creeks and marshes …

A few recent workbook spreads and a collage/mixed media piece. I’m trying to get a handle on my current obsession, Burnham Overy Marsh and creek on the north Norfolk coast.

mixed media workbook spread © Mari French 2015

mixed media workbook spread © Mari French 2015 


mixed media workbook spread © Mari French 2015

mixed media workbook spread © Mari French 2015


Collage/mixed media on art board © Mari French 2015

Collage/mixed media on art board © Mari French 2015

I love the expanse of sand and mud when the tide retreats, the marks left by wading birds, the dark breakwaters and remains of bank supports, channel markers tilting at the sky, sunlit drainage channels lined with reeds and broken fencing, bright light on water.

 

sea fever

Tidal flats

Tidal flats, acrylic on board. Mari French 2014.

 … the sea has been in my blood it seems this week. An exhilarating visit to Brancaster and Titchwell beaches on the North Norfolk coast last weekend, where I also explored a creek new to me, resulted in several busy painting sessions back in my studio.

Tidal flats 2

Tidal flats 2, acrylic on board. Mari French 2014

The recent tidal surges and storms were evident in the scattered remains of some of the dunes across the tidal flats, but on the whole the stunning beaches were back to normal. The looming cloud formations betrayed the approaching change in the weather but added to the dramatic scenery.

Brancaster beach, Mari French 2014.

Brancaster beach, Mari French 2014.


Brancaster beach, Mari French 2014.

Brancaster beach, Mari French 2014.


Creek, Titchwell. Mari French 2014.

Creek, Titchwell. Mari French 2014.

 

 

sitting comfortably …

Just a few sketches from this week’s visit to my favourite stomping ground … Thornham salt marsh on the Norfolk coast. In celebration of the Queen’s jubilee a new bench has been conveniently sited facing out to sea along the creek. HM had her photo taken on her new bench recently with some of the villagers (Sandringham is nearby).

Thornham salt marsh. Mari French

Thornham salt marsh

It’s a popular spot for locals to rest, but despite the bright sunlight there was a cold northeasterly (there has been most of the year so far), and I had the bench to myself for an hour and could spread out. What a luxury not to be perched on a cold rock or on my waterproof mat on a tussock of grass trying not to lose my brushes or pencils in the grass. I’ll be getting soft 🙂

Emerging sun, Thornham Creek. Mari French

Emerging sun, Thornham Creek.

There was a very low tide… I’ve never seen the mud in the creeks so dry and pale. The blonde smudge of sand reflecting the sun across the near horizon seemed larger and closer than I’ve seen it before, with the channel marker posts standing out clearly. 

Changing light, Thornham. Mari French

Changing light, Thornham.