6 Demos and workshops 6 Life Drawing Classes 1 Exhibition 1 Collaborative Demo 4 Extra Events 6 Guest Artists at the Gallery in Jitterbug Art work Pastel of Black Coombe by Cathy Holmes The first six months of the year have been a whirlwind of creativity, collaboration, and community engagement at Barrow Society of Artists. Our members have poured their passion into a variety of projects, exhibitions, and workshops, demos and classes that have energized our members and our local art scene. This post takes a closer look at the highlights and challenges we’ve experienced so far. Demos & Workshops That Inspired Creativity Thank you to all the professionals who make time for our demonstrations and workshops. The next one is a workshop on Monday 3rd August. Its Not Such a Still Life by Steve Cook our Programme and Events Manager. Its a whole lot of fun. Look out for the blog next week telling you what you need to bring. As always workshops and demos are free to members! Life Drawing Classes Life Drawing Classes are £5 and open to none members they begin again in September. See our Life Drawing Page for the Dates and Time and what you will need to bring. The next one is Friday September 18th, We had an Exhibition Midsummer Moods in the Pod at the Dock Museum Many of our Artists rose to the challenge of creating limited size artwork for this mini exhibited in the Pod in the Dock Museum. It worked really well as an affordable art project and we hope to do this again soon. I am also looking forward to solo artists using this space. We attended Community Projects Project details: Bridges 1st Birthday Celebration- Try it, Make it, Bridge it. We had a table called Try it, Make it, Bridge it, Grow. We made Family and Friend Trees and Mini Art Trees. We also made a Bridge's First Birthday Tree with the guests who attended and then we presented it to the Bridge to celebrate their first year of serving the community. Abbi & Mollie accepting the Bridge's 1st Birthday Tree We also attended: the International Woman's Day Events arranged by Woman's Community Matters Collaborated with Art4All and attended the What's the Flock Event and supported their fundraising for themselves and the Cumbria Blood Bikers. We attended the Dino Day Event created by Barrow Bid Its been a great six months in the busy Art Scene in Barrow in Furness. Here is to another busy Art Scene over the next six months. Sketch and Sound Event: in Collaboration with North West Music Academy and John Duffin This was a great new Event one that I would like to do again! It supported the NWMA in their fantastic space that they are continuing to develop. Looking Ahead to the Second Half of the Year As we move into the latter half of the year, the Barrow Society of Artists is excited to build on this momentum. Upcoming plans include: A summer plein air painting session on Piel Island - Everyone invited. Sharing Moments from Home - A week long Autumn Exhibition at the Bridge in October The second half of the Events Programme will run which includes lots of workshops and Demos Go to the Demo and Workshop page on our Website Life Drawing classes resume in September- see our Life Drawing Page on our website And we hope to attend other Community Events as and when they come up look out for our blogs. I am going to add more of our members who are professionals and sell their art to our meet the members page. See the meet the Artists page for where we are up to so far! We are a membership holding group run by a Committee who are also members. Each Committee Member volunteers their time and expertise -- To each one Thank you for all the hard work behind the scenes keeping the Society running smoothly! You really all are super stars. Also thanks to Jean Pritchard for running our life drawing classes also Voluntarily you are very much appreciated. We hold a yearly Annual General Meeting to keep our 60+ members fully informed of where the Society, that belongs to them stands, and where we are heading. This year it was well attended and our ideas were supported, which is always a good result! The formal meeting was enhance this year, by an after votes, in depth talk on the Artist Kiffin Williams by Dudley Clarke. Which proved to be very inspiring. We invite everyone interested in art to join us, whether as participants, visitors, or supporters. Together, we can continue to enrich our community through creativity. And carry on Celebrating Local Artists and their Original Artwork. The first six months have shown how much can be achieved when artists come together with shared passion and purpose. The Barrow Society of Artists has grown stronger, more connected, and ready to embrace new opportunities. If you want to stay updated on our activities or get involved, visit our website Barrowsocietyofartists.com where you can also contact us directly. Let’s keep the creative energy flowing for the rest of the year. Blog by Marina Chair of Barrow Society of Artist

