I love going into galleries and museums wherever I go.  Galleries filled with local artists’ creations can inspire as well as inform about the area that is around.  #TLeslieHawkes was a well-known Lake District watercolour artist who was inspired by the area of the country he lived in. I recently came across a number of his works.

First Furrow with Gentle Giants – a memory at Gleaston
watercolour by T Leslie Hawkes 1978

Having lived for a large part of my life on a farm, I love pictures concerning rural and farming life.  The massive and powerful beasts which can pull a plough through a fallow field are also beautiful and gentle.  Of course where I grew up we didn’t have castles – not even ruins of.  The ruins in the background here are those of Gleaston Castle.

Daffodils at Duddon Bridge
watercolour by T Leslie Hawkes 1974

I love the subtle use of colour.  The Lake District is one of the most beautiful areas in England and a very popular site for holidaymakers.  Wonderful scenery, lots of history and plenty of things to captivate and stimulate ones mind and body.  For artist and non a joyful place to the eyes and spirit.

To finish, a #stippleengraving (which I think is under-appreciated art-form) that I acquired this week.  Wonderfully coloured with some hand finishing.

Rebecca at the Well stipple engraving
unknown artist – 19th century?