Sandon Towards the Blackhills #3

I sometimes wonder why it is that your paintings so often look far more 'real' than a closely faithful, tight rendition, with every detail and twig lovingly laboured over.... but there it is, they do. One could analyse the reasons, but I prefer just to enjoy the results.

Love that watery sun and the different hues in the snow Alan. Such an acute sense of place and being in that field, all wrapped up.

I've always admired and yet wondered how you achieve so much 'detail and realism' without any obvious 'detail and realism' in your work, and I always arrive at the same conclusion, it's down to consummate skill and talent!

I agree with last comment, just wish I could paint looser, a more painterly style. Lovely. Not too much detail, but it says it all.

Beautiful work Alan, I like the way you keep everything so seemingly simple, and yet everything is there, the distance, the shadows make it look so real. Also your colour palette is so soft and gentle and it makes you get the feeling of a lovely winter morning.

Everyone else has said it already Alan so I'll simply say I'd hang it on my wall anytime!

Beautiful work, Alan, as always.

Following the recent discussion on the forum about shadows on snow, you’ve done the demo Alan beautifully! Lovely scene and I like the layering of the tree lines especially.

Superb painterly stuff, Alan. Love it!

All has been said Alan, an extra is that radiant light from the field beyond the foreground.

Gosh, thank you so much for your lovely comments, they are always appreciated.

Fabulous painting as usual for you, Alan. Wonderful wintry atmosphere.

This is so nice, I do like the colours you have used for the snow.

I really like the range of colours you have used in this delightful scene.

Beautiful painting as ever, Alan - love those soft colours.

Absolutely top class painting Alan, you must be pleased with it, even just a wee bit.....I know you are a hard critic on your own work.

Gorgeous Mr Bickley

Even by your own high standards, this is very special Alan. Sadly no wip enclosed with my L.P. mag I bought at W H Smith earlier today.

You have created a very atmospheric peacefulness, here, Alan.

Beautiful scene. The colours make the snow come alive.

Absolutely stunning. Always love your paintings, this would be one of my favourites. I think because of the soft colours and sense of distance.

P.s. - all the very best for the competition. Do let us know how you get on.

It's great, Alan

This is really lovely, Alan, I especially like the colours in the foreground tree line with those touches of light blue against the very dark areas.

This has gone down really well, I’m delighted of course so a big thank you!

This is beautiful, Alan. Been absent on POL lately, but I still browse occasionally.

Almost missed this Alan....it would have been a sad thing to do. It’s really rather beautiful.

Beautiful subtle colours applied with great skill Alan.

Very atmospheric. Lovely painting as always.

Wonderful colours Alan. And great mark making.