Monday 13 June 2016

Rambles with an artist Latrigg


 Latrigg, a small hill with stunning views over Keswick and the surrounding fells. This four mile walk is perfect for a couple of spare hours, when you need a little inspiration. Two Lakes Derwentwater and Bassenthwaite, a glimpse into Borrowdale and Newlands valleys and a few of the highest peaks Helvellyn and Skiddaw. On a clear day Scafell Pike can be viewed  from the bench positioned ideally on top.

An ideal start is Spooney Lane, a quiet bridleway that crosses the busy A66. Pass Spooney Green a Bed and Breakfast with a variety of Hens running freely in the gardens. You should notice the sounds of birdsong  walking  by the side of Brundleholme Wood. Red squirrels are about so do keep a look out. Head straight up the track between Yellow Gorse, Broom and wild flowers. Glimpse through the shaded trees, a patchwork of Green fields towards the tiny hamlet of  Applethwaite and  Bassenthwaite. This is the steepest section of the walk and only lasts a short time.


Follow the path round to the left ignoring the gates on the right into Brundleholme wood. The first viewpoint towards Derwentwater is reached. I often stop and sketch, not able to wait any longer. 
 Sun rays glisten and sparkle  on the Lake and light up the sides of the fells into the valley of Newlands. A painters paradise. This low level viewpoint is often more sheltered than the summit top of Latrigg. 


Back to the path and through the peaceful woods leading to a gate to reveal views towards Grizedale Pike and on to Bassenthwaite. Flat pastures with old Chestnut trees dotted around casting useful shadows. The mighty flanks of Skiddaw are well viewed ahead, covered in Heather, a wonderful spectacle of colour in the month of August. Especially with the light on a late Summers evening.
The path soon comes to a crossroads, take the right hand path and zig zag up the side of Latrigg. 

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Newlands from Latrigg
Painted in Pastels





Views open up, a few Sheep grazing on the hillside could be an useful lead in for a photograph
Nearing the top, the Bench will be spotted, fingers crossed it as no weary walkers sitting taking in the lofty view.
The Slate roofs of Keswick below towards Derwentwater, Borrowdale  with Great End and Scafell Pike on the distant horizon. Helvellyn and the Dodds on the left with Grizdale Pike and Bassenthwaite shouting for attention on the right. 
This is a perfect place to stop for a break, just watch out for the strong winds if you do get the painting materials out and a few walkers passing by.

Head back down the track you came up, plenty of photograph opportunities along the way. After reaching the first viewpoint, cross the tiny stream and head through the gate into the woods. In the month of June wild foxgloves will skirt the track through the woods, a wonderful sight to see, especially with the sunshine lighting the way through the pretty woodland.





Foxgloves, Brundleholm Wood painted in Pastels.

The path comes to a crossroads, take a right to head back and join the Spooney Lane track and back to the start of the walk.
The filling Station, on Crosswaite Road is an ideal place to stop for Coffee and cake or for a well earned pint the Pheasant Inn opposite.


Sunday 12 June 2016

Online watercolour courses


Here are the paintings for the Online watercolour courses

Each course has six projects which comes with a sketch to guide and simplify a scene, colout tags to help with colour mixing, a material list and with each project personal feedback with  helpful hints and tips on how to improve your watercolour painting.

Course One



Project one 
Derwentwater  Posts 
 Learn how to paint mist and create atmosphere.




Project Two
Blea Tarn
Easy sponging techniques for trees.


Project Three
Windermere Sunset
A limited palette to create a stunning sunset.


Project Four 
After the Snow
A dramatic sky and winter trees.


Project Five
Red Boat Windermere
Boats, mist and Ripples.




Project Six
On the Rocks
 Masking, Texture in rocks and how to paint realistic waves.

Each project comes with individual feedback and many tips on improving your work.

Online Course One £70





Course Two 
Watercolour Course


Project One
Ullswater Daffodils
Creating distance and foreground painting.



Project Two
Tarn Hows
A winter scene with a limited cool palette.


Project Three
Above Windermere
Subtle cool washes to create distance with warmer tonal values.



Project Four
Buttermere
Refelctions of a classic Mountain scene, scree and shadows all explained.



Project Five 
Derwent Isle

A collection of Autumn colours and simplified trees.


Project Six
Bluebell Wood
Creating a woodland scene with magical Bluebells.