Its almost that time of year again. Meet up for a day of Plein Air Magic on Piel Island. Everyone Welcome- What to expect Get on the Ferry at Roa Island - The Ferry is starting at 10.30 to make sure we get across before the queue to get across the sea to the island this year. Start -10.30 Catch the Ferry- £7 return for adults. See if you can spot a seal on the way across. The Middle Bit - Find a spot on Piel Island to paint your favourite views. There are many on this beautiful island. From an Ancient Castle, the Cottages, the 360 degree sea views with boating sea activity -The pub the Ship Inn where you can purchase refreshments- The natural rare flora is wonderful too! Just take your favourite gear and paint or sketch your favourite bits. The Grand Finale - Meet outside the Ship Inn Pub at 2pm for a Talk on the fascinting bits of Piel Island by Local Guide John Murphy. Share your painting and Sketching results if you want to its always surprising how many different paintings we get! End of Day - Get the Ferry back to the mainland and head home The day of course is weather permitting check that the Ferry is running if its not such good weather! Click the link Piel Ferry – The passenger boat to magical Piel Island and marine safari seal and sea bird trips The weekend is the Festival of the Sea at Barrow in Furness so you may even get to see some of the visiting boats. There are always yachts and boats round Piel because this is the way most people access the Island. There is camping on the Island for those who fancy making a weekend of it. The night sky with its light unpolluted view are magical too. For more information on the Island click the link FAQs | Piel Island. Everyone is welcome there is no cost as this is just a meet up for Artists who love to paint outdoors [Plein Air]. Supervised children are welcome too but are the responsibility of the adult with them. Be great to see you there. Marina Chair of Barrow Society of Artists

Local scene of the Hoad by, Pastel Artist, Cathy Holmes July in Jitterbug Guest Artist at Jitterbug this month is the talented pastel artist Cathy Holmes. The vibrancy of the pure pigmented colour of pastels is what drew the Artist to this medium. The scenes recreated are the result of walks by Cathy Holmes in the beautiful Landscapes we are surrounded by in the Lake District and Local Area. July is for Exploration Its worth starting your exploration in the Jitterbug Gallery. Cathy Holmes showcase of fine art in Pastels is certainly worth looking at. About the Art For me the compositions Cathy choses to recreate the scenes she sees is the strength of this artist. Matched with the play of light and drama in everyday scenes. The heavy pigment in pastels allows for the colours to just explode in each work in the hands of this talented artist - Resulting in creating its own magic that you want to look at again and again and again. Don't take my word for it treat yourself to a view of these remarkable works showcased in the Jitterbug Gallery! Jitterbug Is found on Market St in Ulverston. You can check on google for opening times and actual location. The shop itself is a wonderful eclectic mix of collector and gift ideas. Just look for the Jitterbug to help you find this hidden treasure trove. With an Art Gallery on the top floor! Blog by Marina Chair of Barrow Society of Artists

Next Demonstration Date for your Diary Next Demonstration is a Workshop by Patsy Derry. Mixed Media Sketching Techniques 6th July 7pm to 9pm Hawcoat Memorial Hall As always Demos and Workshops are free to members- New members welcome! There is a list of things you will need to bring A piece of watercolour paper no bigger than A3 ( decent weight) taped to a support board Charcoal Graphite Water soluble graphite or graphite pencil Some pencils B2-B6/9 A hard rubber A small water pot and a smallish flat brush Soft pastels in dark brown , warm brown , light grey, various greens from dark to light and a bit of white Don't worry if you don't have all the pastels and pencils just bring what you have! The aim is to explore various sketching techniques then use the reference photo to create a Mixed Media work. Encouraging Artists to try new techniques and push people out of their comfort zone into exploration. Patsy Derry's work can be viewed on her website and there is a link to her website from the Meet the Artists Page on our website click the link : Meet the Artists | Barrow Society of Artists The Meet the artists page is currently under construction as part of the revamp and refresh of the website. Let me know what you think, click the link to view : barrowsocietyofartists.com Blog on behalf of Barrow Society of Artists By Marina

