Drawing on Bodmin

Over Easter weekend I visited my dad in Cornwall. I took a little bottle of Indian ink and a few brushes and was excited at the opportunity of doing some drawing 'en plein air' on Bodmin Moor. 

Drawing In The Wild

Drawing In The Wild

I found a quiet and secluded spot, sheltered from the elements with a view of a beautiful windswept tree. I could hear just the birds and the wind and watched as the clouds rolled on by, some full of rain and hail, others fluffy and cartoon like. 

Outdoor Studio

Outdoor Studio

​I lay down my little green mat that I take on our walks and took out my materials, including an old glass salsa jar I've repurposed as a water container. I made a few marks in my A6 postcard pad, the tree in front of me and some quick marks to suggest the rocks and stone wall. 

Postcard Sketch

Postcard Sketch

​After, I clumsily gathered my materials, juggling an ink pot and water container to another spot with a view of three trees. 

Three Little Trees

Three Little Trees

I took out my ​larger pad and started with some broad but faded marks before attempting the trees, I managed two before hearing my phone ring, my dad, other half and brother had finished exploring the nearby quarry I'd sent them to and were impatient for lunch, I quickly started on the third tree before my dad appeared. I asked him to take a few photos of me drawing before I packed my things away. 

Bodmin Impression  

Bodmin Impression  

I could have easily stayed all day, though the weather wouldn't have allowed it. The beautiful peace and tranquility that comes from being creative in the wild, drawing directly from nature cannot be bettered.