Burton  Bushes   A  year  in

Ancient  woodland,   Beverley   Paintings  by  John  Geekie                 John  Geekie

Copyright  ©  2015  John  Geekie   All  rights  reserved

Outline  of  Beverley  Bushes.  

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John Geekie

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A year in Burton Bushes, Beverley.

 

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John Geekie

7th  and  8th  May  2015.     The  bluebells  are  again  magnificent  in  Burton  Bushes,  Beverley.  The  morning  forecast  was  for  sun  and  little   wind,  so  off  I  went  to  complete  this  oil  painting,  started  yesterday,  election  day.  Today,  the  day  after  the   election,  and  a  somewhat  surprising  outcome,  a  Conservative  victory  that  many  had  not  predicted.  The   woodland  provided  a  refuge  from  the  news  and  George  enjoyed  exploring  all  the  pathways  running   backwards  and  forwards  and  getting  excited.  After  his  walk  he  was  content  to  stay  in  the  car,  meaning  I   could  return  to  finish  the  painting.  The  wood  is  full  of  sounds,  chaffinches,  bluetits,  robins  and  wrens,  with   crows  in  the  distant  background  calling  out.  A  pair  of  large  mistle  thrushes  chattered  from  a  high  perch  on   an  old  oak  tree.  One  carrying  twigs  which  I  thought  strange  at  this  time.  The  bluebells  are  particularly  fine,   many  in  full  flower  with  plenty  still  to  open.  At  this  point,  not  too  far  from  the  northern  entrance,  I  saw  and   spoke  to  many  dog  walkers,  grandparents  with  grandsons,  and  briefly  with  the  occasional  jogger.  It  is  a   magical  place  at  this  time.  So  here  I  am  painting  the  bluebells  again,  seems  appropriate  on  this  day.   Hope  it  gives  you  an  idea  what  it  is  like.   The  Garden  Gallery,  basically  a  small  exhibition  at  home  continues  until  the  end  of  June  2015.  Details  here.                      

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A year in Burton Bushes, Beverley.

Wednesday,  16  July  2014   July  woodland,  Beverley    

 

Plein  air  oil  on  canvas  20  x  16  

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John Geekie

Here  we  are  in  mid-­‐July  and  the  year  is  flying  by,  too  quickly.  I  am  keen  to  maintain  the  month  by  month,   Burton  Bushes  series,  and  came  across  this  scene.  Thought  I  might  video  the  session,  though  when  setting   up  I  realized  I  had  forgotten  a  part  for  a  tripod  ...aaargh.  However  I  managed  this  ,  though  it  could  have  been   better.   The  wood  was  beautiful  today,  serene,  quiet  and  restful.  Though  sunny  outside  the  wood,  the  pathways   underfoot  reflected  the  fact  that  we  had    had  heavy  rain  the  day  before.  Evidence  of  dog  prints  could  be   seen  in  the  dark,  soft  mud.  The  large  beech  tree  dominates  this  clearing,  nettles  nearby  demanded  that  I  be   careful  -­‐  especially  wearing  shorts.  While  painting,  the  wisdom  of  wearing  shorts  became  questionable  as  I   kept  feeling  insect  bites  on  my  legs.  The  sun  lit  up  the  higher,  thinner  foliage  of  the  canopy  and,  in  places   burst  through  to  the  forest  floor.  Birdsong  seemed  muted  especially  when  compared  with  spring,  reflecting   possibly  that  bird  territories  have  been  long  established.  A  dog  walker  passed,  followed  by  a  West  Highland   terrier.  The  terrier  body  could  be  seen  above  the  ground  plants,  moving  through,  it  had  it's  head  down  and   it's  short  tail  held  upright.  I  added  the  impression  as  you  can  see.   H  A  P  P  Y    P  A  I  N  T  I  N  G  

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A year in Burton Bushes, Beverley.

Monday,  30  June  2014   Woodland  in  June,  Beverley.      

 

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John Geekie

Well  I  finally  made  it.  The  first  visit  was  aborted  as  I  had  rushed  off  and  forgotten  things,  then  got  lost  in  the   wood  and  eventually  emerged  at  the  furthest  point  from  the  car!!  Hey  ho,  rushed  home,  turned  a  corner   and  came  face  to  face  with  a  total  road  blockage,  a  huge  wagon  trailer  had  become  a  little  jammed  as  it   attempted  to  turn  round  after  travelling  in  the  wrong  direction.  Then  a  rogue    a  car,  heading  towards  me  UP   A  ONE  WAY  STREET,    I  was  glad  to  get  home  and  have  a  cup  of  tea.  Eventually  went  back...  carefully  and   found  this.  All  was  going  well,  I  thought,  until  a  huge  pointer  dog  came  over,  lovely  dog  it  looked  at  me  then   was  gone.  A  sound  of  the  dog  behind  me  made  me  turn  round,  what  a  shock.  A  massive  great  dane  or   maybe  a  mastiff  the  size  of  a  pony  stood  there,  salivating.  I  turned  back  and  stood  as  still  as  stone.  Then  in   the  distance  I  heard  a  whistle  and  the  dog  was  gone.  I  decided  enough  was  enough  and  called  it  a  day.  The   picture  could  be  better  but  at  least  I  managed  to  do  one.  What  a  day!      

