Croakingravenstudio - Scottish Landscape Art. - Tumblr Blog

Loch Brittle sketch.

A tiny thumbnail sketch based on my reference photo taken at the head of Loch Brittle on the Isle of Skye.

Pencil: 6B, 5.6mm diameter lead.

I get easily distracted by details so working on such a small scale with a large pencil makes me focus on the information I need and maintains my interest, energy and motivation. There are some marks testing the colours at the bottom right.

Loch Brittle view.

The view down Loch Brittle from the Glenbrittle campsite on the Isle of Skye, Scotland and the reference photo for a pastel painting.

The mainland is on the right, and in the centre on the horizon is the Isle of Canna.

“Northern Lights”.

Pastel painting on paper, 105mm x 98mm.

Inspired by the stunning photos of the Northern Lights visible over Scotland and the north of England on the 10/05/24.

“Boats Moored in Oban Harbour”.

Pastel drawing on smooth 300gsm paper, approx 110mm x 117mm.

Boats moored in the harbour at Oban, Scotland.

Harbour sketches.

Boats moored in Oban harbour, Scotland.

Pencil on drawing paper.

Two, tiny thumbnail sketches of the reference photo for the composition and values. Although I work from memory without any reference images in front of me, sketching helps me absorb the information I want to convey.

Harbour view.

This is the reference photo for my next drawing, taken in Oban, Scotland.

I like the limited palette, the silhouetted boats and the atmosphere of calm at the day’s end.

“Horizon, Isle of Barra” no. 2

“Horizon, Isle of Barra” no. 2.

Pastel drawing, approx 85mm x 30mm.

Standing on the edge of the Atlantic ocean, looking out to a disappearing horizon.

“Atlantic Ocean, Isle of Barra” no. 1

“Atlantic Ocean, Isle of Barra”.

Pastel drawing, approx 87mm x 60mm.

An almost otherworldly drawing remembering an almost otherworldly seascape. I had no idea that the sea could be this colour until I went to the Scottish islands.

Ocean View

The Atlantic Ocean from the Isle of Barra, Scotland.

This is the reference photo I’ve chosen for my next drawing. It was taken on a camping trip and our tent was pitched just behind the dunes which reached down to this beach.

“Autumn Sunset, Isle of Skye”.

Pastel on paper, approx 81mm x 104mm.

A memory/feeling drawing of a chill and damp autumn evening camping on the Isle of Skye. The setting sun cast a hint of warmth on the distant mountains.

Sheep on the Isle of Kerrera, Scotland.

A stunningly beautiful sheep with a presence to match.

Pastel drawing, approx 115mm x 41mm.

“Calm Water to Kerrera.”

Peace and tranquility while walking to catch the ferry from Oban to the Isle of Kerrera, Scotland.

The jagged Black Cuillin mountain range on the Isle of Skye looking hazy and blue as the sun was setting.

An analogue photo from a camping trip. There's something atmospheric about the fuzziness of pre-digital cameras that I really like.

Pastel drawing, approx 97mm x 51mm.

The Isle of Kerrera from Oban.

Early morning, Spring sun on an island still brown from winter.

Pencil drawing, approx 135mm x 107mm.

The Great Stone Chute, Sgurr Alasdair, Isle of Skye, Scotland.

It gives me chills looking at our photos taken of the Black Cuillin mountain range. A lug on the sole of P's walking boots was cleanly sheared off when he 'stone-surfed' his way down the Great Stone Chute.

Pastel, on smooth, 300gsm paper, approx 85mm x 100mm.

A memory and feeling from a camping trip on the Isle of Barra, Outer Hebrides.

Sky and sea and time stretching out forever.

For the love of Scotland

Photo: view out over Oban Bay with the Isle of Kerrera on the right.

Two full moons ago my partner had a dream that we had moved to Scotland and we realised that this is something we want to make a reality.

So to honour his dream I'm starting a new series of art work inspired by Scotland to begin weaving this dream into being.

Snake's head fritillary.

Planted last year with lots of hope but no expectancy and they have grown and flowered.

Pastel on smooth, 300gsm paper, approx 80mm x 64mm

Re-connecting

I've been absent from Tumblr while I've been writing my workbook so apologies to the people who I've had brief but wonderful convos with, particularly @robertpallesen, @bohemiansthings, @claypigeonpottery, @kaisercaimo, @felicity-b, and @bluebelly-sun-serpentine

I'm looking forward to seeing and reading your posts again.

I've written a workbook, received the first, small, print run and now it's time to find new, welcoming homes for them.

I understand that the book may not be your thing but if you know somebody who might be interested I'd be so grateful if you shared it with them.

Here's the blurb on the back cover:

It's also available as an instant download.

Get a free excerpt, look inside the book and find out more at www.croakingravenstudio.com

If you've read any of my posts here you've probably got the (correct) impression that I'm shy and retiring, an in-the-background type of person. If that's you too, you'll have an idea how uncomfortable it is for me to say, "Hey, look what I've done!" but if you could help by sharing this post and link, that would truly be awesome!

Thank you.

6B pencil on cartridge paper. Another nighttime dive into my subconscious.

The darker, lined area on the left reminds me of bark on a tree.

Hmmm, I can't think of anything new to say about how these little drawings are made.

I do think of them as something coming up from my subconscious into my consciousness and I'm curious to know what they are, or at least, what their message is.

But how do I find out?

Another odd drawing. Insect? Flower? Hybrid of the two?