Making Art: Local Event! Barrow Society of Artists are supporting the first Birthday Celebrations of The Bridge in Portland Walk Barrow in Furness. We have an art table where you will be able to Try it, Make it, Bridge it, And Grow. Everyone welcome *4th July 2026 *At the Bridge in Portland Walk *10am to 3pm It would be good to see you there to Celebrate the Bridge's 1st Birthday! Its been an active 1st year for the Bridge and Barrow Society of Artists fully supports this event to get local people creating Great Art. Artists from our society will be there to show you the way. Artist teaching Artists since 1953 is our moto. Blog by Marina Chair of Barrow Society of Artists

Well Done to Artist Tracy Rose on Selling the Watercolour and Ink Painting Above * Last Chance to View our Midsummer Moods Exhibition Last Chance to View the Exhibition in the Pod at the Dock Museum. The last day of the Exhibition is on Dave's Day Saturday 20th June. Dave Myers was a much loved one time member of Barrow Society of Artists! So Good Luck to all the riders and its quite poignant our exhibition coincided with this special event. Well Done There have been two more paintings sold and going to new homes this week so well done to the Artists Tracy Rose and Diane Curwen, who I know will be doing happy dances that someone appreciated their work enough to buy it for their homes. I can't believe the Exhibition is in its last days. That was a fast three weeks. Well done to Diane Curwen for selling one of her Wood Blocks * Thank you To everyone who visited our Midsummer Moods Exhibition and to the Staff at the Dock Museum. Its great to have a local event to get creative for! The Midsummer Moods Exhibition - Celebrates the light, colour and textures and diverse energy our members bring to their work. In a Free to View Exhibition! A small snap shot taken from the 53 works exhibited follows for your enjoyment. Dave's Day the Last Ride On my last visit to the Dock Museum one of Dave's bikes had appeared as an Exhibit for the Dave's Day weekend. You can grab a coffee there too! Good luck to all the riders and we thoroughly hope you enjoy the event this weekend. I will be waving to you all as you ride in. Blog By Marina For Barrow Society of Artists

Artist Hannah Willets is Celebrating selling these two painting. photo taken form Hanna Willets Artist Facebook page* Well Done! Paintings are selling at the Barrow Society of Artists Midsummer Moods Exhibition in the Pod at the Dock Museum. Well done to Hannah Willets for selling two paintings in the Exhibition. Free Art Exhibition The Free Art Exhibition is located in the Pod at the Dock Museum. 23 Artists created 52 new artworks for you to enjoy. If you want to purchase an Original Artwork many of them are for sale! This Exhibition's final day is on Saturday 20th June. The Dock Museum is open at 11am and I would advise you to get there by 3pm at the latest to have time to look at the Original Artwork in this Exhibition. The Museum is shut on a Monday and Tuesday so back open Wednesday. John Duffin also has an Exhibition on the Exhibition Space on the middle floor. So don't miss it. Art by Eric Shaw using Oil and Cold Wax- Summer Morning The Midsummer Moods Exhibition Was a challenge to our members to create size limited Art works to fit into the Pod in the Dock Museum. The exhibitions shares Moments celebrating the light, colours, textures and diverse creative energy our members bring to their work. I hope you get to see the responses for yourself. We created a mini affordable art exhibition created by Local Artists. Art by Amanda Hetherington Seeing Stripes Members are Local Artists Barrow Society of Artists has 60+ members ranging from complete beginners to award winning Professionals. Its a great Community of Local Artists. Established as an Art Society in 1953 that's 70+ years. We hold regular meetings at Hawcoat Memorial Hall. We welcome new members. Sketch by Karen Fitzpatrick- Lone Tree at Buttermere We hold Exhibitions and Extra Events that we think our Art Community will like. Such as the Sketch and Sound event in collaborations with North West Music Academy and Artist John Duffin who was a one-time Barrow Society of Artists member before relocating. Pilot Cottages on Piel Island by Dudley Clark - Plein Air Artist Extra Events Our Paintout on Piel event last year resulted in Dudley Clark's painting of the Pilot Cottages on Piel Island. Plein Air enthusiast Dudley uses water-based oil paints to pursue his interest. The painting is in this year's Midsummer Moods Exhibition. We are planning on repeating the Paintout on Piel Event this August so that people not from the Society can join us for what turned out to be quite a special day last year. Weather of course permitting. Don't Miss it, it Will be Gone Soon I hope you get to see our Mini Exhibition which people have worked hard behind the scenes to provide for Barrow in Furness and the public who visit the Dock Museum. A great day of Cultural Experience. Blog created by Marina On behalf of Barrow Society of Artists

