Not having had a formal training as an artist I have to keep practicing. I can end up painting 20 trees before I get the one I want if its important to the subject. Until I gain the experience of having done it a variety of ways and styles to get what I would consider the best way to portray what I wanted to show and then remember how I achieved that bit if needed again is going to take time. I mean, to get the painting to show what I felt it telling me when we were looking at one another. I don't mean that in a wacko sort of way but lets say the castle paintings above, I had read of the castle before visiting and there are some gruesome bits in its history. painting 1 was done in the field and was my first impressions. On the surface strong and bright but underneath dark secrets.

After having spent a day exploring Dunnottar castle I think my feelings changed. The ruin is very well tended and looked after. One can see the houses, stables, bakery, wells and living and sleeping quarters and lots more. I feel now more fun was had there than sorrow and the grief suffered there was inflicted more by outsiders than insiders. I wouldn't have minded living there as long as I didn't have to fetch the wood for the fires. painting 3 a lot more light hearted and enduring but still a force not to be taken lightly. Wouldn't mind doing the fishing.