New Shropshire Studio

The First Major Oil Painting from My Shropshire Studio
In the tranquil embrace of Shropshire, I have embarked on a creative journey in my new studio, where the beauty of the landscape inspires every stroke of my brush. My first major oil painting, a diptych measuring 1 meter high by 2 meters wide, captures the iconic forms of Caer Caradoc and The Lawley, with the distant silhouette of the Wrekin rising majestically on the horizon. Painted from the stunning vantage point of the Long Mynd, approximately ten miles from my studio, this artwork represents both a physical and emotional connection to the land I now call home.
Drawing Inspiration from the Landscape
The Long Mynd is a place of immense beauty, with its rolling hills and sweeping vistas offering an endless source of inspiration. I often set out with my sketchbook and watercolours, eager to capture the landscape en plein air. The act of painting outdoors allows me to immerse myself in the atmosphere, responding to the light and weather as they shift and change. My initial drawings and watercolours, filled with quick, expressive strokes, serve as the foundation for my diptych.
These studies reflect my immediate reactions to the landscape—the interplay of light and shadow across the hills, the vibrant greens of the meadows, and the earthy tones of the rocky outcrops. Each sketch holds a fragment of my experience, a piece of the Shropshire puzzle that I seek to assemble on canvas.
The Artistic Process
Returning to my studio, I began the process of translating these outdoor studies into a larger format. I wanted the diptych to convey not just the physicality of Caer Caradoc and The Lawley but also the emotional resonance they hold for me. The painting unfolds in an expressive style, employing both thin washes of paint and thicker, impasto areas that invite the viewer to engage with the texture of the landscape.
Starting with a warm, earthy underpainting, I allowed the colours to layer organically, echoing the rich soil of the hills. As I painted, I found a rhythm, a dialogue between my hand and the canvas. The expressive brushwork captures the essence of the hills, each stroke breathing life into the canvas. I alternated between delicate, transparent layers and bold, textured applications, creating a dynamic interplay that reflects the landscape’s complexity.
The Connection to Nature
My studio offers a stunning view of the garden, framed by the copper beech trees that grace the landscape. These trees, with their changing hues throughout the seasons, serve as a constant reminder of nature’s resilience and beauty. As I paint, I often take breaks to step outside, feeling the cool breeze and absorbing the sounds of the garden. The interplay of light through the leaves becomes a source of inspiration, influencing my colour choices and brush techniques.
The connection between my art and the natural world is profound. The copper beech trees symbolise continuity, echoing my own journey as an artist. Just as they grow and adapt, I too seek to evolve in my craft, responding to the environment around me.
Capturing the Essence of Shropshire
As I neared completion of the diptych, I stepped back to examine my work from a distance. Each panel, while distinct, converses with the other, capturing the essence of the Shropshire landscape as a unified whole. I wanted viewers to feel the hills’ presence, to sense the shifting light and the rich textures that define this remarkable place.
The final touches were both exhilarating and reflective. I applied highlights to the peaks of Caer Caradoc and The Lawley, using pure white to evoke the brilliance of sunlight breaking through clouds. The impasto areas added a tactile quality, inviting viewers to reach out and touch the canvas, to feel the landscape’s ruggedness.
A Reflection of My Journey
This diptych stands as a significant milestone in my artistic journey, marking the culmination of my experiences and observations in Shropshire. It is not merely a representation of the landscape; it embodies my emotional response to the beauty surrounding me. The expressive style captures the fleeting nature of beauty, reminding me that art, like life, is a delicate balance of light and shadow.
As I prepare to unveil this work, I feel a mix of anticipation and vulnerability. Each viewer will bring their own interpretation, their own narrative, to the canvas. I look forward to seeing how my vision resonates with others, how they connect with the landscape through my eyes.
The Power of Art
In this diptych, I have poured my spirit into every stroke, creating a testament to the beauty of the Shropshire landscape and the transformative power of art. It reflects not only the physical features of Caer Caradoc, The Lawley, and the Wrekin but also the emotional journey I have undertaken as an artist.
This first major oil painting from my studio represents a new beginning, a fresh chapter in my artistic exploration. The canvas is a reminder that, in every brushstroke, there is a story waiting to be told—a story of place, of experience, and of connection to the world around me.
In this serene corner of Shropshire, surrounded by the whispers of nature and the beauty of my surroundings, I find joy and inspiration. With each painting, I seek to share that joy, inviting others to experience the landscape I cherish and the emotions it evokes. As I look forward to future creations, I am excited to continue this dialogue with nature, translating its wonders into art that speaks to the heart.