I love the water and the moods it has as well as plant life that thrives at the water’s edge. Here is a scene to depict this simple stretch of water that laps against the reeds in the breeze.
Created with my trusty waxes and hot iron I blended the colours together on a box canvas measuring 30” x 20”.
Sometimes, you just don’t want to part with one of your own creations so perhaps I will re-create another but it will be slightly different!
By the waterside at Lake Indio
Pat
The sun did shine this weekend and I couldn’t resist going for a walk in a park to see what nature could show me! I was not disappointed. There was an amazing tableau of colour presenting itself to us all as we strolled along the paths.
Apart from the breathtaking flora I had to say, ‘hallo’ to my friend the duck who was napping!
Then we strolled by a nearby lake and look what we found!!! Millions of tadpoles…
If you click on the picture to enlarge it you will be able to make out the black dots with the wiggly tails.
Even the water lilies are trying to open their petals.
The south of UK was bathed in delightful sunshine with a slight breeze during Saturday. You could not sit indoors for long after all the cold we have had recently. It was gorgeous!
My husband and I decided to visit our favourite park to see if any real green shoots had emerged after the snow and ice we saw there on our last visit. Sure enough! The birds were singing, flitting here and there gathering food and just generally being full of the joys of a sunny day. Whilst we took a re
As I said the bird song was amazing and so cheerful! Suddenly, I glanced down to my feet as I spotted some movement. Looking down I found I had a new friend! Mr Robin!!
I could not believe how tame he was. He was actually picking up crumbs at my feet. We both sat very still and only just moved enough for me to take these pictures! 
Here he looked up to see what I was up to with my camera upon which, once he was satisfied that I would not stop him foraging, he then turned his back to me! 
I was so excited to be able to have this wild bird moving so freely and closely to me. Obviously, the birds in this park are well used to people drifting in and out without minding too much.
Whilst we walked around we saw loads of clumps of snowdrops which is a sure sign that Spring is on its way!!!
Before we left we really wanted to stroll along the edges of some of the lakes which had been frozen over a few weeks ago.
What a difference a little sunshine makes!
Spring has sprung.
In order to blow the cobwebs my husband and I decided to visit Wakehurst Place which is not too far a drive from our house. It was just a couple of days into the new year and the weather, though dry, was really cold!
One of the views we had promised ourselves was that of a huge tree near the main house which had been decorated with loads of light bulbs which were to be lit every afternoon just prior to the closing of the park. We got there around 3.30pm to walk around a little whilst waiting for the lights to be switched on. Boy, was it cold! 
Even the birds were finding it hard work. At one stage we saw some seagulls fighting over some bread that had been cast on the ice only to be slithering all over the place!
Ducks and moorhens were trying to manoeuvre across the ice to reach the bread that visitors had thrown for them. 
All this was all very well but when were the lights going to be lit?
Finally!! The lights were switched on! It was hard to photograph since the sky still held the last of the daylight. Still, you could see vestiges of the moon to the upper right and judging by the clear blue sky with not a cloud in sight we were due for a very cold night.
Best to return to the car to put the heater on and whilst driving home we looked forward to a hot cup of tea and the remainders of the Christmas cake to warm us up!
I know I have already been for many walks and posted pictures of scenes I encountered but we went back to Sheffield Park yesterday afternoon and couldn't resist taking more pictures. This Park is famous in our area for beautiful scenery, especially at this time of year. And so, really, I should not have been so surprised when we had to join a lengthy queue at the main entrance. Standing patiently in line, one of the volunteer organisers asked for those with National Trust membership to step forward. We did only to find an astonishing number of people who were handing over not insignificant amounts of cash for the privilege of visiting the gardens for a couple of hours that remained of the cool daylight.
As we walked in we did find some beautiful views even though I thought the colours must have peaked a couple of days ago. Also, the sun was not shining so much so that the bright colours were not highlighted as much.
These are some of the photos I took on our walk.
I love the contrast of the deep green against the reds and orange flame coloured foliage.
Just look at the contrast of the 'red' carpet with the yellowing leaves still on the tree.
Here an old oak tree has been chopped down leaving some of the old trunk for ivy to grow on but it gives an interesting shape/accent with the surrounding trees.
In this shot of the trees across the lake you can still evidence of the lily pads which will later be replaced by slips of ice as the depths of winter approach.
I love this last picture of the lake which shows so many different types of trees. The conifer that is stooping down the water's edge is beautiful. This picture is on my laptop as a screen save!
These guys would not look up at me! No matter what noise I made or where I stood, they were far too busy to take any notice of any nosey passerby, no matter what! After a while I did decide to move on since swans can be a little aggressive!
We really enjoyed our walk even though the park was very full of people who were all out to enjoy the last vestiges of autumn. At least I managed to be patient and take the photos after people had moved on!
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