Two more oil paintings from the Lake District

 Detail from "Towards Buttermere from Gatesgarth", Gatesgarth, Cumbria.
Oil. Alistair Butt © 2013 -
#AB 021381

This was one of those occasions when it's a battle against nature - sunlight, clouds and wind. I'd left Borrowdale as it was clouding over and climbed over Honister Pass and headed towards Buttermere (just behind the line of trees) hoping for some sunlight.

Approaching Gatesgarth it was clear that I couldn't get to Buttermere (find parking and get down to the waters edge in time) so stopped on the road to Gatesgarth and headed for Gathesgarthdale Beck, a delightful beck that has been the subject in many of my paintings.

The clouds were increasing by the minute and the sun was about to drop behind the fells on the left hand side. It was gather as much info while the sun shone but sadly it didn't last very long and within 10 minutes the whole sky turned grey.

Detail from "Bright Spell in Langstrath", Langstrath, Cumbria.
Oil. Alistair Butt © 2013 -
#AB 021380

Almost the reverse of the above happened with this day... rather than clouding over, as the afternoon progressed the sky cleared.

The above reference was gathered while a large amount of cloud was still in view, I felt it added more interest than the clear sky that was available an hour later.

Langstrath Beck was doing it's best to clear all the snow melt (from Bowfell (the distant peak) and the Lanstrath valley) and a great contrast to the very low level it had been a few months before having had months of drought.

Last call for Watercolour Painters... R.I. @ Mall Galleries

Seeking the best in contemporary watercolour painting

If you missed the online submission deadline for the Royal Institute of Painters in Water Colours last month, there is still the opportunity to have your work considered.

Bring your work in on the Receiving Days:
Friday 21 and Saturday 22 February, 10am to 5pm to 17 Carlton House Terrace, London SW1Y 5BD

Acceptable Media:
Watercolour or water soluble colour(excluding water soluble oils), any use of non-watercolour media must be handled as watercolour (e.g. no heavy impasto, no varnish, etc.).
Workmust be painted on a paper based support (no hardboard, textiles, etc.) and mounted under glass. <
We cannot receive pictures taller than 2.4m (8ft).

Conditions:
Work must have been completed within the last two years.
All works must be for sale.
Maximum of six works submitted.
Maximum of four works selected.
Minimum price: £300.

Submission Fee:
£12 per artwork, £6 per artwork for artists aged 35 or under.

For more information and inspiration visit: www.royalinstituteofpaintersinwatercolours.org.uk  

Two more oil paintings for the 'urban scene' exhibition starting next week at Lincoln Joyce Fine art

Detail from "Flower Stall", Nottingham.
Oil. Alistair Butt © 2013 -
#AB 021402

I've walked past this flower stall, close to the market square in Nottingham, many times and thought it had 'possible' subject for painting... then on this day the light was spot on and thankfully not that busy with the people passing although the stall holder moved out of view.

It was a real joy painting the flowers, or bunches of flowers in their different coloured wrappers but as per normal the lighting was my main attraction as it cast a hazy warm light with wonderful shadows... although being early winter not all that warm.


Detail from "Paella for lunch", Covent Garden, London.
Oil. Alistair Butt © 2013 -
#AB 021404

Moving south and back down to London... this time looking down into the lower section of Covert Garden Market. The market has been the source of many a painting over the years, what's really nice is that it's constantly changing - always lots to see and do. A few years ago, it was just the pub (top of painting) with a the few small but unique shops, year or so of a man doing caricatures, then the paella stall started beside the stairs (to right) that lead down to the lower section, before moving to the current position.

Always interesting trying to capture scenes like this, thankfully some people were still long enough to sketch although I was very lucky with my timing as the people around the lower right hand table were told to move as they hadn't purchased any food - 'tables for customers only'.