My January this year was a time for resolutions, a decision to have more 'my time' to devote to exploring the exciting world of painting and drawing. As my diary tends to get booked up at least a year in advance, this was something I really had to plan ahead. So last year, I duly wrote a large 'my time' across January. The year kicked off to a good start as we had a few days booked at The Charles Cotton hotel in Hartington. A super (and dog friendly) place with roaring fires and interesting local beers. They even had some Christmas ale left over which the Landlord swore had got stronger in the barrel! The weather wasn't brilliant which probably accounted for the fact we were the only residents other than a large group of painters staying. Unfortunately, these painters only seemed interested in Magnolia emulsion and getting the empty rooms redecorated! The first day, we struck north, leaving a very picturesque Hartington, nestling between the hills. The sun had just broken through, shining on the winter trees, making a super painting subject. As we progressed with our walk, we began to appreciate how good Leicestershire waymarkers are. There was many a time we crossed a stile with an arrow only to loose the exit on the other side of the field, resulting in Steve McQueen style escapes through barbed wire, brambles and electric fences. For the next couple of days we did more of the touristy areas, such as Wolfscote Dale and the Tissington trail. We had lots of weather! from sun and cloud to driving rain, snow and hail. there was also more mud about than the Somme. My technique for collecting painting material is a combination of digital camera and sketching. I use a rapid drawing technique that combines graphite with ink.