Black Coombe Stormy Skies * Local Art Exhibition A collaborative art event hosted by Barrow Society of Artists. Held at the Pod in the Dock Museum. Sharing moments celebrating the light colours, textures and diverse creative energy our members bring to their work. Its a Local Art Exhibition! Currently in its second week, ending on 20th June. Highlights Early sales success. Special recognition to Cathy Holmes who sold a pastel painting of Black Coombe with a stormy sky on the morning of the opening day. Paintings are still selling so go grab a look before they go! Artists Celebrate the red dot appearing on their paintings showing someone appreciated their work. The sales supports the Dock Museum being able to hold Art Events regularly too. 23 Artists from Barrow Society of Artists met the challenge of creating size-limited paintings for an affordable collection. Creating a total of 52 pieces to display for public viewing. Thank you to the Artists and well done for supporting this Event! Original Art created to fit the unique pod space in the Dock Museum. We actual think it makes a lovely setting and hope to see more local Artists Exhibiting in this ideal space. Watercolour and Ink artwork by Tracy Rose Visitor Information Open from 11am to 3pm, Wednesday through Sunday. Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Admission details. Free entry for all visitors, encouraging broad accessibility for disabilities. There is also a fantastic café, children's play area outside and parking availability. Plus there is a permanent display showing the history of Barrow in Furness. Location benefits. Viewing art in the atmospheric and historic setting of the Dock Museum. Little Gem by Plein Air Artist Dudley Clark Community Impact and Cultural Value Encouragement of local artists by creating a platform for artists to showcase and sell affordable art. Affordable pieces encourage art collecting and appreciation in the community. Combining art with a unique venue enriches community cultural offerings. And it gives artists a good excuse to start creating for your enjoyment. Art work is just about finding the things we enjoy or fascinate us about the world around us. And sharing that beauty and joy in the ordinary or the extraordinary with other people. You can't beat Art Appreciation. So Go Visit! And let me know what you think. Trio of Freestanding blocks by Diane Curwen There is to many great Artworks for me to show you here so go take a look. Blog created on behalf of Barrow Society of Artists By Marina

Graham Twyford in his home art Studio by his latest work I was lucky enough this week to catch up with acclaimed Local Artist Graham Twyford, where all the magic happens in his new home art studio. Graham has been a long-time member of Barrow Society of Artists and also acts as the Society's Art Advisor. It was a treat to listen to the artist's knowledge on art and how he approaches his work. The Creation of an Artist Graham Twyford with Phil Eaton in Barrow Boys Grammer School Art Room Graham was drawn to art at a young age and can't remember ever starting art; it was just a natural talent that he was passionate about. Phil Eaton ( Art teacher) at Barrow Boys Grammar School encouraged Graham to think about art as a career and introduced Graham to visiting art galleries at an early age (The Walker Gallery Liverpool and the Lady Lever Art Gallery Port Sunlight are ones Graham remembers fondly). He remembers from a class of very good artists only three boys - himself, Dave Myers and John Carling continued art into the Sixth Form. On to Greater Things Graham's school days ended, and he started a foundational degree at Lancaster Art College, moving to complete his degree at Goldsmiths in London. A painting the young Mr Twyford completed after taking A' level Art. A self portrait. The self portrait pictured is an early work by the Artist on Walney Beach where Graham grew up which he completed after taking A'Level Art. He was followed to Goldsmiths in London the following year by his close friend from school, Dave Myers of Hairy Biker fame. They shared a flat in Peckham, Del Boy country, on Asylum Road due to a Victorian asylum being at the end of the road. Dave cooked or they ate out! They shared a passion for not just art but also bikes. Julie, who became Graham's wife, purchased one of his early paintings. They first met during their school days: Julie eventually took on the role of being Graham's Personal Assistant and shares his enthusiasm for his art. She fully supports his work, ensuring that the printing of the original artwork meets high standards in her home printing office. Inspiration The acclaimed artist is inspired by the Lake District, where he frequently walks. He