Ystradfellte, Brecon
I was commissioned to paint an evocative anniversary present featuring a site of special personal interest by a patron in Derby, who had studied at Swansea with his then wife-to-be.
Sepia Pen study on Cotman watercolour Watercolour on Oil Paper
As a plein air enthusiast, I preferred to visit the site, to better understand the unique features and get a clear sense of the structure. Drawing in situ is, for me, vital to capturing the form and helps in understanding how to bring its characteristics to life. The client was after a large painting, which would not be possible to complete in a few hours, even if I were able to get the equipment there and set it up.
After photographing the falls from various viewpoints I then spent the next few hours employing various media in quick studies to get a sense of the form and light. Returning to my studio in Scotland, I explored various compositions, and then settled on the dimensions. I then hand cut the board (FSC grade birch ply AA), braced, then triple primed it with an oil-based primer (I prefer Robersons, when I can get it). Using a combination of glazing and scraping back to the ground allowed me to get a sense of the light on and movement of the water.
Ystradfellte Falls, Oil on board 2016