Second art walk

We had almost perfect weather for the second art walk, and more importantly SIX people.

The slight rain only came when we were near some cover and never threatened to halt our progress around the commons. All the rehearsal time paid off and we stopped at the various locations to discuss boundaries and boarders. Animal/human divides, political boundaries, common land, the enclosures acts and frogs were all debated as we walked.

 After lunch we stopped and made some drawings. I was left feeling that it has all been worth it and I got some lovely feedback from my questionnaire.

Thanks to all who came along

Drawing

Dead tree Epsom common pen on paper

If you are planning to come on the 27th of August, it is an 11 o'clock start, meet at Stamford Green pond (near the Cricketers pub) which is 15 mins walk from Epsom Station. 

This drawing was made on my last visit to Epsom common, it is one of the dead trees that seem to have been struck by lightning. It is blackened and contorted. It takes longer to draw a tree than photograph it and I think you do take more in at the time and remember more when you re visit a drawing, rather than a photograph.

Having said this I spend a long time pouring over other artists photographs too.

3 weeks to go

It is only three weeks to go till the next art walk on the 27th of August. So I hope to attract some people along to experience the unique space that is Epsom Common. 

I have walked the Lleyn Peninsular coastal path, which was amazing, not only the land and seascape, but the flora and fauna. There were four mile long beaches with six people on them. Seals, buzzards, sparrowhawks, red campion, meadowseat, hairbells and mombrisha all combined to make each day full of new sights, sounds and smells.

Porth Negril  iPhone camera

Just a week before the trip I had a cataract operation so I saw the whole peninsula in a new and more vivid way. I plan to go back and shoot a short film with a digital SLR. The resolution and narrow depth of field offer great scope for new ways to represent both people and the 'natural' environment.