It’s been well over two years since I’ve taken out my acrylics or oils.

There’s also a big difference between painting from a photograph to painting a scene outdoors in situ. Today we visited Pool Bridge Farm for some wild swimming and I took my acrylics to dive back in head first to painting.

The hardest thing about painting outside is other people’s curiosity. I try and see it as a positive thing, but when you put down your undercoat and first blocks of shadows – it can be quite daunting when passers by are giving you funny looks (work down the pics to the last one – which is the first stage of my painting!).

I’m always very heavy handed with oils and acrylics – I had also forgotten how quickly acrylics dry (note to self look into products to extend drying time).

I’m pleased I did it though. Painting for me – isn’t about being gallery worthy, it’s about relaxing and absorbing a scene, appreciating every detail.

It’s amazing how tiring it is trying to concentrate on painting. It makes you appreciate the skills of great artists who spend hours in the studio. This kept me entertained for well over an hour. At the end I reverted to my pen to add some finer details as this was just a sketch.

I’m glad I did it, and also glad I braved the icy waters for a dip, although I’m going to have to build up some tolerance again!

End result: