Abstract Landscape Painter. Rural Dweller. Lover of Modernist Art and Design.
2 July
Millie and I are still employing our “earlier and further” walking routine. The hot weather continues, with no end currently in sight. The grass is cool and dewy in the shadow of the hedgerow, and we can keep up a comfortably brisk pace without breaking into a sweat.
Much to Millie’s disappointment, rabbit-ville is devoid of occupants this morning. She still performs her low “stealth” walk – just in case!
We take in the sights from the meandering little lane at the bottom of the valley, and I am pleased to note that the stream that runs beneath the old cart bridge still has water in it. No doubt this is due to the enclosed tree tunnel which sits above it, providing constant shade. Watering holes for the wildlife must be getting sparse by now.
On the way back uphill, towards the church, the sheep in the field on the left are huddled under the shadow of a large oak. They fit themselves together, like a woolly jigsaw, in order to form its exact shape. They always remind me of the paintings of Samuel Palmer when I see them thus.
By the afternoon, the meadow sounds as if it has been plugged into the mains. The continuous, electrified “zzzzzzzz....” is being emitted by innumerable grasshoppers, whilst velvety brown Ringlet butterflies flit over the surface of its biscuit-coloured stems.
Thankfully, however, there is a considerable breeze, and looking out beyond the grasses and wildflowers, a vast field of pale green barley on the opposite side of the valley is being combed by the wind. It is flicking over the surface and forming almost white waves. We have an inland sea view!
All text & images ©2018 Carol Saunderson
http://anartistinthelandscape.blogspot.co.uk/
