Moorland Fires Again
Sunset Fire
Watercolour
18 x 26 cm
We've just had a couple of serious moorland fires again in Caithness. They've been put out now with the help of the rain, but I expect they will smoulder for a while yet. Once the fire gets into the peat it can burn underground for a long time. I don't know how these started. It's too late to be moorland management so I expect it was accidental: just throwing a cigarette out of a car window can be enough. It's strange that we had no fires when the weather was warm and dry recently, but we've had them now that it's cloudy and cold.
I didn't get out to see the recent fires: I don't like "ambulance-chasing" in any case, but this painting was from another one that I sketched a few years ago. From a painter's point of view the smoke and the setting sun combined to make a wonderful subject.
I didn't get out to see the recent fires: I don't like "ambulance-chasing" in any case, but this painting was from another one that I sketched a few years ago. From a painter's point of view the smoke and the setting sun combined to make a wonderful subject.
Hi Keith.
ReplyDeleteLovely painting. I especially like the reflections
and colours. Sorry to hear about the Fires. all the best.
Vic.
The paingint is beautiful, I love the simplicity, it's not overcowded with details, yet captures the sight, has something I cannot express by words:)
ReplyDeleteKeith, missed your last few posts but have now caught up.
ReplyDeleteYour landscape paintings always leave me wondering how???
The last one of smoke and sun is quite beautiful.
BJ
Did I mention how difficult it is to post to you blog with that awful code thingy?
ReplyDeleteIt is!! BJ
Thanks Vic, it seems strange to be talking about fires when it's been raining heavily all day here!
ReplyDeleteThanks Egle.
ReplyDeleteThanks Barbra Joan. I wonder "How" myself sometimes when things aren't going well!
ReplyDeleteYes Barbra Joan I know how annoying the code is. I tried removing it for a while and immediately started getting spam comments. They were all dealt with by the spam filter but was irritating to have to delete them. I think I'll try again and see how it goes.
ReplyDeleteGood morning Keith!... A very powerful portrayal of an annual event it would seem... at least that is so in the northern reaches of our province of Ontario.
ReplyDeleteWild fires usually caused naturally by lightning strikes... but also by human carelessness ravage our most northerly reaches of fir populated areas... often destroying complete towns as they roar uncontrollably... until rains extinguish them.
I love the stark contrast you have depicted using the dark and foreboding foreground... in conjunction with the billowing smoke and twice seen rosiness of the sun. Beautiful statement!
Good painting!
Warmest regards!
Bruce
Hello Bruce, I don't think there will be any more fires here now for a while, after the rain we've had.
ReplyDeleteAll the best,
Keith
Hello Keith, I'm not dead, though you probably thought I may have been. I have just been very busy with other things: several exhibitions and writing a book. I have looked at some of your paintings from the last - very long - while. As always, they are absolutely wonderful. I think it is remarkable that you are able to keep your blog going like this; I'm afraid that I am not much of a blogger. That said, I have now started a new blog http://the-spaceinbetween.blogspot.com.au/ It is completely linked to the book I have just written and expect to have published in July. You are more than welcome to visit, and I will try to visit your blog on a more regular basis. Take care, Diane
ReplyDeleteHello Diane, it's good to hear from you again. I remember that you said that you were struggling to keep going with your blog with all your other commitments, so I assumed you were keeping busy.
ReplyDeleteIt's certainly hard to keep finding time for a blog sometimes, as well as finding something interesting to say. I think I'm helped by the fact that I can always write a bit about the history or geography of my area.
I'll certainly have a look at your new blog. I've still got some ideas for a book of my own but it's one of those things I haven't got around to yet.
All the best,
Keith
Great effect John, using what appear to be simple techniques; but we know they aren't simple. Good to see you are still hard at your painting, and just getting better all the time! Regards, John
ReplyDeleteThanks John, good to hear from you again.
ReplyDelete