I saw a brief glimpse of sunshine this morning and decided to head off for a rural scene. I don't paint many traditional landscapes, probably because I don't find landscapes necessarily inspiring to paint! I know, gasp! what a statement to make, but by landscape I mean, fields, trees, a bit of distance, your traditional scene. I would rather paint something more interesting, perhaps strong contrasts, interesting shapes and I realise they too are in those landscape subjects but I just don't seem to see them. I can appreciate a good landscape painting, but when confronted by the outdoors scene I seem to just sigh and move on.
Today however, its going to be different I thought. I limited myself to a small 8 x 10 inch board which I had covered in a light orange wash, a few acrylics a stay wet palette, a folding easel, and a couple of brushes and off I went.
Its surprising how cold it is today! and windy!

Cows near Northleach 8 x 10 inches

Once I got there I thought, well, the orange will brighten the whole thing up. I chose the orange base because its very 'Cotswolds' but when I set off I fancied doing some cows.

The whole thing took less than an hour and before I knew it I was back at home putting the kettle on. Its a scene just outside Northleach, totally rural and very traditional.

There was a lovely reflection in a puddle that I rather liked and the moving targets were a challenge, I was determined once I had placed them not to fiddle, so the one in the middle looks a bit odd, but it did!