Back to the ruined church. I want to explore, in a more formal way, the light, shade and colour in the doorway motif. Most people like bright, light colours but I’m always interested in the colours in the shadows. The doorway, with the stones and plants behind it gives me a chance to look into these deeper, earthier shades.
Cyril in a ruined church
For some time I have wanted to do another portrait of my husband Cyril. This is partly because he has changed quite a lot. There is a new beard, for instance. But, also, because I wanted to use an environment in the picture to say something important about him. I had a lot of ideas then just stumbled across the ideal place, on holiday in Wales. This is the ruined church of St Mary’s at Tintern. The combination of a very traditional church and nature invading it seemed perfect. Here he is looking out on the Wye Valley.
The picture above was done as a studio study. But I also did a couple of small sketches sitting in the church.
sketch of Cyril in a ruined church
Doorway in St Mary’s church Tintern