Resting Place

Mixed media work on pastel paper, December at Sharpham Marsh. The reed beds on the river Dart sound incredible in the Winter winds. This view is enjoyed by many walkers as the Sharpham estate built some lovely seats.

Sitting on the wet rather flopped over grass, I begin fishing out my sketching materials, it is a time filled with anticipation. Looking far across the tidal reed beds toward the distant hills and eventually Dartmouth. Pushing my fingers beneath the grass to find the cold damp soil with which to start this little drawing, I focus on the colours and soft tones of winter. Everything looks wet and cold, patches of colour like the russet of bracken or some grasses caught in the light play against the blue shadows under the beeches. On this occasion the tide was out and there was almost perfect silence. 

I have always associated this spot with the myth of the moon goddess Selene who fell in love with beautiful young shepherd Endymion whilst he slept on mount Latmus, Selene asks Zeus to grant Endymion eternal youth in an unending sleep. The story symbolises the moon’s nightly vigil and the cyclical of nature of dreams and life. So the story goes Selene and Endymion had fifty daughters.

Original work signed on the reverse.

• Rembrandt pastel, mixed media on Daler Rowney pastel paper
• Original artwork mounted
• Original size: 210mm x 140mm
• Produced December 2021
• Signed on reverse
• Mount and back board
• Free shipping and insurance included