towards the light …

This is the first in a set of paintings I’m working on, influenced by recent photographic images I took in the ancient stone passages and spiral staircase of a local medieval castle keep (see previous post ‘Shadow & light’) …

I’m so excited by this… what I have in mind is evoking the sensation of moving towards the light, through the palimpsest of time, stone and decay that have created this beautiful space.

(Acrylic/ink/charcoal on watercolour board, approx 20 x 30 inches.)

Towards the light © Mari French 2013

Towards the light © Mari French 2013

shadow & light …

 

shadow and light,

a fan of steps,

a stone vertebrae,

spiralling towards the sky

or plunging to earth.

spill of indigo, ochre, charcoal,

a symphony of grace.

steps worn smooth by the tread of centuries;

emerging into the sunshine of another day

or the dark chamber of another night.

Copyright Mari French


 

Copyright Mari French


 

Copyright Mari French


 

Copyright Mari French


 

Copyright Mari French


 

 (Impressions of the 12th century keep of Castle Rising, Norfolk.

Photos and text, copyright Mari French)

 

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.