Visiting Northern England: Bolton Abbey

Bolton Abbey
5 1/2 x 3 1/2" (sketch book) Ink Pen
Rita Salazar Dickerson

I had packed my little paint box with its built in easel and made plans to find the perfect spot to sit down and paint this scene. The air was brisk and the clouds floated by like cotton candy. The wind was fairly strong at times so I walked a three mile path around the grounds of this beautiful abbey, then ate my picnic lunch -  all the while waiting for it to calm down. It never did. And so I perched myself on the grassy bank of the River Wharfe and drew it instead.

Painting Sheep V: Stages 1, 2 and 3

It was my last day in North Yorkshire, England and we had decided to spend it visiting Bolton Abbey. The history behind this place which dates back to 1120 is fascinating. The ruins were were impressive as were the surrounding grounds where we walked and enjoyed the afternoon. By now I had developed an admitted obsession with the local sheep and was so happy to see more of them gracing the pastures around the grounds of this abbey. I saw this ewe and her lamb watching me as I pointed my camera at them.

It seems to be working well for me, as I paint wet into wet paint, to first block in the colors and then add the details and texture with a small palette knife and occasionally a filbert brush.





 There is just something special about a mother sheep and her little lamb; it is a wonderful reminder of spring.

Next post: the completed painting.