Field trip! Castle Espie Wetland Centre, County Down.

Hmm... Bag packed with pencil case, paper towels, sketch book, palette and hot water bottle? It can only mean one thing - FIELD TRIP!!

It's a good idea to get out and about during the term so that students don't get too used to working at a table. Variety is important, and it helps keep the bravery levels up!

My two little sketch book demos. 

Ben and Roisin settling in.

This time we went to the lovely Castle Espie Wetland Centre, which faces onto Strangford Lough. Even in February it was beautiful. 

 Left to right - Lorraine, Jackie, Ailbhe and Ben

Luckily for us, they have recently built new hides, and we chose the Lime Kiln not only for it's stunning views, but also with the hope that it might be less freezing! As you can see from these photos, it is wall to wall windows, making it perfect for drawing and painting. 

Roisin, Lorraine (bundled up in her coat against the cold), Jackie, Ben

It's important to travel as light as possible when working on location. A fold-up palette is ideal, as is a hard backed sketch book. Mine had thick watercolour paper, so I could splosh plently of water around without it buckling. Another important factor in deciding where to spent time, is proximity to coffee. it gets very cold sitting or standing still, and the thought of a hot drink at the end is very important! 

The weather was overcast and dull, but we could see enough to give us a first try at landscape work. The key to mastering landscape is.... practise. We worked quickly, with a time limit so as not to become either worried or overly attached to any painitng. This was the first time painting outside for the students. 

No table? No problem!

Although the day was lacking in light, at least it meant the colours remained consistent. It didn't start raining until we were nearly finished, and shortly there was no visibility at all.

Ben, deep in concentration

By this time everyone had done two paintings, got over their huffs and carried on (well done folks!) and were ready for coffee and warmth. We walked past lots of small ponds, trees and birds on theway back, so it'll be great to return  in the warmer weather for another try. 

Lovely work by the students.