back to my roots

In the last post I promised that my next painting would be a return to my artistic roots. Anyone who knows me will know that water and trees play a huge part in my inspiration and so this painting is unlikely to be a surprise! It is 'Racing Sticks'. I saw some local kids playing Pooh Sticks on a different river and wanted to include them in this scene. I think they add some life to it and I love the triumphant stance of the winner! The bridge in the painting is the one where the Old Mill Road crosses the River Lossie in Elgin and I've been wanting to paint this scene for some time.

In reality this is quite a difficult viewpoint to get to because of the tangle of branches. This scene has therefore been hugely simplified - but that's the beauty of painting! I love the way the trees and the view through the arch of the bridge melts away into the mist, lending a calm and tranquil feel to this lazy river scene. I hope you like it too! You can see it at a larger size here. Cheers for now!

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