I regularly walk and draw, or walk and paint Silchester Common. It is one of a few surviving commons in this area which are carefully managed and under special protection. This is because heathland is rare.
I enjoy the wonderful hints of the past, signs of man's intervention (gravel extraction, deep division ditches, cattle grazing, and enclosures). Then, despite knowing it so well, it changes all the time; both in light and atmosphere, which affect the way I portray it. Here, painting outside requires organisation- dog walkers, curious cattle and my own enthusiasm, it's a big challenge -but I enjoy it! This particular area is one of a couple of areas I have deemed to be my 'Ideal Landscape': due to the views, balance of trees and gorse,and a special feeling that I am standing in a Classical Landscape of the past.