For me, sketching and painting this summer was memorable and fun, in spite of the fact that my calamitous results are consigned to the back of a drawer.
Placing oneself in a new and unfamiliar environment can encourage a sense of peace and calm, which does wonders for concentration and with that comes the rewarding fulfilment of at least one little lesson learnt, however disappointing the overall results.
The weather was unpredictable, but on each occasion we managed to get out for an hour or two and that window of opportunity was so worthwhile.
Like so many, I am a lifelong devotee of John Constable not only for his magnificent landscapes, but also his watercolour sketches and prolific letters and writing.
Re – reading his writings this summer, I have been reminded that in 1800 he asked the same questions as us about truth, observation and the emotional response to painting. He despaired of his “second hand painting“ as he called it, but was always excited by first hand observation even if it was just a tiny thumbnail sketch.

So far for next year I am planning trips to the Rare Breeds farm in Wanstrow, the East Somerset Railway in Cranmore and Fiddleford Manor near Sturminster Newton. I have more ideas in the pipeline, but would love to hear of any of your recommendations so please get in touch with me.
Whatever the weather I hope you will join me and we will make each day as memorable as we can.
I will end this with a quote from John Constable’s text that accompanied his big collaboration with David Lucas (printmaker), which he started in 1829;
“by a close observation of nature, he (the artist) discovers qualities existing in her which have never been portrayed before, and thus forms a style which is original.”

Jeffy Salt