  Detail  1        

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A year in Burton Bushes, Beverley.

  Thursday,  15  May  2014   Bluebells  in  Burton  Bushes,  Beverley  with  old  oak  tree  and  a  surprising  observation.    

 

Plein  air  (  two  visits  )  oil  on  canvas  board  20  x  16     9

John Geekie

    Wednesday  14th  May.  After  a  few  days  of  heavy  showers  i  decided  to  try  and  catch  the  bluebells  again  in   Burton  Bushes,  the  woodland  on  the  Westwood,  here  in  Beverley.  Though  the  day  was  bright  and  sunny   with  little  wind,  the  path  at  the  edge  of  the  wood  was  tricky  to  navigate.  Large,  deep  pools  of  water  filled   the  uneven  squelchy,  slippery  rutted  path  making  progress  slow  until  I  was  almost  at  the  spot.  I  saw  this   scene  the  large    oak  it's  dark  callused  trunk  made  more  dramatic  as  it  was  surrounded  by  waves  of  light  blue   and  green.  At  the  side  stood  a  teepee  of  fallen  sticks,  a  feature  of  this  wood.  A  sudden  strange  bird  sound   made  me  look  up  to  see  a  black  and  white  woodpecker  with  its  red  rump.  It  settled  on  a  nearby  young  tree   probing  it  for  a  short  time  before  flying  off  and  probing  another  tree  close  by.  I  was  pleased  to  suddenly  see   a  large  black  Labrador  at  my  side,  well  fed  and  cared  for,  it's  owner  telling  me  that  he  was  a     "Rescue"  I  always  admire  people  who  rescue  dogs.  The  bluebells  are  passing  over  and  a  lot  of  them  have   been  flattened  either  by  people  or  perhaps  the  recent  heavy  rain.  I  need  to  work  quickly.   Update  -­‐  next  day   Went  back  to  finish  the  painting  the  next  day  and  the  path  was  still  a  hazard.  After  setting  up  we  noticed   rabbits  nearby,  suddenly  screams  were  head  and  lots  of  commotion.  One  full  grown  female  approached  a   burrow  and  appeared  to  look  down  anxiously.  A  cuckoo  sang  its  monotonous  song  and  the  wood  was   peaceful.  Then  an  dramatic,  amazing  sight,  a  large  buck  rabbit  burst  through  the  undergrowth  chasing  a   stoat.  It  chased  it  away  from  the  burrow  backwards  and  forwards  across  a  path  and  disappeared  into  the   distance.  After  completing  the  picture  we  walked  back  through  the  wood  with  a  few  detours  from  the  boggy   path.  On  the  way  seeing  a  grey  squirrel  on  the  floor  among  the  leaf  litter.   H  A  P  P  Y    P  A  I  N  T  I  N  G  

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A year in Burton Bushes, Beverley.

Monday,  28  April  2014   Bluebells  in  Burton  Bushes,  Beverley,  East  Yorkshire.  Plein  air  oil  on  board.    

 

Plein  air  oil  on  board  approx  14  x  10  ''    

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John Geekie

This  view  is  very  near  the  main  northern  entrance  and  therefore  it  is  quick  to  reach.  Initially  I    untended  to   go  further  to  the  huge  mass  of  bluebells  at  the  south  western  edge  of  the  wood,  however  this  looked   interesting.  Unlike  most  painting  sessions  in  the  wood  when  I  never  see  anyone  today  was  a  delight,  as  I   chatted  with  many  walkers  as  they  passed.  It  was  a  lovely  afternoon,  sunny  and  still.      

 

Detail  1    

 

Detail  2  

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A year in Burton Bushes, Beverley.

