Part 2 Take time to walk and sketch small studies as you find inspiration in local scenes, by Steve Strode

by Steve Strode

Four at Formby , acrylic on paper, each 4x6in. (10x15cm). Take time to play and create a couple of loose studies.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

■ Warm-up exercises for you to try

■ Draw and paint a little every day

Last month we looked at how setting a project can give your work more focus. This month, don’t wait for inspiration to strike, go in search of it and join me on a couple of walks to see if any of the following tips come in handy.

My recent venture, Mersey Shore, documents the coastline of the Mersey estuary, but you can decide on your own location and use the initial trips to scout out places and ideas for future paintings. It’s exciting to let everything unfold, discovering the new and having to be nowhere other than where you are. Before you leave the house, however, ensure you have the practicalities sorted so you’re prepared for your walks.

A typical day walking for me means wearing the right gear: light, loose fitting clothes and a good pair of walking boots. If you’re new to the outdoors, keep a list in your bag of what you’ll need to pack. Check the weather and take a waterproof if you need it. Look to see if there are amenities nearby for food or toilet breaks. I’m lucky in that a rail link runs the length of the coast so a station and a few shops are never too far away. Alternatively, if you aim to be out for a couple of hours, eat before you set off so you need only pack a bottle of water and a light snack.