has a passion for art history. His work is meticulously thought out and planned using many techniques from his favourite periods: Victorian 19th-century paintings and historic art techniques of the Pre-Raphaelites. His first commissions after completing his degree were paintings for Coalport collectible china plates. This fantastic painting of St. George defeating the dragon was one of the paintings he completed for a commission by Coalport, who produced collector's plates. He finds people like jigsaws more now, but the plates were completed in series of 12 in the 1990s and are still around and definitely collectible! As a Teacher Himself Graham has held painting classes in the past, and I myself can vouch for being inspired to paint by one of Graham's YouTube videos during lockdown. I was familiar with Graham's work and remember the first time I saw his work displayed in a shop in town; I wanted to walk into the painting and explore. That was probably more than 30 years ago. The dedicated artist's work still has this fascination, with so much to see, admire, remember, and explore in each painting he undertakes. The painting depicting mist rising in the Lake District, through trees but below the mountain peaks was created from memory. It was originally used as a demonstration for his keen followers. Although he no longer runs classes himself, he continues to create demonstrations for Art Societies and Groups throughout the North-west from Scotland to Lytham St. Annes and all the towns and villages in between Graham possesses extensive and fascinating knowledge of art and painting techniques, stemming from his interest in Art History. He also uses this expertise to restore valuable paintings as a kind of paid hobby. There's always a story to share about Art or the process of creating art as he guides people through his latest thoroughly researched demonstration. Including a funny tale about setting up on a pair of stepladders outside a ladies toilets to get the right angle for his sketch of as popular Lake District pub. Which turned into one of his best selling works. The man knows no limits to his dedication and eye for detail. Home Work & Home Working Graham is however, more likely to be found in his home studio completing paintings and commissions or round and about sketching work as groundwork for his current or planned work. Below are two works being worked on currently one a painting using scumbles and glazing and one a pencil drawing on hot pressed watermarked handmade Fabriano paper. The green studio wall is also a prop it enhances the colours used in the painting so that Graham can get the tones and atmospheres he is creating without being flattened by a white wall. Graham receiving a delivery of a huge canvas for his next work. Meticulously chosen for the job at hand. You just know what ever Graham turns his hand to it will be fantastic. What's Next I am looking forward to seeing his entries for the Lakes Artists this year and hopefully an entry into the Barrow Society of Artists Exhibitions planned for this year too. Also in the pipe line is a Retrospective Exhibition at the Dock Museum featuring Graham's works over the years. So keep your eyes open for when the dates get finalised and this Exhibition celebrating a local celebrity artist takes place ! We are in the process of developing plans as a Society to establish a Graham Twyford Award in recognition of our esteemed Art Advisor. This initiative will include prizes for students from local senior schools and colleges, aiming to promote art participation in educational institutions. Stay tuned for more updates! A favourite Painting of Mine by Graham The Bridge to Walney- Prints can be purchased directly from Graham or Home Images on Duke St, Barrow in Furness Graham Twyford's work can be viewed on his website click the link Graham Twyford Its also available from many outlet Galleries within the Lake District and Barrow's own Home Images on Duke St in Barrow A Painting of Snowdrops Graham is just completing in this Home Art Studio. A photograph doesn't do this work justice. The Artwork is definitely to be viewed in person and to be appreciated for ever. Blog created by Marina Chair of Barrow Society of Artists

