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A brief visit to Tyntesfield House (National Trust) as we were passing was rewarded with some impressive views of autumn colours and the Gothic house lit by the low autumn sun. #autumn #nationaltrust #Tyntesfield

I loved the rocks on Guernsey’s coast – especially as they were lit in the low sun of evening – strong shapes and deep shadows. So I have printed my first layer in grey and cut the second tile to overprint in black. This is an exciting stage in the process but will have to wait until after the first coffee of the day. OK – so coffee done; I inked up the second tile, checked the registration (alignment) against the first and did a test print with much better results than I had expected. Just a few stray ridges to cut away and then test print again before finally printing onto some nice thin Japanese paper – part of a selection pack from Lawrences Art Supplies. And the original inspiration for this print …..

Noting the clear sky and thinking the stormy weather coming this weekend would strip trees of leaves, I thought it would be good to head down to Stourhead to catch the low sun illuminating the autumn clothed trees. Using a neutral density filter I was able to use a very slow shutter speed to smooth out the water ripples and clarify the reflections. #leaves #Landscape #Sunset #Stourhead #Reflection #autumn #nationaltrust

A frosty clear 5:30am – with the promise of mist and cloud developing seemed like a good combination for some atmospheric photography from Kings Wood overlooking Axbridge reservoir and on to Glastonbury Tor. Car scraped clear of ice and warm layers, hat and gloves – a short drive to then climb the  hill through Kings Wood above Winscombe. A hint of colour on the horizon seemed to be waiting for the cloud encroaching from the North to obliterate the view. Then for 15 minutes as the sun rose over the Mendips and the clouds rolled over the same hills the battle of light and dark ensued. Dark clouds blocking the sun eventually, but not before I had enjoyed and photographed the spectacle. As always – images are available for purchase as digital files at £10 each or as mounted A4 prints – £25, or larger sizes – up to 100cm on foamex board (100cm on the longest side costs £100 unframed, £150 framed – not glazed). #sunrise

Waiting for the opening of the venue to meet Sir Don McCullin at The Paintworks, Bristol; I enjoyed exploring this development – combining workspaces and living accommodation – great design – set off by the colourful sunset. Sir Don’s talk was very honest and inspiring.

Driving up the Horseshoe Pass above Llangollen we caught sight of the white peaks pf Snowdon so ahd to stop and get a picture – or two. Using my 100-400mm in portrait orientation at 280mm F6 and 1/250s I took a series of 7 images and then sitched them together in Photoshop. Some tweaking to de-haze as this was a long-distance shot and we’re done. Except for trying a monochrome B&W version – by running the image through NiK – Silver FX Pro2. Using the Fine-Art Process preset then adding a geen colour filter I was able to balance the tones of the very dark green field with the rest of the image. Pleased with the result.

So good to see my Photograph “Psalm 62” of a weathered tree, on display in Chester Cathedral today. “My soul waits in silence for God only; From Him is my salvation. He only is my rock and my salvation, My stronghold; I shall not be greatly shaken.”

What a fabulous, misty start to the day on Chew Valley lake! The sun trying to cut through the mist, illuminating trees and ducks as silhouettes. All in a golden glow – wonderful. This is a stitched panorama of 5 portrait oriented images. I have several other versions each with a unique feel. These will be worked on and made available for sale. Email me if you are interested. They can be printed up to a metre in width.

We had to be in Bristol for 8am so I took advantage with a stop-off at The Clifton Suspension Bridge as the sky was showing a lovely tinge of pink. Resting the camera on the bridge wasn’t good for the long exposure I needed as it shook with every passing car. So we walked to the western end and rested the camera on the stone wall.

A quick stop-off at Ham Wall this morning was rewarded with atmospheric views of a Great White Egret – illuminated by the sun and touched with mist.

Quite a contrast this morning – mist to the south – around and over the Mendip Hills but the Weston town area was clear so as the sun rose shine through the mist and under lighting the cloud we had a great display – all in pink #sunrise .

Having read of an intense black pigment for linocut printing called Bideford Black – I set out to find it. My quest came out in conversation with a colleague working on exam board moderation. It just so happened that she lived in nearby Appledore and her husband, a talented painter, knew of and used Bideford Black. So last week we set off for Bideford and were taken on a two mile hike out if Westward Ho! to locate and collect the raw material – a form of coal. Today I set about grinding it up and trying a first print or two. Using coffee grinder and mortar and pestle I produced a fine powder which I then mixed with boiled linseed oil using a glass muller. I am encouraged with the results – considering the powder has not been refined or finely sieved. First prints on some Japanese paper too.