In mid-March when we started to be more aware of the Coronavirus and its implications we actually began our self-imposed stay at home routine. We were about a week ahead of the official instructions. We started doing a weekly online shop and wondered how long this regime was going to be.
The garden began to get much more attention and as it was spring this was very enjoyable. New growth and its emergence from winter sleep was an ongoing joy to behold. The green bin collection was cancelled by the local authority and this meant we had to be more careful where we stored the clippings and weeds from the garden. The compost heap grew and promised future home-produced compost. The shop bought compost, seeds and plants were in short supply even online.
Jobs around the home began to get done. We realised how much time in a week was used up by trips off. We now had endless hours to spend, but doing what? I enjoy creating with fabrics and wools. I found projects in my stash half-finished. A pink jumper for which I had mislaid the pattern and a bedcover needing the quilting added. I certainly wasn’t short of work and supplies in that department. I have since read that stitching is a form of meditation and helps us maintain a balanced mental health through this worrying pandemic.
My husband reminded me that I can paint too. Another of my creative channels. I can enjoy shutting myself away in our old summerhouse down the bottom of our kitchen garden. It is very peaceful and helps maintain a good atmosphere for artwork. The only companions are the birds enjoying life in the old apple trees which surround the wooden building. I found my collection of watercolours in the summerhouse, cleaned them up and made a start. I choose a rather larger piece of watercolour paper than usual and made a start on my favourite subject, Grasmere Valley overlooking the lake surrounded by our familiar mountains.
I love our soft misty days of which we have quite a few over the year. As I have always lived in the valley I know the mountain shapes quite well, they are like old friends. I get very absorbed when I am painting. I don’t do any pencil drawing at all, just set off with a wash at the top of the paper and work my way down. I usually also suggest the colours of the water too whilst I do this first wash. Watercolours are really quite exciting and you never know quite what will turn out as you apply tints to your paper. I usually keep to a narrow palate of colours as I know how they will react with each other. Knowing when to leave an application of colours alone to dry is crucial. You can spoil a painting by messing on with it. I think less is more in that situation. Well, the finished painting below is what appeared from my endeavours. I enjoyed doing it and will probably get the paints out again soon.
Jennifer