Art work by Faiqa Aslam Faiqa Aslam Guest Artist @ the Jitterbug Gallery for April From 7th April 2026, Among the Showers and Flowers This months Guest Artists at the Jitterbug Gallery is our own Social Media Co-ordinator Faiqa Aslam. Her work will be showcased in the Gallery from April 7th. So please call in and show your support for this Artist: who works hard behind the scenes to keep Barrow Society of Artists Members and Original Art lovers in the area informed on what is happening in the local Art Scene. Faiqa's Own Words "I create a diverse body of work that ranges from traditional calligraphy and illumination to bold, experimental abstraction and contemporary art. My practice is driven by curiosity and a desire to explore new techniques, materials, and visual languages, balancing precision with spontaneity." The Exploration Within the Art In this series, the Artist explores texture and movement through thick, layered paint. Intentionally creating drips and grids to build depth and energy, allowing the materials to move organically while maintaining a sense of structure. Expressive Form "Arranged in a vase, floral motifs serve as expressive forms," says Faiqa, "their varied and vibrant colours conveying life, vitality, and transformation." This series of original artworks are just waiting to be a focal point in someone's home. Just pick your favourite from those exhibited in Jitterbug. The Jitterbug Shop Jitterbug is packed with collectibles and curiosities. An eclectic mix of inspiring gift ideas. The gallery is found on the top floor where a collection of local artists showcase their work. It is definitely worth a visit. The outside of the Jitterbug Shop in Market St, Ulverston Click the link to the Jitterbug shops Facebook page for opening hours or to follow: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php/?id=61560013870484 Blog Created by Marina Chair of Barrow Society of Artists

Borrowdale Looking South - From Graham Twyford's Overview Series of Paintings With the imminent better weather calling people back to the fells in our fabulous Lake District, I though, now is the time to do a series of blogs on this fantastic feat by Barrow Society of Artists, Art Advisor and Acclaimed Local Lakes Artist Graham Twyford. On my recent visits to the Artist's art studio I got to view his Overview Series of Paintings. I was enthralled at the work and detail that has gone into this trilogy of paintings, and Graham's description of what was actually in the paintings. In this blog the main painting of the, Borrowdale Looking South, Overscope is dissected into detailed parts for you to see for yourself the content in this painting. I have left Graham to narrate the contents in his paintings himself as its a fascinating story of passion and detail for what he sees when he walks and climbs The Cumbrian Lake Districts familiar places of outstanding beauty. Today we cover the painting Borrowdale Looking South painting above... Marina Castle Crag (With Millican Dalton's Cave) The Overscopes are intended as generally accurate overviews of well loved walking country including narrative elements and an eagle eyed clarity with perspective enhancement. The close up of Castle Crag features Millican Dalton standing in the cave which he made his home for decades. Millican Dalton was, or is now a legendary Lakeland eccentric who gave up the 9 to 5 drag of London to live in a Borrowdale cave. Existing on strong coffee and Woodbines. He Styled himself "The Professor of Adventure" guiding posh Toffs on expeditions in the Lakes and Alps. He was a pioneer in handmade outdoor kit and climbing gear. Its him rafting on the Derwent in the next clip from the Overscope painting. (Zoom in to see this detail if your on your phone or small screen) Grange and the Bowder Stone The Viewing station of the Borrowdale Overscope is high above Grange. Taking in the foreground detail includes the famed double span bridge over the Derwent with tourists. The Professor of Adventure is rafting through. The Bowder Stone is brought out in the woods beneath Bowder Crag. Wheels of Fire Rock Climb with Millican Dalton Leading The Overscope paintings often reference outdoor activities associated with the locations, as here with the well know rock climbing route "Wheels of Fire" on Bowder Crag. Again Millican Dalton is seen out of time leading an ascent - the likeness is based on a classic photo of the Lake District eccentric. The close up also reveals some of the watercolour techniques and pencilwork used to bring out this image. Details of the Stonethwaite Section of the Borrowdale Painting Stonethwaite For the Overscope the distant side valley of Stonethwaite is brought into clear focus. Seen from the viewpoint above Grange, Eagle Crag would look quite small in perspective and usually pale with reduced detail - how I would conventionally paint it. Now its true scale is given more emphasis - more diagrammatic and map-like. Fairy Glen (great swimming pool with turquoise water) would not be visible but I tried to summarise how they might look if you could glide over for a closer look. An seperate Oil Painting on Canvas Lingcove from Tongue Pot by Graham Twyford When the painting was nearly finished we walked the route in glorious sunshine to see how it compared. There were hoards of Ghyll Scramblers jumping in the waterfalls and Tongue Pot and apart from one or two tiny omissions I was delighted with the accuracy. Research was then underway for the follow up "Helvellyn Ascent" - more pesky footslogging in the Lakes- somebody's got to do it.... Graham Twyford Next Blog covers the Helvellyn - Ascent from Patterdale and Glenridding via Striding Edge - Overscope painting including some coverage of the techniques used to create the paintings. See you soon. Click the link to go directly to Graham Twyford's web site to order prints or contact the Artist: https://www.grahamtwyford.com/ Blog By Marina in collaboration with Graham Twyford For Barrow Society of Artists

