I went down to Bodiam on Thursday. The riverbanks are extremely overgrown this time of year, but I managed to find a spot where the river was just visible. Along the banks there are many very pretty, tall flowering plants with purple/pink/white flowers called Himalayan balsam. It is a thug of a weed and is becoming a problem, taking over from our native plants - but it does look lovely with its reddish coloured stems. While painting, a bird of prey flew into my view and was hovering, probably hunting for field mice. I really enjoyed my afternoon and was pretty happy with the result. At home, I realised the painting needed some more darks in the foreground plants, so I returned yesterday to finish the painting (and start another!).
40 x 30 cm, oil on board.
Available.
Date: 28/09/2014
Location: Bodiam, East Sussex
Artist Fran Russell