Tuesday,  22  April  2014   Bluebells  in  Burton  Bushes    

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   Plein  air  oil  12  x  10"  

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John Geekie

              Hello  everyone,  I  wanted  to  flag  the  progress  of  the  bluebells  for  you.  They  are  well  formed  with  the  clusters   of  individual  flowers  evident.  However,  the  effect  is  not  there  yet  as  the  blueness  of  the  mass  flowering  is   yet  to  manifest  itself.  I  think  they  will  be  about  at  their  best  in  a  couple  of  weeks.  Until  then  here  is  a  picture   from  last  year  

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Thursday,  10  April  2014   Woodland  with  anemones,  Burton  Bushes,  with  birdsong,  Beverley,  UK.     Posted  by  John  Geekie    

 

Plein  air  oil  on  board  approx  14  x  10"         15

John Geekie

What  a  wonderful  spring  day.  The  sun  graced  us  with  a  visit  and,  inside  the  wood  the  birds  sang.  I  came   across  this  site,  a  little  clearing  which  encouraged  colonisation  by  wood  anemones,  resulting  in  a  carpet  of   bright  white  flowers.  Around  me  birds  sang,  crows  called  and  a  distant  woodpecker  drummed  away.  The   picture  was  built  up  with  thin  washes  first.  Now  I  realised  that  the  sun  would  be  problematic  with  the  light   values  but  what  caused  me  more  of  a  problem  was  that  the  sun  dried  the  paint  too  quickly.  Even  on  the   pallette.  Also  I  was  painting  across  my  shadow  at  times.  I  realise  that  I  should  use  an  umbrella  ,  however  I   like  to  keep  things  simple  and  it  would  be  another  thing  to  carry.  Working  on  a  board  is  very  different  to   working  on  a  canvas.  The  lack  of  surface  flexure  can  be  a  challenge  I  find.  The  changing  position  of  the  sun   affected  the  shadows  both  near  and  distant,  so  one  needs  to  take  this  onboard  when  recording  them.  Hope   you  like  it.   H  A  P  P  Y    P  A  I  N  T  I  N  G  

 

View  of  floor  covered  with  anemones       16

A year in Burton Bushes, Beverley.

Tuesday,  1  April  2014   Woodland  and  "  daughters  of  the  wind"    

 

Plein  air  oil  on  canvas  20  x  16"  NFS     17

John Geekie

  The  ethereal  wood  anemones,"  daughters  of  the  wind"  can  be  seen  at  the  moment  on  the  floor  of  the  .....   wood.  They  open  to  welcome  the  sun  and  close  at  dawn.  They  can  be  seen  in  profusion  at  this  time  with   celendines  also  evident,  though  less  so.  Celendines  are  a  wonderful  multipetalled  as  indeed  are  the  wood   anemones  (  must  check  to  see  if  they  give  us  a  Fibonacci  number  ).  Celendines  have  a    yellow  flower   emerging  from  dark  green  foilage  which  disappears  soon  after  flowering.  It  was  a  lovely  day,  warm  and   sunny  after  a  night  of  heavy  rain.  The  rain  making  the  woodland  paths  squelchy  in  places.  One  had  to  be   careful  walking  through  the  wood  not  to  knock  holly  branches  as  this  would  result  in  a  shower  of  rain.  The   birds  are  really  beginning  to  sing  as  spring  marches  on.  Woodpeckers  drummend  in  the  distance.  As  I  was   setting  up  Barbara  said  hello  as  she  passed  walking  her  dog  and  I  said  how  much  we  were  looking  forward  to   getting  our  puppy.  After  finishing  I  met  a  man  at  the  edge  of  the  wood  who  pointed  out  a  treecreeper.  A   small  but  special  little  bird  with  peculiar  habits.        

   

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A year in Burton Bushes, Beverley.

Monday,  24  March  2014   Woodland  scene,  Beverley  and,  ....  spotting  a  slinky  sinuous  stoat.    

 

