Pine trees by the lake in Bedford park. Chalk and charcoal today: 90 mins. I felt I needed a change from sketching the garden in pencil. I have just been given a tin of charcoal pencils made in China - of course. Combined with a pack of chalk from Poundland, and Daler-Rowney grey pastel paper, these tempted me to go and sketch under the shelter of a yew tree. It's not an island, although it looks like it. These pines grow on a mound on the promontary by the edge of the lake. Beyond is an expanse of grass with a horizon of trees which border cemetery hill: the grey beyond the black. The wind - and drizzle - stir the surface of the lake into patches of sky-bright and tree-dark ripples. The scene seemed to breathe as I drew it. Gulls and swans came and went. Ducks crossed the lake leaving silky lines in their wake. Can you spot two? |