november is the real autumn

harvested sugarbeet fields bring extraordinary numbers of geese inland; skeins of calling pinkfoot are the most heart-lifting sight and sound of autumn and winter in norfolk, adding to the dominance of our skies as the trees lose their leaves.

it is a slow process, continuing through november

field maples in the hedge hold onto leaves that are bright yellows freckled with copper and red for six to eight weeks

hazel leaves suddenly seem enormous, saucer-sized

mellow yellow with caramel burnt edges and veins

plenty on the ground too, fringed with water crystals in the slight morning frosts

in the sunshine that goes with the frosty mornings warm light incandesces maple leaves

I found the secret beech groves in the wood again

the spring-fed pools in the wood are empty, we have had a dry summer and autumn

despite that there is lush growth in parts of the green lane which necessitates the wearing of wellies. I have not had a single pair of walking boots which will withstand the soaking for long.

bare ash trees make long shadows in the low sun

my spanish hound burns energy into heat, I don’t think she needs a coat unless it’s really miserable out, indoors she is a very efficient hot water bottle.

I expect to see this oak hold onto its leaves well into december, every year it’s the same.

painting leaf colour

I have moved to indoor subjects –

they glow in the window light

inspiring another series now the dahlias are finished

the pink undercoat was such a useful discovery I have continued to use it

once all these leaves are gone I will have to go back to the sky and the bare branches

but for now these are very satisfying

though I am still finding subjects to come back to

wild colours

old viewpoints and new directions

 

4 Comments

  1. The autumn colours, so vivid this year, fade fast in the gloom and chill outdoors, to be replaced by the bright warmth of your lovely paintings…

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