Plein  air  oil  on  canvas  12  x  10"       19

John Geekie

  I  wanted  to  use  the  pochade  box  I  made  recently  rather  than  the  French  easel.  This  makes  things  easier  as   there  is  not  so  much  to  carry.  I  walked  over  the  Westwood,  looking  across  and  down  towards  Beverley  town   centre.  The  sun  was  bright  even  at  this  early  time  making  it  feel  warm  after  a  frosty  night.  I  could  see  the   dark  silouettes  of  St.Mary's  on  my  left,  Beverley  Minster  centre  and  Black  Mill  on  my  right.  Approaching  the   edge  of  the  wood,  and  looking  at  the  ground  one  could  see  dense  icy  patches  reminding  me  of  the   hailstones  which  fell  yesterday.  Once  inside  the  wood  I  soon  spotted  this  view  and  set  up.  Birdsong  indicated   bluetits,  great  tits  and  chaffinches  as  well  as  the  drumming  of  woodpeckers.  The  mewing  of  buzzards  seen   last  week  could  be  heard,  though  this  time  I  did  not  see  them.  Walking  to  the  site  I  spotted  a  pair  of  rabbits   nervously  run  off.  A  couple  of  people  came  by  with  their  two  venerable  collie  dogs  and  we  chatted  for  a  few   minutes  with  the  sun  lighting  up  the  wood.  After  working  for  a  time  I  was  surprised  to  see  a  handsome  stoat   run  in  front  of  me,  it  moved  from  right  to  left  in  that  strange,  half  hopping  gait,  its  sinuous  body  and  short   legs  belying  its  competence  to  travel  vast  distances.  I  wondered  what  it  would  do  and  as  I  watched,  it   reached  an  ivy  clad  tree  up  which  it  climbed  without  slowing  down.  It  disappeared  into  the  canopy  of  thick   ivy  forcing  chaffinches  to  flee.  Facinating  to  see  so  close.  The  sun  was  causing  problems  as  it  penetrated  the   wood  causing  shadows  to  move  around.  I  decided  to  pack  up,  and  walking  back  saw  two  grey  squirrels  on   the  forest  floor  scurrying  about  one  chasing  the  other  -­‐  a  sign  of  spring?    

   

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A year in Burton Bushes, Beverley.

Wednesday,  19  March  2014   Woodland  with  wood  anemones  emerging,  Beverley,  England.    

 

Plein  air,  oil  on  canvas  board  20  x  16.  Not  for  sale.      

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John Geekie

Decided  to  take  a  chance  at  the  last  minute  to  paint  inside  the  wood  again.  The  weather  was  cool  and  grey   to  start  with  a  strong  wind.  Inside  the  wood  one  is  sheltered  somewhat  which  makes  all  the  difference.  The   emerging  dark  green  leaves  of  the  bluebells  cover  the  floor  of  the  wood  in  most  places,  however  preceding   them  are  the  wood  anemones,  whose  name  is  derived  from  the  latin  meaning  "daughter  of  the  wind".    A   wonderful,  cheerful  and  delicate  plant  that  indeed  seems  to  dance  in  the  breeze.  I  stopped  here  to  paint  a   more  open  aspect  and  to  include  a  suggestion  of  the  wood  anemones  -­‐  mainly  behind  the  old  tree.  The   wood  is  criss  crossed  with  winding  paths,  which  disappear  into  the  shaded  wood  inviting  exploration.  A   great  tit  called  as  I  set  up  though  birdsong  was  largely  absent,  maybe  it  was  the  time  of  day,  10am  to   11,30.....ish.  Only  saw  one  man  in  the  distance,  and  then  only  because  his  little  terrier  barked.  Very  soon   now  the  leaves  will  be  appearing  and  changing  the  whole  nature  (  sic  )  of  the  wood.   H  A  P  P  Y    P  AI  N  T  I  N  G    

 

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A year in Burton Bushes, Beverley.

Tuesday,  4  March  2014   Burton  Bushes,  Beverley  4th  March  2014    

 

Plein  air,  oil  on  canvas  20x16"  NFS     23

John Geekie

I  wanted  to  capture  another  scene  within  the  wood,  Burton  Bushes,  and  as  the  forecast  for  the  day  was   bright  after  a  frosty  start  I  decided  to  have  a  go.  It  has  been  a  while  since  videoing  a  painting  session  so  I   took  an  ipod  and  a  separate  camera  to  facilitate  this.  I  wandered  the  wood  for  some  time  before  deciding  on   this  view.  Underfoot  the  emerging  bluebell  leaves  offer  a  tantalizing  reminder  not  to  miss  their  brief   flowering  later  in  April  /  May.  Having  set  up  I  started  painting,  a  man  with  two  dogs,  a  Jack  Russell,  Belle  I   think,  and  a  similar  sized  dog,  white,  plumper  with  a  slightly  curly  coat,  perhaps  part  miniature  poodle  and   terrier  came  along  and  we  chatted.  The  Jack  Russell  at  one  time  was  seen  disappearing  down  the  hole  at  the   foot  of  the  tree,  yet  emerged  safely.  The  other  dog  explored  excitedly  and  at  one  point  leap  over  the  felled   tree  trunk,  a  suggestion  of  this  action  is  shown  as  a  whitish  mark  -­‐  can  you  see  it?  Bluetits,  robins,  blackbirds   and  to  my  great  delight,  preceded  by  a  mewing  call,  a  buzzard  were  also  seen.  The  buzzard  flew  on  plank   wings  just  overhead,  low  enough  for  me  to  see  him  turn  his  head  to  look  at  me.  More  mewing  heralded  the   arrival  of  another  buzzard  and  the  pair  examined  me  closely  as  they  flew  just  over  the  tree  tops.  Suddenly,   as  they  sailed  away,  a  loud  shot  was  heard.  I  was  depressed  at  the  thought  of  these  magnificent  raptors   being  shot,  however  to  my  delight  they  returned  safe  and  sound.      

