In three days time I’ll be back in this field, layered up with fleecy clothes, sketchbook in hand and feeling at one with the world.
The Novar estate near Evanton has been a family holiday destination for a few years now and it happens to have some fantastic old trees. This is a really special row of veteran beeches on a bank in the deer park, which I drawn many times. I’ve no idea how old they are but they have a magnetic quality that keeps me going back, however cold it is.
I only get one visit a year, so I’m busy packing my drawing and camera kit so I can make the most of the precious time. Early spring is my favourite time for field drawing as the trees are stll leafless but there’s a feeling of potential and newness in the air.