Steart Wetlands

Another drawing day at Steart with drawing friends Polly and Lesley, a thermos flask and biscuits. We chose a path towards the Quantock View Hide that over-looked two large water areas and several smaller ones in the distance. Watched swans, Highland cattle and this little resident through the tall reeds that lined the path.

The wind-swept grasses, taller than us, making soft swishing sounds in the background.

The water level gradually exposed more mud and undulations that formed lots of curved shapes even on a very grey day.

The extra long sketchbook pages gave wide proportions.

Tried making a composite by ripping strips from one drawing and adding to a second.

Fresh Horizons

I haven’t posted my work for a while and now is a good time to do it as I’m starting to look at fresh ground for inspiration namely the haunting landscape of the coastal strip near my home. Some of these images come from past drawings and textiles but I’ve resurrected them to help me make connections with recurring interests – a bit like rearranging a pin board in my studio which you might have seen before.

Steart Point protrudes into the confluence of the River Parett as it flows into the Severn Estaury, just beyond Bridgwater.

This recently re-landscaped area is being returned to an earlier state of wetland and is gradually being allowed to be reclaimed by the sea. It is now called Steart Marshes and is mangaed by the Wildlife and Wildfowl Trust. My village of Cannington is just over the hill, seen below.

It is a beautiful and peaceful area to walk around at any time of day to note the changes in the tidal water levels and seasons to see differences in the habitat and the wildlife that visits. Close up details of water edges are repeated in distant horizons.

 

Wooden hides, constructed around ‘containers,’ give good viewing points and places to draw  and enjoy watching the birds, the clouds, the water, the wet mud of this beautiful wild place.

 

Marks in the mud can become stitch marks.

 

Movement and sound.  Distorted silhouettes. Layers and after-images suggest birds in flight.

    

I aim to post more after each visit to Steart Marshes to record my observations, so keep an eye on this blog.

Hurray!

Welcome to 2016 and my new-found blog set-up programme  – Open Live Writer

Wishing you a very happy and creative New Year .

Sian