 

24

A year in Burton Bushes, Beverley.

Wednesday,  26  February  2014   Burton  Bushes,  Beverley,  East  Yorkshire,  26th  February  2014.    

 

Pochade  box  plein  air  12x  10"  oil  on  board.  NFS.   25

John Geekie

  Late  afternoon  quick  painting.  Though  busy  in  the  morning  and  over  lunchtime  we  decided  to  visit  the   "wood"  again  and  try  a  quick  pochade  oil  sketch.  Having  set  up  I  wanted  to  work  quickly,  yet  record  the   main  subject  accurately,  this  being  the  tree.  Also  wanted  to  get  the  feeling  of  how  dense  the  wood  is  with   lots  of  holly  providing  a  dark  background.  Vegetation  is  also  evident  on  the  floor  to  the  right,  with  embryonic   bluebell  leaves  emerging  through  the  leafmould.  At  one  point,  on  the  left,  snowdrops  were  lighting  up  the   leaf-­‐strewn  floor  -­‐  always  a  delight  to  see.  The  venerable  knarled  oak  tree  stands,  moss  covered  and  scarred   at  the  edge  of  the  clearing.  A  suggestion  of  a  path  leading  into  the  wood  can  be  made  out  to  the  right  side  of   the  picture.  A  real  problem  when  painting  was  that  it  started  to  rain,  only  showers  which  eventually  would   pass.  But  here  is  the  point.  If  I  had  taken  my  French  easel  this  would  have  been  a  problem,  however,  the   pochade  box,  tripod  mounted,  allowed  me  to  simply  close  the  lid  -­‐  protecting  the  painting  -­‐  as  the  showers   came  and  went.     H  A  P  P  Y    P  A  I  N  T  I  N  G  

26

A year in Burton Bushes, Beverley.

Tuesday,  18  February  2014   Burton  Bushes,  Beverley.  Feb  18th.    

 

Plein  air  oil  on  canvas  20  x  16"  NFS    

27

John Geekie

Found  this  to  be  more  difficult  than  expected.     Today's  forecast  was  mild  with  even  some  ....    sun,  in  the  morning.  With  this  in  mind  I  set  off  early  to  try  and   find  a  spot  in  Burton  Bushes,  the  fragile  remnants  of  a  mediaeval  forest.  Husbandry  of  the  forest  has  been   absent  for  some  years  and  there  are  many  large  branches  lying  about  the  forest  floor.  Here  is  an  old  oak  tree   missing  a  section  of  it's  trunk.  On  the  floor  a  large,  moss  covered  branch.  The  sun  encouraged  robins  and   blue  tits  to  sing  and  flit  about  readying  themselves  for  spring  and  the  breeding  season.  Rusting  holly  leaves   behind  me  suggested  the  presence  of  an  unseen  grey  squirrel.  While  painting  I  was    standing  with  my  back   against  another  oak  tree  and  realised,  after  some  time  that  it  was  blocking  my  mobile  phone  signal,  making   contact  with  the  outside  world  impossible.  As  is  usually  the  case  when  here  I  was  alone  most  of  the  time   until  two  different  dogs  lead  their  owners  past  me.  Underfoot  the  soil  was  very  wet,  sticky  and  slippery  and   again  as  usual  I  got  lost  trying  to  find  my  way  out  of  the  wood.  It  was  a  great  joy  to  see  the  tell-­‐tale  dark   green  leaves  beginning  to  emerge  heralding  the  arrival  of  bluebells  later  in  spring.     H  A  P  P  Y    P  A  I  N  T  I  N  G    

 

28

A year in Burton Bushes, Beverley.

Monday,  20  January  2014   January  in  Burton  Bushes     Posted  by  John  Geekie    

 

20  x  16  oil  on  canvas  plein  air  painting    

 

    29

John Geekie

Pleased  to  get  out  after  Christmas  and  the  New  Year  and  finally  start  painting  again.  The  day  started  with  a   crisp  frost,  white  roofs  everywhere  though  the  sun  was  shining  and  it  felt  warmer.  I  had  wanted  to  try  and   paint  a  scene  from  the  ancient  wood  before  the  end  of  January  as  I  want  to  record  my  impressions  of  the   wood  all  year  round,  and  if  possible  every  month.  The  sun  shone  through  the  canopy  of  branches  and  Holly   leaves  to  light  up  wet  surfaces  with  occasional  shafts  of  light.  During  the  painting  my  hat  caught  a  low   branch  so  I  tugged  it  free.  only  to  be  showered  in  drops  of  water  from  the  holly  leaves.  Not  a  problem  until  I   noticed  some  drops  had  hit  the  canvas.  Though  not  seeing  anyone  I  heard  a  distant  dog  bark,  however  it   never  appeared.  Before  setting  off  I  was  delighted  to  meet  an  old  student,  Stuart  A.  now  a  young  man,  and   we  shared  reminiscences  of  past  times.   H  A  P  P  Y    P  A  I  N  T  I  N  G  

30

A year in Burton Bushes, Beverley.

