Into the sunshine I went with art materials tucked under my arm, to discover and sketch my view. The trees were calling today and so I headed to Wapley Hill Fort near Presteigne in The Welsh Marches.
You can wander up hill, through the trees, to reach an Iron Age Hill fort at the top. The far reaching views to the Black Mountains and the Brecon Beacons caught my eye the most, so I nestled down on my spot to sketch my view.
It’s such an special thing to do these days, to admire a view, to really take it in and commit it to paper, which becomes a marker of the landscape through creative endeavours. I feel this shows the ability to admire, absorb, to be in the moment, to become part of that landscape. To truly connect with your environment. How often do we do that these days?
My Icelandic paints made it out with me today, tucked into my pencil case. The Icelandic green became the colour of the distant Black Mountains and Brecon Beacons. I like the grittiness of the colour. Using paints created from earth pigments is so exciting.

When you go out for a walk, do you sketch, paint or write about your walks? Do you create a visual mark of your journey? If you are interested in having a go I will be running a taster session through the Kington Walking Festival. Come and join me.
The violet ground beetle is amazing with its neon colours! Wow!
Isn’t it amazing! I couldn’t believe when it trekked across the path in front of me. Nature’s colours are incredible.