From the Outdoors to the Studio

Capturing the Beauty of the Yorkshire Dales: A Journey from the Landscape to the Studio

As an artist, there is something incredibly special about painting directly from nature. It allows me to connect deeply with the landscape, to understand its nuances, and to capture its essence in a way that feels authentic and alive. Recently, I've been immersing myself in the stunning surroundings of the Yorkshire Dales, where the landscape offers a stunning mix of rolling hills, rugged rocks, and sprawling fields, all under ever-changing skies.

The weather has been an interesting companion on this journey—sunny one moment, with gusty winds sweeping through the hills the next. These conditions, while challenging, have brought an additional layer of excitement to my work. The wind adds a sense of movement, while the sunlight dances on the landscape, creating new textures and shadows in every moment.

Working with Chalk Paint and Watercolors: My Tools of Choice

In these outdoor settings, I work primarily with chalk paint and watercolours. Chalk paint, with its soft matte finish, is perfect for capturing the gentle textures of the landscape. Its subtle nature allows me to work quickly and loosely, which is essential when painting outdoors. The wind can be unpredictable, and the light constantly changes, so being able to move fast and freely is crucial.

Watercolours are one of my go-to mediums. Their fluidity mirrors the dynamic qualities of the natural world. I love how watercolours can capture both the soft and intense shades of the landscape—from the light pastels of the early morning mist to the rich, deep hues as the sun sets. The unpredictability of watercolour also complements the spontaneity of working outdoors, where every stroke is influenced by the elements around me.

From the Outdoors to the Studio

While I strive to capture the landscape on-site as much as possible, my work doesn’t end once I’ve packed up my brushes and easel. Each outdoor painting session provides me with the inspiration and sketches I need to complete the work back in the studio. The studio is where I can refine the details, enhance the textures, and layer the colours to bring the scene to life fully. It’s a space where I can explore the emotional connection I have to the land without the constraints of time or weather.  I introduce some acrylic paint into my work here to to make the colours bright and more fastidious

Every brushstroke, whether it’s done outdoors in the wind or indoors under the studio lights, carries with it a piece of the landscape—the sense of freedom, the thrill of the elements, and the beauty of the Yorkshire Dales. The combination of working in situ and then completing the pieces in the studio creates a sense of balance and depth that I am proud to share with you all.

Inviting You to Join Me on This Journey

I’m so grateful for the opportunity to share my process with you. My hope is that each piece, whether it’s completed in the field or in the studio, conveys the emotion and beauty I experience when I’ve been out in the landscape of the Yorkshire Dales. They are scenes of exuberance and energy of the moment in time and are a joy to translate into a piece of art.

If you’re interested in any of my pieces I’ve been working on or would like to know more about my process, please feel free to reach out. I also work to commission, I’d love to share more with you about how I bring the landscapes I love into my art.

Thank you for being a part of this journey with me, and I look forward to continuing to share the beauty of the Dales landscapes with you at my next events.  Please subscribe to my emails to find out more by filling in the link on the about page