I've been working on other themes besides oilrigs since my return from The Cromarty Firth.
Not far from the city of Inverness is the Culloden battlefield site, now stewarded by the Scottish National Trust.
It has a wonderful visitors centre with a very graphic exhibition of the actual battle. However, I found the explanations and assimmilated sound effects all rather overwhelming and had to make a hasty retreat! And then I found myself, outside walking through the battlefield itself.
It was a very miserable, cold September day with low cloud and drizzle. The expanse of land before me was desolate and uncompromising and there was a tangible 'atmosphere' that I found depressing....I thought then, that this must have been pretty much how it felt on the day of the battle, 16 April 1746.
I was chilled by this experience and went off to seek a pleasant, warm hotel and some tasty food.
I was suprised therefore when on my return to the studio....that this powerful image of Culloden had followed me ! I quickly started this painting a few weeks ago...the image developed very quickly but as the paint went on very thickly I am now waiting for it to dry before continuing with its next layer.
