Avebury Manor
This project has focused on taking time to look at the beautiful setting of Avebury Manor. I have been sketching the gardens and architecture. So far I've mainly been outside, and I've been very lucky with the weather! I move round to a different location each time. These are some of my drawings so far.
Please click on an image below to open up the gallery.
I'm always for people to come and say hello and watch what I'm doing.
My first sketch at Avebury. I focused on the main entrance, looking at the subtle variation in the stone facade. Using ink pen and watercolour.
An overview of the East facing side of the house, trying to capture the foliage softening the edges of the architecture.
This is the view from the main entrance, of the museum opposite. A lovely balanced image to draw, I have done this a few times. Naturally flowing between architecture and nature.
First lino cut I have done in a while - it's all backwards but I enjoyed doing it!
In preparation for my third visit, I spent some time at home drawing flowers. I plan to be in the garden for my next visit.
I spent quite a lot of time today (July) starting sketches and not really getting into it. There was so much beauty and colour in the garden, it was quite overwhelming. Once I focused on these enormous sunflowers and the architecture peeping out above, I really enjoyed it.
Completed drawing in the Monks' Garden.
Since coming home I've used my sketch and photos to inspire a few more small paintings. This one involved some very messy experimenting with iron filings, salt and vinegar to depict the textures of the stone wall.
I drew this with coloured ink on top of a background that was already covered in colourful paper. It took a while to make the drawing stand out, with the collage being very visually dominant. It is still a bit chaotic visually. But I think it captures some of the colour and wamth that I could see on the day.
An attempt to rework my sketch without losing too much of the original vibrancy. I will come back to this another time!
Part of the collaged background I used for the sketch in the last image
I love a moodboard to try and capture the energy of a place or experience. The Monks garden was abundant with green foliage, and bright with blossoming dahlias, sunflowers and pops of colour. Sun and shade, bright hues against gravel.