_Wildlife Artist and Natural History Illustrator
Church Way Wood - Larmer Tree
© Susan Shimeld
| Region: | U.K |
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From 1989 -1999, whilst living at Larmer Tree Gardens, I would walk daily, with Orca my Newfoundland, through Church Way Woods. With the changing seasons I would often encounter something new, a pile of feathers on an old tree stump, indicating a 'plucking post' for a bird of prey, a brightly coloured toadstool, fungus or flower or something that had not grown in a particular spot the year before. Each walk was like a new adventure.
My Woodland art is a watercolour and gouache painting and a combination of the many plants, insects, animals and birds that frequented the woods. The focal point is 'Sitting Tree', from where we spent many blissfully happy hours just sitting, watching and listening to the woods and its inhabitants. From this special place I was able to observe at close quarters, deer, hares, voles, stoats, birds, wood mice and shrews.
Buzzards would often circle high above the treetops calling to one another and occasionally would settle in the branches close by. One day I heard a rustling from above and realised that there were two young fluffy tawny owls peering down at me through the foliage; they wobbled about as they tried to balance precariously on the large branch, directly above my head. Robins, long tailed tits, gold crests, nuthatches and many more all lived in, or passed through the woods, in search of food. The only time I knew it to be silent was when a sparrow hawk arrived. Everything in the woods would be instantly, eerily silent - not a sound could be heard. Only when this handsome bird of prey had flown away, would the woods come back to life.
For my painting I decided to portray the fauna and flora of the wood including as many of my lovely memories as possible. Over a long period of time I sketched the numerous plants, insects and animals. Church Way Wood is a very special wood.
From the sale of my wildllife art, my 'Church Way Wood' painting and with the sale of each 'Church Way Wood' Fine Art Print and Greetings Card a donation is given to charity.
2005
At the beginning of this year I was delighted to discover that Larmer Tree, my home for many years, was once again available. In need of more studio space, I am delighted to be back at Larmer Tree Studio, Tollard Royal. I look forward to many more walks through this beautiful and special wood.
---------------------N--------------'Nature in Art'
----------------------------Original Paintings, Fine Art Prints & Greetings Cards
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----------------------All Artwork, Images & Content © Susan Shimeld. 2002. All rights reserved.
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