In the middle of May I make my annual trip to paint bluebells en plein air. It is a challenge to depict a visual experience such as this and a pleasure to work with colour. The changing light, the wind and differences in temperature from hot to very cool all have a profound effect on the work experience and can be part of the joy, too. When working directly in front of your subject there is a connection, or even a kind of communion, which is very satisfying and cannot be achieved by working from a flat photograph. The camera is, however, a useful tool and a well-taken photograph can be a very helpful resource when back at home or in the studio.
When the bluebells are in full bloom it can be difficult to find a place to set up, as everywhere you look can be a possible painting. I have considered some abstract ideas where there is no focal point, but for this demonstration I included a pathway, which provides focus.