Visiting Fountains Abbey

Fountains Abbey
11 x 9", pen and ink

It was the beautiful blue skies and warm sun that encouraged me to sit down and sketch a portion of this amazing scene. I felt like I was walking through the serene Garden of the Gods as I strolled along the grounds of Fountains Abbey here in North Yorkshire, England. The difference being, this was a man made beauty.

If you'd like to see some of the photos I took please visit www.umbellico.wordpress.com 

Visiting York, England

West side view of York Minster Cathedral
5 1/4 x 3 1/2", pen and ink study

Yesterday was another day filled with adventure, awe and wonder. Robert and I took the train from Harrogate to York, ready to explore and study all that we could in one day. Once again we found ourselves surrounded by beauty and fascinating history. Our first visit (after the coffee shop), was to the York Minster. I had to sketch at least part of it. The heart shape that you see in the lower, large Great West Window is fondly called "The Heart of Yorkshire" and was completed in 1338. If you ever have the chance to visit York, the fee for seeing the inside of the Minster is well worth the cost and your ticket is valid for one year.

Sketching the upper portion of the West Side of York Minster.
February 17, 2012

Visiting Edinburgh, Scotland

The Assembly Rooms of the Church of Scotland
5 1/4 x 3 1/2", pen and ink

It was an incredibly interesting and enjoyable visit to beautiful Edinburgh. The sights and sounds of the city resonated with the rich history of the Scots. After we visited the National Gallery, I took a break and decided to draw a portion of the city's skyline from a nearby park and walkway. (Viewing great art makes me want to create art!) As I sketched, I could hear the lively music of Clanadonia, a contemporary Celtic band that was performing just outside of the museum. Their music just added to the fun!

Sketching the skyline of Edinburgh.

The Train To Edinburgh

Sleeping Passenger
Train To Edinburgh
 3 1/2"x 5 1/4", graphite

Robert and I were on the train to Edinburgh, Scotland and on that train was a beautiful young woman sitting across from me. She was tired and did not want to make eye contact. As the train started rolling, she settled in next to her boyfriend and soon fell asleep. I had packed my smallest sketchbook and pulled it out for this impromptu study. In contrast to the scenery that was seemingly speeding past me, she sat very still.

Sometimes my need to draw or paint is as strong as the need to breathe.

Path To Pateley Bridge V: The Village



Pateley Bridge Village
11 x 9", pen and ink

When I saw Pateley Bridge for the first time, I fell in love with it. It is the ideal village in so many ways. Not too big or too small, it has everything a person really needs; the people are friendly and its picturesque setting next to the River Nidd in Nidderdale couldn't be more perfect. It even has the Oldest Sweet Shop in England. How perfect is that?

Path To Pateley Bridge IV: Sheep



Path To Pateley Bridge IV: Sheep
11 x 9", pen and ink
Rita Salazar Dickerson, 2012

Across the River Nidd, there were sheep grazing in a green pasture as I walked along the path to Pateley Bridge.

Path To Pateley Bridge III: The Country Estate

Path To Pateley Bridge III
11 x 9", pen and ink

I had no idea that drawing this country estate would be so much fun! I also realize that if I had walked this path to Pateley Bridge at any other time of the year, the leaves from the branches would have blocked my view. The barrenness of winter can reveal many secrets. I might have seen a glimpse of it, but not this. 

I love England in the winter.