By Mary Ann Rogers.
Shortly after Christmas, the temperature dropped and dropped. Bitterly cold nights followed by sparkling, frozen days.
Finally, the pool in the river, which usually swirls and moves, developed a ‘lid’ of ice, creating a new playground for those of us who regularly immerse ourselves in the chilly water.
Out with the axe and the joy of making a space to play in the river which has taken on a whole new personality. One day, I caught a glimpse of something moving quickly on the ice platform on the other side of the river, an otter maybe? No!!! A chocolate brown mink, with a pink nose, showing as much interest in us as we were in him.
This can be a tricky time of year. Short days, not much light and since the fox ate all our chickens and ducks, not so many obvious models around for paintings. Fortunately, the remaining five guinea fowl are always on the move around the studio, simply begging to be painted!
Although most of the cattle round here are indoors for the winter, not all of them are, and I’ve been inspired to paint some beautiful ginger ones with white faces lately.
Our daily walks down to the river have been a bit disappointing in the otter department this past year, but at last, we are now spotting an otter! Today’s otter was oblivious as we sat on the opposite riverbank watching it searching for food along the side of the river. He repeatedly dived down, thrashed about a bit, then resurfaced and repeated the performance a little further along. We watched for about ten minutes before quietly getting up and continuing our dusk walk. The idea to paint one would be hard to execute as Id need to get very close in order to closely observe, draw and photograph this elusive wild mammal. Maybe one day.
In the meantime, the soft, gentle cattle are providing plenty of inspiration!
Mary Ann Rogers Gallery,
West Woodburn, Hexham NE48 2SE
Open Tues, Thurs, Fri 10-4 – Sundays 2-5
07967 550772 – www.marogers.com