On a remote beach on the Isle of Lewis why bother with words, or order, or classification, for there is no chaos here.
One beach, different times of the day. It could render even the most wordy person speechless.
The Sea Turns Mauve
Inky Tide
Violet Edge
Luminous Aqua at Dusk
A Rain Cloud Passes
A Fresh Wind
This is for Michele who was telling me the winter landscape inspires her to paint more than the summer one – but then added, “unless I am in the Outer Hebrides”
I’ve spoken many times about seeking inspiration from natural environments and how we tend to have a natural affinity to either the deep earthy colours of forests, or the subtle washed- out colours of beaches or punchy man-made colours of an industrial landscape. Well, as I spend a lot of time collecting colour references from beaches around Scotland I was particularly keen to see the film You’ve Been Trumped which documents the process that led to a golf resort being built on a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) on the Menie Estate just North of Aberdeen.
The resort which is currently under construction has been developed on an extensive natural dune system, home to numerous birds, deer and marram grass and home to several local families whose homes are under threat of Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO).
The film which was part of Edinburgh’s Take One Film Festival speaks for itself and I will not attempt to wade into any arguments for or against the resort but I would urge you to look out for the film and make your own mind up about the development.
I would also urge you to look out for the beautiful song inspired by the film, “Cover Your Eyes” that singer and song writer Karine Polwart composed and performed with her brother Steven at the opening of the film in Edinburgh’s Filmhouse.
The film is directed by Anthony Baxter .
