A Walk at Blaise Castle

It's the week before christmas, I've got a little time to paint in my sketchbook before the family arrives in a few days. This one was painted with acrylics. I find painting a face a challenge with acrylics compared to watercolours. What do you think? Which do you find easier and why? I'd love to know. :)

 The title of this post promises a walk but before we go out, let me show you my colourful blanket that I'm making. It's getting nice and big now. Not long until it's finished.

It keeps my legs warm in the evenings while I'm crocheting it. How very useful it is already!


 The sun was out, the sky was blue, perfect weather for a winter walk.

 Blaise Castle is somewhere I've been visiting all my life. For me, it's at its best this time of the year.

 The stonework has been restored and I stared at this sculpture for ages wondering if it was a dog or a lion. I decided on a dog in the end.

 A real dog sprints across the grass!




 This is the back of the house. I've been coming here for so long and seen all the changes over the years when this used to be a mess. I don't have any old photos of this angle of the building but I do have this one below that was taken with my friends around the front of the house when I was 17. I won't give you the year but you might be able to guess from what we're wearing? Your guesses would be fun. :)
(I'm the one in the middle. Is that conversers I'm wearing? Some things never change!)

The reason I like this time of year at Blaise Castle is the woodland. 

 The low sunshine lights up the trees beautifully.



 I love tree roots. :)

 Very Arthur Rackhamesque don't you think?

That's me, far left! :)










Comments

renilde said…
dear Jessie, such wonderful photos,the whole atmosphere of an old castle and it's surroundings, all the stories those trees could tell...and the power roots are radiating.

i have to come back to look at your previous posts but i can see you are in a holiday mood already, have a lovely time.

you look so sweet in those photos, xx
Love your painting and that blanket! So pretty.
Gina said…
Gosh... those flares and is that a tank top... dare I suggest we are a similar age?
I too love making crochet blankets at this time of year because they keep your legs warm.
CJ said…
Lovely to see your pictures of Blaise, it's somewhere we go from time to time. I like to walk up through the woods to the folly. And also look at the mummer's costume in the museum. Now you have reminded me, I must go again soon! Hope you have a good weekend Jessie.
Dear Fireflies said…
I'm in shock! I didn't except bright red and blue to welcome me when I visit. LOL. :D

Love the festive feel, Jess. And I love your painting too! I must say I find both acrylics and watercolor to be challenging, although I think acrylics is easier to tame and less surprising.

Thanks for sharing the fabulous photos. Have a fantastic holiday! XO
denthe said…
Love your journalgirl. The flowers in her hair and the way you did her dress. I don't have much experience with watercolour, but I imagine it would be easier with watercolour if you have the experience. Acrylics are a real challenge, especially on paper. I find it a bit easier on canvas. Your colourful blanket looks gorgeous, love the brightness! And your age ..... Hmm, looking at the flares I'd guess this was somewhere in the early seventies .... ? ;-)
Veronique said…
Great painting Jess!
Paper rainbow said…
Love your beautiful photographs, I too love tree roots and the ones you found are amazing! Hope you have a fantastic Cristmas, much love x
Introverted Art said…
the colors of your crochet are just amazing.... Wish you all the best!!!
Kim Mailhot said…
How wonderful is that gorgeous afghan !!! Love love !
And your wintery Queen ! She is so perfect for this season.
I wish you and yours the sweetest of holidays, Jessie ! Thank you for the beauty that you bring to the world.
Victoria said…
Wowness Kindred..love your blog makeover..vibrant and alive! and this newest painting is amazing, she is bewildering and magical..the colors are also magical too! I love using both acrylic and watercolor..I even sometime blend them in the same painting. Love your colorful blanket you made and that fabulous antique chair, the fabric on it is awesome! Thanks for sharing all of theses beautiful photos of you, and the castle and everything..enchanting! and of course the trees and roots are my fave too..so powerful!
hugs and sparkles dear friend and wishing you many blessings in 2014!
Victoria
Carol said…
Love your new lady and your crochet blanket. I think your photo was about the same time as mine looking at the flares (1975)
Wishing you and yours a wonderful Christmas and a very Happy New Year. Carol xx
Palomasea said…
Love all of these beautiful photos...
And you art is splendid, as always!
A Merry Christmas to you, dear Jess!!
Hugs,
- Irina
Ana M.F. said…
Merry Christmas!!
Red Rose Alley said…
Jess,
Blaise Castle is wonderful, and looks very enchanting, doesn't it? I love tree roots too, as it symbolizes my own roots to me which means a lot. I love your art piece with the blues. Nel has been painting lately, and she uses acrylics instead of the water colors. I'm so glad I came across your blog, and look forward to all your sweet posts in the new year.

~Sheri
Red Rose Alley said…
Happy New Year too!

Love,
Sheri
Jess
Nel

ps you kind of look like my Jess
in these pictures.
Kyra Wilson said…
I hope you had a wonderful holiday!
rossichka said…
Dear Jessie, Happy New Year's Eve to you and your big family! May 2014 be peaceful, creative and successful to all of you!
I hope we'll read many new posts of yours, inspiring and interesting like this one (and all the others)!:)
Cheers!xx
Irja Viirret said…
Ensimmäinen kuva vei sydämeni, oli niin ihastuttava..

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