Tuesday,  12  November  2013   Autumn  in  Burton  Bushes,  Beverley,  the  day  after  Remembrance  Day    

 

Plein  air,  oil  on  canvas,  12x10  for  sale  £90     31

John Geekie

Another  visit  to  Burton  Bushes  the  medieval  woodland  at  the  edge  of  the  Westwood  in  Beverley.  I  wanted   to  try  my  latest,  lightest  pochade  box  design.  It  can  be  seen  here  on  the  right.  The  palette  actually  hinges  at   the  back  to  reveal  the  storage  area  used  for  paints,  brushes  and  mediums.  This  was  it's  first  outing  and  I  was   satisfied  with  the  performance.  Thought  I  would  miss  the  fold  out  panels  of  earlier  designs  but  managed   adequately.  The  scene  shows  a  carpet  of  rusty  reds  from  the  fallen  beech  leaves.  Here  and  there  remnant   greenery  of  nettles  and  bramble  survive.  It  was  a  lovely  day,  bright  sunny  and  sharp.  Dog  walkers  were  much   more  evident  today  and  I  made  friends  with  several  labradors  and  a  west  highland.  Occasionally  when  quiet,   grey  squirrels  ran  through  the  beech  branches,  very  alert  and  looking  well  fed,  presumably  on  the  abundant   acorns.  Again  pigeons  took  off  in  minor  explosions  clapping  their  wings  in  mild  panic.  The  family  of   inquisitive  blue  tits  came  tumbling  down  a  holly  bush  to  see  what  I  was  doing  -­‐  they  are  very  colourful  little   birds.  My  rush  to  get  off  caused  me  to  forget  a  pallette  knife  which  was  a  little  frustrating,  must  remedy  this   later.   H  A  P  P  Y      P  A  I  N  T  I  N  G    

 

32

A year in Burton Bushes, Beverley.

Wednesday,  6  November  2013   Inside  the  wood,  Burton  Bushes,  Beverley.    

 

Plein  air  oil  on  canvas  12  x  10  for  sale  £90    

33

John Geekie

 First  pochade  painting  since  man  flu  -­‐  very  wet  underfoot  and  though  relatively  flat  the  ground  would   surprise  you  when  walking  causing  one  to  slip.  Did  not  see  anyone  though  heard  and  glimpsed  the  odd  dog   as  they  excitedly  coursed  the  undergrowth.  Pigeons  took  off  noisily  from  time  to  time  suggesting  the  dog   owners  must  have  been  nearby.  Got  lost  trying  to  get  out  of  the  forest  meaning  a  long  walk  back  to  the  car.   For  sale  £90   H  a  p  p  y        p  a  i  n  t  i  n  g      

 

        34

A year in Burton Bushes, Beverley.

Tuesday,  28  May  2013   Bluebells  in  Burton  Bushes,  28th  May,  Beverley,  East  Yorkshire    

 

Plein  air,  oil  on  canvas  board  12  x  10"       35

John Geekie

    Another  painting  of  bluebells  in  Burton  Bushes,  Westwood.  The  forecast  for  tomorrow  is  basically  rain  and  I   thought,  late  afternoon  that  I  wanted  to  try  and  capture  another  view  of  the  blusbells  before  they   disappear.  It  was  remarkably  quiet  with  few  people  passing,  although  dog  walkers  did  appear  from  time  to   time.  What  I  really  enjoyed  was  hearing  a  woodpecker  drumming  on  a  tree.  Very  loud,  maybe  a  rocker  of  a   woodpecker  (o).   Happy  Painting.    

36

A year in Burton Bushes, Beverley.

