October 2009: Poppies at Fontmell Down, Dorset
A rare blue sky day in October. Bright sunshine - bliss! A truly magical experience. Red poppies illuminating the landscape.
We returned later the same day to see the sun setting over the Blackmore Vale and the sky went from turquoise and orance to deep red. The poppies matched the sky.
Stoborough Heath, near Wareham, Dorset.
After lunch at our favourite Granary Restaurant in Wareham we went to Stoborough Heath, Wareham and painted the russet tones of the bracken and the few remnants of heather. The heath was lit up - glowed as the sun became lower in the sky behind Creech Hill. (Bronze and copper tones)
Sam has collected a lovely piece of chalk from Fontmell Down - a great piece of natural sculpture to add to our pathway!
August 2009: It's late August and Sam spent a very relaxing day absorbing the changing view from her back garden. The skies are dramatic at this time of year and the seasons of mists and mellow fruitfulness don't feel far away...
May 2009: Four days in beautiful Dorset... from downs to sea
In May we took a week out of the gallery and challenged ourselves to try new things. We felt at times that we had Dorset all to ourselves. Here are the highlights of our week… and if you’re in need of inspiration for places to eat in Dorset, look no further!
From north to south, east to west, Dorset is home to such a variety of landscapes. This year we’ve started a project we simply call the Dorset Pathway, a trail of our favourite sketching spots that never seem to be too far from a wonderful tearoom! Our pathway is continually evolving and may never end. Many return trips may be needed and lots more egg and bacon baps!
Day 1
We have been rediscovering the natural delights of Fontmell Down. The orange tips, silver spotted skippers and lesser marbled fritillaries are enjoying the warm sunshine. We were thrilled to discover an abundance of orchids and cowslips this year and we topped off a wonderful day’s sketching with warm scones at Compton Abbas tearooms.
Day 2
From the chalk and flint of the downs we travelled through bluebell woods and the villages along the River Tarrant to Shapwick on the river Stour.
A warm and humid day created the perfect temperature for the damsel flies to hatch on the river bank and as we walked along through meadows of buttercups. We had to keep our mouths tightly shut in case we swallowed any! At White Mill on the Stour we spotted egrets and herons... no elusive flash of blue from the kingfisher. If you are ever in Shapwick then give the Anchor a try for lunch, the ploughman’s was fabulous.
Day 3
Onward to Spetisbury ancient rings and iron age hill fort and continuing to Wareham forest and heath. The vibrant yellow gorse (furze) was abundant and luminous amongst the dark green pine trees at Lawson Clump. We followed the pathway to the top and gazed at the breathtaking view across the heath towards Poole Harbour, the sea and the hills. After gathering cones and tree bark on the heath we drove to Wareham and walked along the river Frome by glistening water meadows framed by the blue grey of the Purbeck hills. Yet another wonderful lunch at the Granary in Wareham.
Day 4
A brilliant blue sky day for our final destination, Studland Bay, where the heath, dunes, beach and limestone cliffs meet. We devoured egg and bacon baps in the National Trust Café, sketched and went beach combing.
Pyt House Kitchen Garden and Café (click here for website)
This is such a gem we almost want to keep it to ourselves! Enjoy lovely food on the terrace in the beautiful surroundings of the kitchen garden... bliss. And you can buy seasonal produce in the little shop, we can’t wait for the raspberries.
Studland Bay (click here for website)
There’s nothing quite like a good bacon sandwich on a Sunday morning, and when you’re sitting looking out over the sea at Studland you just can’t beat it. If you don’t know Studland well then if you can tear yourself away from the beach there is a lovely nature walk that takes you round ponds and heather.
