Trees at Loaningdale, above Warter. Oil on canvas, 12x 10 inch.

My intention with this view is to simply record it over a year. I have made several paintings and sketches already which highlight the changes. I guess it may well be an idea for another virtual exhibition, just featuring the wood. I set off today aiming to park up at the same spot as usual and paint the scene, however the wind was strong and I was not sure if it would be possible, so I took George on a long walk along the road where he explored, sniffed and scent marked with enthusiasm. Very few vehicles passed as I walked and even when painting, with George by my feet, the road remained quiet, except for a couple of tractors passing. This is a vital, busy time for farmers to get the harvest in before the rain arrives. This year has been a struggle, the moisture content generally being too high to harvest, whether wheat or indeed oil seed rape. The higher moisture content of the wheat in particular means it needs to be dried, which is expensive. I was surprised to see so many fields h