Saturday,  25  May  2013   Bluebells  in  Burton  Bushes  late  May    

 

Plein  air  12  x  10"  oil  on  board.       37

John Geekie

I  wanted  to  try  and  paint  an  impression  of  bluebells  from  inside  the  wood  looking  out  towards  the  perimeter   path.  Even  though  just  20  metres  away  we  were  seldom  disturbed  by  passing  walkers.  A  chance  meeting   with  an  ex  student  from  my  early  days  of  teaching  was  rather  pleasing  as  he  was  with  his  wife  and  daughter,   and  we  briefly  chatted  about  our  dogs  and  past  times.  Another  man  with  an  venerable  cross  collie  -­‐  nearly,  I   think,  20  years  old  was  particularly  memorable.  Two  walks  a  day  for  the  last  19  years  -­‐  both  dog  and  owner   looked  better  for  it.  The  bluebells  are  just  beginning  to  show  signs  dying  back  though  still  worth  visiting  for  a   week  or  so  yet.   Happy  painting  

38

A year in Burton Bushes, Beverley.

Monday,  20  May  2013   Bluebells  in  Burton  Bushes,  Westwood,  Beverley  -­‐  plein  air  oil  on  board.    

 

Plein  air  oil  on  board  12  x  10"  Bluebells  in  Burton  Bushes,  Beverley.     39

 

John Geekie

An  experiment,  to  paint  on  a  prepared  board,  pre-­‐framed  as  an  experiment.  The  board  being  mounted   offset  from  the  back  board  to  give  a  floating  effect.   Enjoyed  this  quickish  painting  as  I  talked  to  passing  people  whilst  composing  it.  It  is  always  pleasant  to  meet   and  talk  to  people  and  to  also  meet  their  dogs,  (  if  they  are  dog  walking  ).  Very  still  inside  the  wood,  it  was   good  for  painting  -­‐  yet  the  thought  of  a  passing  shower  was  a  constant  worry  as  the  weather  was  so  humid.   Saw  an  old  friend  B.O.    and  her  field  spaniel.     Happy  painting    

 

Same  picture  in  a  simple  frame,  float  mounted.      

40

A year in Burton Bushes, Beverley.

Friday,  17  May  2013   Bluebells  in  Burton  Bushes,  Westwood,  Beverley  2  of  2    

I   Impression  of  the  bluebells  with  paths  in  Burton  Bushes  wood  on  the  edge  of  the  Westwood,  Beverley.   Always  I  need  to  tell  myself  to  stop  and  do  no  more  in  order  to  preserve  the  freshness  and  feel  for  the  place.     41

John Geekie

Wanted to try and capture the essence and fleeting moment of this wonderful sight, bluebells in profusion with narrow pathways criss crossing through them. People passed either walking their dogs or indeed, just to see the annual sight of thousands of bluebells carpeting this side of the ancient wood. I will return very soon to produce a larger canvas with more detail. For now this will do - one of two the second to be posted soon. Happy painting

42

A year in Burton Bushes, Beverley.

Thursday, 18 April 2013 Black  Mill  from  near  Burton  Bushes  -­‐  very  windy.        

 Slightly  abstract  plein  air,  done  very  quickly  ,  12  x  10  oil  on  canvas  board,  pochade  box  sketch.  

43

John Geekie

      .   Decided  quite  late,  to  take  our  dog  for  a  walk,  through  Burton  Bushes  -­‐  to  take  advantage  of  sheltering  from   the  high,  gusty  winds.  I  took  my  pochade  box  with  me,  yet  did  not  attempt  a  painting  from  inside  the  woods   after  all.    From  a  sheltered  spot  on  the  Westwood  a  distant  Black  Mill  can  be  seen,  with  large  trees  on  the   right  balancing  the  picture.  This  was  done  very  quickly.  From  the  same  spot  further  to  the  left,  Beverley   Minster  can  be  seen  and  I  will  try  and  capture  it  another  day.  Saw  lots  of  fellow  dog  walkers,  emerging   bluebells  and,  in  the  wood  we  saw  white  anemones  (  Anemone  nemorosa).   Happy  painting.      

44

A year in Burton Bushes, Beverley.

Sunday,  18  November  2012   Burton  Bushes,  Beverley  -­‐  autumn  colour    

 

Burton  Bushes,  Beverley.  oil  on  canvas  20  x  16         45

John Geekie

Another  view  from  inside  the  wood  which  looked  vibrant  and  interesting.  The  leaves  of  this  tree  being  more   yellow  than  orange/reddish  of  earlier  paintings  which  featured  other  trees.  I  tucked  myself  away  and  got  set   up  -­‐  using  a  small  holly  bush  to  hang  my  thermos  bag  on.  It  was  sunny  but  very  cold.  My  fingers  suffering  a   little  until  I  remembered  the  flask  and  the  hot  coffee.  Here  I  saw  a  large  tree  had  fallen  into  another  and,  as  I   painted  large  leaves  would  float  down  around  me  making  soft  crackling  noises  as  they  settled.  At  one  point  a   dog  wearing  a  red  harness    came  over  to  investigate,  otherwise,  though  I  heard  voices,  I  never  saw  anyone.   Need  to  finish  the  picture  with  some  detailing  but  it  augurs  well  I  think.    

