing and painting, Wales and Scotland.

I’m so lucky to have many times this year to go away on walking holidays or trips with friends. I have spent a week in Coniston and the beautiful Llyn peninsular and two weeks at different times in the stunning Glen Coe area, Scotland.

It gives me the unique opportunity to draw and paint which I do anywhere I go, even short walks around the local area. Drawing and painting in its simple form of quickly recording the shapes, colours and forms observed, that delight the eye and give a puzzle for the brain to sort give me immense pleasure and stimulation.

The weather is of course always tricky, particularly in Scotland and sure enough this year has seen a heat wave and continual rain on different weeks. Drawing and painting continues throughout even in different forms such as just a quick pen or watercolour pencil drawing. Not great but satisfying to have captured something in the heat or saturation.

Quick, watery, watercolour pencil drawing, Kinloch Leven, Scotland.

The lovely coast of Wales provided much opportunity to sketch and paint while walking as well as visiting many interesting historical sight. Wales is particularly close to my heart being mainly brought up there and familiar with the landscape but still so much to observe and explore on the coastal side.  

From the side of Tre’r Ceiri looking across to the mountains.
Porth Neigwl (Hells Mouth) in the wind and mist

Most small watercolour painting and sketches are only the size of an A6 sheet (105 x 148mm), sometime doubled up, as in the two sketches above. The sketchbooks have to fit into a pocket in my trousers along with a simple case small case of pencils. The tiny watercolour box usually carried in my rucksack and miniature bottle of water in my pocket provide quick and easy access as there is never enough time stop and sketch for me!

I am now so very slow at walking and only managed two Munros (mountains over 3000ft) on my most recent trip to Glen Coe, in the gap between rainy days. Even then I cheated by using the ski lift part way up.

Looking across from Meall a’ Bhuiridh to Creise and Buachaille Etive Mor and mountains beyond.

There are so many wonderful walks in Scotland and particularly Glen Coe. Looking across and down on Loch Linnhe is one of my favourites. This long sparkling historic waterway always provides much inspiration, whatever the weather.

Many of these pictures will just sit in my sketch books and may be converted into hand coloured lino prints. Maybe one day I will turn to painting bigger pictures in oils or acrylics. The enjoyment I gain from tramping about the hillsides and stopping to create a quick memory or sketch is immeasurable.

My next trip is farther afield, so hopefully will be back with some very different paintings and sketches.