Recollections of the land and sea and how artwork helps you to enjoy your surroundings.

Being a country kind of fellow I am always drawn towards magnificent landscapes in all sorts of locations. I've got a couple of particular favourites and my family already has orders (when the moment comes) to distribute my charred remains over one of them. There is a golf links next to where I live that I visit, as a walker I might add not a golfer, where, following a somewhat strenuous hike to the thirteenth tee you’re presented with a glorious view of undulating hills and distant crags and, above everything else, a feeling of calm and well-being. My delight with landscapes isn't just restricted to the countryside and I can also be often found at the seaside where a view can alter dramatically in just a few moments, through the influence of the sky colouration, winds, tides and sun. Just like many people I decorate my walls with artwork, much of which has been obtained while on my outings, which reflects my liking of the sea and country. In truth on taking a good search around my home I realise that the subject matter of close to three quarters of the images is some form of seascape. Once in Edinburgh a few years back I discovered a fantastic unique contemporary painting that I couldn’t help myself from purchasing notwithstanding the rather significant cost! It isn’t straightforward to describe a piece of art in words but I’ll give it a go. It is one of those artworks containing unclear lines, movement is conveyed by clever brush strokes therefore you have to read your own understanding into it. The picture shows a lone fishing boat in a port, very little action is to be witnessed on the harbour wall. The colour of the sky is quite grey and as such might picture any time of the day. There could be bad weather getting up and the boat is taking advantage of the safety of the harbour to await the finish of the storm and continue on its path. It could be daybreak and the boat is getting ready to put out to sea for a long day’s fishing. Likewise it could be late evening and the boat is returning to the port to unload the day’s bounty. No human beings might be observed either on the quayside or in the vessel. If there were folks about they might probably give a sign as to whether the boat is on the way in or going out. There is an orange glow on the distant side of the port wall which may very well be the emerging or setting sun glinting on some unseen reflective object on the harbour wall; having said that it may be a glowing light or perhaps fire waiting to welcome the fishermen home. Personally I prefer the situation of a returning trawler arriving to unload the day’s catch. Despite the fact that there are no individuals apparent one might picture people standing on the harbour wall ready for the tough job ahead. Whilst they wait they warm themselves at a cosy fire coming from the warm glow on the wharf. The returning seamen will soon also be relaxing their aching bodies in front of the fire prior to leaving for their beds and the idea of an additional heavy day’s work tomorrow. As I look at this artwork I experience the unique noises of the sea in my head, and I attain the same type of inner calm as if I happened to be actually there, or even on that panoramic tee!

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