Sunday 13 May 2012

Sunset over Buttermere


While working on the Daffodil and appreciating the need to push my darks, I found myself recalling a photograph I took a few years ago and just knew I wouldn't rest until I'd attempted to draw it.


It was late one autumn afternoon and we were driving through the Lake District. It had been raining but had stopped you could sense the sun trying to break through the thick heavy storm clouds. The light was beginning to fade as we headed back in the direction of our cabin. As I rounded a corner I saw the most spectacular of views. Most of the landscape was in near silhouette and the setting sun, though still hidden behind a cloud, was breaking through with powerful beams of light shining down on Buttermere Lake. I stopped the car to take a photograph and the atmosphere was magical. The water was still, there was no breeze, there was no sound. A moment later the spectacle had passed.




38 comments:

  1. This is one of those magical moments that you have captured perfectly, first by camera, and now in this wonderful drawing! Great work!

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    1. Thank you very much Judy. It was indeed a magical moment and I'm glad you like it. Take care.

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  2. Spectacular drawing - can't imagine the beauty of the moment. I feel you were chosen to witness and represent this. I bow to your drawing skills!

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    1. Thank you Trudy, I can't tell you how much I appreciate your kind words.

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  3. I couldn't see if this was the photo or the drawing. That says enough! I understand this is the drawing. Exellent!

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    1. That does indeed say enough Renate. I'm so pleased you thought this might be a photo. Have a good day.

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  4. I thought at first this was a photograph John!...really really good.

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  5. It's not easy to tell whether this is the original photograph at first sight John. The sense of bright sunlight is amazing.

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    1. Thank you very much Keith, I really appreciate that. Obviously making that sunlight 'shine' was the main challenge. All the best.

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  6. I can't believe this isn't the photo. Fabulous work John!

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    1. Thank you very much Sue. As I'm sure you can imagine there wasn't a lot of colour in the original photo so the scene was perfect for pencil work. Have a nice day.

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  7. Fabulous work, John!
    I see many others looked twice to ascertain photo or drawing - which just speaks volumes to your wonderful capabilities with a pencil.
    Loved the feeling you've captured in this whole piece. xx

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    1. Pat, I'm quite overwhelmed that so many thought this to be a photo. Thank you for your nice comment. Take care.

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  8. When I saw the thumbnail, I thought this was a photo too ... then I thought ... No, John COULD do this ... and you have! Absolutely superb, and as Keith has said, the feeling of sunlight and the rays from heaven (as I call them LOL) is all amazing!

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    1. Michael, I very much appreciate your vote of confidence. I usually tackle my drawings on the basis of "have a go and see how far I can get" but for some reason I just *knew* how this one would turn out before I picked up my pencils. Strange.
      All the best.

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  9. I also thought it was a photo, John your work is truly amazing. What a magnificent scene and your captured it perfectly. Wonderful.

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    1. Thank you very much for your lovely comment Joan. Take care.

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  10. John, you have rendered this magnificent scene beautifully! I honestly thought it was a photo. Bravo!!!

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    1. Thank you Kathryn, I really appreciate that. Have a good day.

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  11. Oh John, you captured the moment!! It looks like a photo!!! Excellent job!!!

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  12. And you have captured it in spectacular fashion! Wow! The way the light floods in from behind the clouds is amazing! :0)

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    1. Thank you very much Sandra. You would have loved to see it in person. No photo or drawing can ever do justice to it.
      Have a great day.

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  13. Hi John!... This drawing really captures the transient and powerful moment in all of its majesty. Despite the intentional lack of colour... it is as evocative and breath-taking in black and white!

    Your daffodil hits the mark in the very same manner! Both are wonderful renderings! Great stuff!

    Good Painting and Drawing!
    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

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    1. Hi Bruce. As I've commented to a couple of others, there was very little colour in this scene with the hills/mountains being almost in silhouette, so it lent itself perfectly to a black & white medium such as pencil.

      Thank you for your lovely comment and about the Daffodil too. Much appreciated.
      Warmest Regards
      John

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  14. This is totally stunning John...I really thought it was a photograph, what a skill ! Pure magic!

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    1. Thank you very much Jane, I really appreciate your comment.

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  15. Totally brilliant drawing, John. I've been through a few pages and just love your artwork. I sense we share similar interests, I shall be back to spend more time in here and get to 'know you' better.

    Thank you for becoming a follower, I'm flattered.

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    1. Thank you very much John, and thank you for becoming a follower. Yes, very similar interests ... but on completely different levels. I so wish I had your skills. ;-)

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  16. Gosh, pretty damn good John - so life-like! I love it when you accidentally stumble on one of nature's marvels like this.

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    1. Thank you very much Frank. Yes, it was definitely one of those 'magic moments' and I'm pleased I had the opportunity to stop and enjoy it.

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  17. Hi John
    This is one fantastic shot you have taken here. I didn`t realise you were a brilliant photographer as well as a good painter. All the best John.
    Vic.

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    1. Thank you Vic. This drawing is a touch more dramatic than the original photo as I used artistic license to emphasise the rays of light (just a little). Glad you like it.

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  18. Wow, these last two drawings are just astonishing. Really superb!

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  19. Thank you very much Nora.
    All the best.

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  20. fantastic john ! so beautifully rendered

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    1. I'm glad you like them Jane. Thank you very much.

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