Online Course Two £70..00



Course Three



Project One
Alpine Mist
An Alpine peak with atmospheric conditions.


Project Two
Turquoise waters, Annecy.
Masking fluid and tape and beautiful colours to mix with.




Project Three
French Doorway
Terracotta Pots, shadows and wonderful Geraniums





Project Four
Mont Blanc.
Creating a dramatic mountain scene, with a limited palette.



Project Five
Daisies and Buttercups in a Jam Jar
A still life with easy steps on painting glass and tonal Flowers.




Project Six
An Italian Village
From colourful buildings and reflections in  warm Italian waters, this final project has it all.

The Online Watercolour Three
Price £70.00 for Six projects, includes mixing tags, sketches and easy step by step and personal feedback with each individual project.


Saturday 11 June 2016

Sketchbook Walks in the footsteps of Beatrix Potter


Catbells home of Mrs Tigglewinkle.


I grew up with the books of Beatrix Potter her words and beautiful paintings inspired me, to paint and have an interest in wildlife. On visiting the Lake District many years ago, my first stop was Hill Top at Near Sawry to see where this wonderful lady had lived and painted. 
Now living not too far from Derwentwater  is a pure joy, to be inspired along the lake shore when taking my sketchbook on a walk. Stopping when something catches my eye for a quick sketch. I find this an ideal way to get material to work from at a later stage or back in the studio, you see much more than a photograph.

Sketchbook Walk around Derwentwater
Tuesday 19th July 2016

The day starts at 11.00am with a sketch before heading on the Launch across
  Derwentwater to a peaceful location. Sampling stunning views as we walk along the foreshore, stopping occasionally for an inspiration sketch.
 Heading towards Lingholm Estate where Beatrix Potter spent many Summer holidays here.
Finishing around 4pm back at the theatre by the Lake.


Learning to draw and observe are essential skills for the landscape artist. A sketchbook is the perfect place to practise and refine your drawing and painting skills. You may record memories of places visited with comments jotted down alongside. Learn to secrets of sketching and drawing in a loose and lively style.

This is a great introduction into outdoor sketching
Materials needed
Sketchbook, 2b (0.7mm) clutch pencil, small watercolour travel set, water soluble pen, a couple of brushes, Pentel or Derwentwater water brush, small water holder, sit mat, camera, umbrella just in case, packed lunch and a rucksac to put it all in. 

Price £50.00
email Jane to reserve your place lakelandart@hotmail.co.uk

More dates for August coming up.






Monday 6 June 2016

Rambles with an artist Scafell


Spending weeks checking the forecast, for a special day in the mountains. 
I couldn't ask for a better day, Cobalt blue skies, warm sunshine and magical light.
Starting from the village of Boot in Eskdale, passing the super pub and thinking of the well earned drink that would come at the end of the day.
Finding the little track that would lead us to the summit of Slight side, we shared it with a couple of Herdwicks. You can see the summit in the distance.


And here we are on the summit of Slight side, views as far as the eye can see.
Across the Solway to Scotland, I even think we could make out the Isle of Man. This was a tick in the book for Wainwright's, and with only four left, to do, we started on our accent of the Fourth last 'mighty Scafell'.


The Ridge walk would take about forty five minutes,  a bit of trek up the rocky, boulder strewn summit. Concentrating on the path was necessary, with iconic giants surrounding the area, it was quite difficult with Crinkle Crags, Bow fell, Scafell Pike even Blencathra and Skiddaw all jostling for attention.



Looking back to Slight side, and the path is somewhere there.


Cotton wool balls sitting in a perfect Blue sky. Great Gable and Napes Needle is sharply pronounced in the bright sunshine.




This is one of my favourite views, of Gable and I'm looking forward to painting this on a big scale, but today a super quick five minute sketch, before the scary descent down the scree slope.




Views down to Wastwater and Burnmoor Tarn, where we are heading towards.


Making our way across the boggy Marsh,  much easier after sliding  down scree. We barely saw many other walkers, a couple of families at the Tarn sunbathing along with a herd of Cows.



I wonder if this is the pair of Herdwicks we saw earlier in the day, posing in front of Harter Fell.
A lengthy ten mile walk, in wild Lakeland scenery. Wainwright calls Eskdale a piece of Heaven and today I would agree. 
Back to Boot, over the bridge and passing the pub!!!



I hope you've enjoyed my super Scafell walk, it certainly inspired me and I can't wait to get the paints out.