Overview painting by Graham Twyford: One from a series of three Helvellyn is the best selling Overscope to date and this is likely due to the popularity of Striding Edge with visitors and Wainwright baggers! Patterdale In 1955 when the first Pictorial Guide, "The Eastern Fells" was ready, Wainright set out with a few copies to see if any shops in the Lakes would sell them for him. First port of call was the Post Office and Village Store seen here lower left. They said he could leave a couple to see how they went. The following day they phoned up for another dozen as soon as he could get them there and so it began. Recently the store has closed, I am sad to say, though I was delighted when the owner contacted me to request a print and say how much she loves the Overscope. The cricket game played behind the church is a counterpoint to the visible hikers assailing Striding Edge - the level green turf of the lowland contrasting with the jagged fangs of the heights. A closer look at Striding Edge the spectacular climax to the ascent from Patterdale and Glenridding. Keldas Pines and Lanty's Tarn At the foot of the mountain spur rising above the villages is the rocky knoll of Keldas; crowned with lovely Scot's Pines its a great vantage point to survey the upper reach of Ullswater. Within the trees, ringed by Silver Birch, Lanty's Tarn gleams and reflects its host of trees. Lanty refers to another character of the Lake Districts, Lancelot Slee, a notorious bootlegger - he used hideouts here and there in the mountains. Glenridding Embarking from Glenridding Pier, an Ullswater Steamer sweeps into the lake. A magazine once asked me to recommend a Lakeland walk and straight away I suggested taking the Ullswater Steamers, which call at Howtown on the outward and return cruise. The option is to disembark at Pooley Bridge, grab a bite to eat then re-board for Howtown which is halfway back on the roadless side. From here is an easy though exhilarating walk. The walk back to Glenridding- Painting by Graham Twyford Method and Techniques To produce the Overscopes work begins with memory and imagination. On a full sheet of A1 paper I roughly get down in charcoal all that I can remember of the location without reference. I have a broad general idea of much of the topography of the lakes and its surprising what sticks in the memory. I try to bring the distant parts forward, imagining how things would be if the landscape had tilted towards the viewing point. I'm going for a strong 3 dimensional effect with a cross light to pick out the depth. Only when there is a strong design and composition do I begin to edit and perfect the shapes. Checking with Ordnance Survey maps, adjusting shapes and correcting errors. Much of the creativity is in the drawing which may be rather complex so I've worked nifty ways to get it onto the painting surface using simple modern tech. Printout and Transfer In essence the drawing is photographed and put on the PC, then printed onto A4 transparent film (overhead projector stuff or write on film) - the inkjet printer ink doesn't fix. It leaves a beautiful grey impression just right to go over with pencil and watercolour. Before printing the drawing is flipped to a mirror image so it prints the right way round when transferred. Hope your with me so far! Transfer onto Watercolour Board Next the transfer is nearly complete - all the A4 sections neatly registered and aligned (takes a bit of practice). The rounded edge of the glass jar seen here is used to burnish and smooth the drawing onto the paper to help with even transfer. I have found an excellent and inexpensive online app called Rapid Resizer, which will rapidly re-size any drawing or photo to the size of your painting and then divide it up into A4 or A3 sections to print out. Graham Twyford. I hope you enjoyed part two of the blog created in collaboration with Graham Twyford. The insight and know how that Graham shares is for all those Artists who love to paint and want to know how it is done. Graham's work can once again be viewed or ordered from his website by clicking the link Graham Twyford See you back next week for the third and final insight into the Skafell Pike from Eskdale Overscope! The final painting of the Overscope trilogy of paintings. Blog by Marina in collaboration with Graham Twyford For Barrow Society of Artists