I was inspired to paint this after seeing a recent painting by Richard Thorn of a fairly similar scene on Dartmoor. This is slightly closer to home - an iron age hill fort a few miles from where we live, and a favourite place for family walks. This is the point at which you emerge from the woods onto the open part of Woodbury Common, part of the East Devon pebblebed heaths. On this occasion the afternoon sun illuminated these beech trees, and the tangle of roots and undergrowth at their base.

I spent pretty much all day on this, and must confess I'm pleased with it. Even hubby said "That's quite good" - high praise! 😂 There are still things I know I could improve on though, both in terms of colour and composition - happy to hear feedback as always.

Paper: A4 Arches 300gsm cold pressed W&N Winsor Blue (green shade), French Ultramarine, Light red, Permanent rose DS Lemon Yellow, Raw Sienna Light, Burnt Sienna (and a touch of Naples yellow in the sky) Yellow Conte pastel pencil for a few of the branches/twigs. Masking fluid used to preserve a few twigs and trees.