The Swallow's journey back and forth between the U.K. and South Africa is miraculous, they arrive in April and May and usually depart in September, travelling 200 miles a day, maximum flight speed 35 mph! They are such an uplifting sight to see and herald the Summer, (as long as there's more than one of course).
Sadly this Swallow got trapped in a barn last Autumn and couldn't make the journey to it's winter home. Desiccated as he was in reality, I chose to paint him at peace and who knows, perhaps he's already flying in another life.
Such iridescence in that blue - truly extraordinary..!
pencil sketch...
paint before a touch of ink.
Many thanks to Judith for bringing him round for me to sketch, see her wonderful lino-cut prints here
...from my seasonal colour sample notebook.
Sadly this Swallow got trapped in a barn last Autumn and couldn't make the journey to it's winter home. Desiccated as he was in reality, I chose to paint him at peace and who knows, perhaps he's already flying in another life.
Such iridescence in that blue - truly extraordinary..!
pencil sketch...
paint before a touch of ink.
Many thanks to Judith for bringing him round for me to sketch, see her wonderful lino-cut prints here
...from my seasonal colour sample notebook.