46

A year in Burton Bushes, Beverley.

Monday,  12  November  2012   Burton  Bushes  -­‐  remembrance  day  2012    

 

Oil  on  canvas  20  x  16    

47

John Geekie

Yesterday  started  with  2  minutes  silence  at  11am.   I  walked  around  the  wood  looking  for  some  autumn  colour  and  came  across  this  area.  The  picture  needs  a   little  work  yet  which  I  will  do  later.  Especially  the  holly  vegetation  to  the  right  of  this  picture.  Lovely  to  see   people  walking  by  and,  at  times  being  surrounded  by  dogs,  especially  a  red  setter  and  a  couple  of  old  English   sheepdogs.    

48

A year in Burton Bushes, Beverley.

Saturday,  3  November  2012   Burton  Bushes  2nd  November  2012     Posted  by  John  Geekie    

 

Oil  on  canvas  20"  x  16"  Burton  Bushes,  Beverley.      

49

John Geekie

Again,  another  view  of  the  interior  of  Burton  Bushes.  I  walked  around  for  some  time  to  try  and  find  a   subject.  I  had  to  stop  as  time  was  running  out  and  so  I  chose  this  view.  I  became  increasingly  concerned   when  walking  through  the  wood  to  see  so  much  damage.  Trees  had  fallen  over,  massive  branches  had   snapped  off  some  trees  and  there  seems  to  be  a  need  for  some  wood  management.  And,  this  week  we  have   been  told  of  the  ash  tree  virus/fungus  which  threatens  our  ash  trees.  I  hope  we  can  respond  to  save  our   heritage.  On  a  lighter  note  as  I  was  walking  away  a  very  cute  little  dog  came  running  over  to  say  hello.    

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A year in Burton Bushes, Beverley.

Thursday,  1  November  2012   Burton  Bushes  -­‐  looking  towards  from  the  Westwood     Posted  by  John  Geekie    

 

 OIL  on  canvas  20"  x  16"   Looking  towards  Burton  Bushes  from  the  Westwood.   51

John Geekie

I  was  anxious  to  try  my  new  (  secondhand  )  easel.  So  we  popped  up  to  the  Westwood  intending  to  explore   inside  Burton  Bushes  to  look  for  an  autumnal  scene.  However  it  was  very  wet  underfoot  and  so  we  decided   to  stay  on  the  outside.  We  noticed  a  big  old  oak  tree  still  retaining  much  of  it's  leaves  with  just  a  suggestion   of  colour  behind  it  -­‐  so  here  it  is.  All  done  at  the  site.  Met  a  few  people,  always  like  talking  and  meeting   people  when  I  am  painting.  Today  some  delightful  young  children  dressed  for  exploring  emerged  from  the   wood  with  their  mothers  "  Are  you  a  real  artist?"  I  was  directly  asked.  I  said  I  try,  to  which  another  added  "It   is  good".  Interestingly  the  Mothers  mentioned  that  there  was  good  colour  inside  the  wood  so  I  will  explore   as  soon  as  the  weather  is  dry.  Had  a  good  chat  with  another  couple  who  were  walking  their  dog.    

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A year in Burton Bushes, Beverley.

Friday,  26  October  2012   Burton  Bushes,  Beverley  second  visit     Posted  by  John  Geekie    

 

Oil  on  board  12  x  10another  pochade  box  sketch    

53

John Geekie

Wanted  to  have  another  go  before  it  was  too  late  to  capture  the  colours.  The  forecast  was  awful  so  this   turned  out  to  be  a  rush  job.  Still,  very  enjoyable,  especially  when  surrounded  by  some  lovely  inquisitive,  and   very  well  behaved  dogs.  

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A year in Burton Bushes, Beverley.

Thursday,  25  October  2012   Burton  Bushes,  Beverley     Posted  by  John  Geekie  Beverley,  East  Yorkshire,  England  A1174,  Beverley,  East  Riding  of  Yorkshire  HU17,  UK    

 

Quick  impression  pochade  sketch  -­‐  oil  on  board  12  x  10  

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John Geekie

We  walked  over  to  Burton  Bushes  to  try  and  capture  the  sense  of  Autumn  with  the  dramatic  colours.  Here  is   a  very  quick  pochade  box  sketch  which  I  hope  gives  a  sense  of  the  season.  We  had  Georgiette  with  us  and  as   she  is  a  little  nervous  we  had  to  be  aware  of  other  dogs  passing.      

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