Abstract Landscape Painter. Rural Dweller. Lover of Modernist Art and Design.
Walking
I'm pleased to say that we've had a lot of sun this week-end. I walked to work and back on Saturday, which is now possible due to the longer hours of daylight - well technically it's always possible, you just need a very good torch! It was lovely to feel the warmth of the sun and experience the quiet and the solitude (my elderly and increasingly frail dog stayed at home with my partner). The stream that runs down the left-hand side was bubbling loudly as the water table is still high. I watched the pheasants and partridges running across the pale-coloured earth. Those partridges can really shift! A couple of weeks ago I listened to a programme on BBC Radio 4 which is called Ramblings. The subject of the episode was the meditative aspects of walking and how having some time alone, in silence, in the landscape is good for our mental well-being. It talked about the increasing number of intrusions, largely by technology, into our everyday lives. I certainly appreciate a walk of that kind for that very reason. There's no chance of a phonecall or text as I lose the signal the minute I start to descend the hill after passing my neighbour's cottage. It's strange to think that so many people are never really alone now. If I don't get some solitude each day then my brain becomes overloaded. I love people, but need a space to breathe.
Shortly after my neighbour's house I pass my favourite tree on the lane. It's the only pine along the route and always makes me feel as if I'm by the coast, either North Norfolk or Italy - either will do!
Having talked about the intrusion of technology, I am always interested in it. Due to the kindness of a friend I have recently acquired a smartphone and found a really brilliant app. I enjoyed basing my last painting on a poem, so I downloaded the app from the Poetry Foundation. It will randomly select poems for you or you can search the database. I've already discovered poets of which I was formerly unaware. I can see that there will be more poetry-inspired painting to come!
By the end of Saturday's work the pale-coloured earth and the shapes of the trees in the lane had found their way into the painting. That peaceful walk feeds my soul!
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All text and images (except Art & Psychology) ©2013 Carol Saunderson
