The Shortcut

Sure looks cold there Brian, I'm a greater Mancunian too, from Oldham.

Thanks, Stephen. Yes, it was very cold but warming, if you know what I mean. My wife works in Oldham, but we live close to Heywood. I'm originally from South Shields, and my wife is from Kendal. We're a family of three accents. LOL. I've posted a clearer photo, one which is more in focus. I think we crossed. Bri

Followed this on the forum Brian and I see you decided to alter the sky, it's good, you get the feeling there's more snow to come and i love the grass stalks peeping through the snow, and the footprints and I could go on, brilliant 😀

I do like this Brian - beautiful!

That's just gorgeous, Brian...could do with a bit of that cool here! 98% humidity does no one any good! Superb rendition of light and love those footprints!

I like its a lot Brian, sunlight and shadows beautifully captured

Fantastic painting Brian. I've been following progress on the forum and I do like the addition of footprints. Your shadows are spot on as are the trees. I love it!

Lovely.

Lovely winter scene Brian but let's hold it at bay just now. Can't bear to think of all that freezing weather.

Beautiful work, Brian.

Once again Brian you have produced a captivating scene to wonder about and wander around. I like your transition from a warm-ish blue in the foreground to a cool-ish blue in the distance, adds to the feeling of the cold nipping at your nose.

Really like this Brian. The lighter sky and the addition of footprints are great finishing touches.

Thank you very much indeed, Linda, Margaret, Thalia and Russel, for the great comments. Very much appreciated. Thanks for hanging in there, Linda, the support is so valuable. I'm so pleased you liked it, Margaret. Thanks for letting me know. 98% humidity, Thalia! That's too cruel. Delighted you liked the footprints. Thanks for the nod to the shadows and sunlight, Russell. Best to all Bri

Thank you very much, Margaret, Dawn, Carole and Cesare, for the super comments. Appreciated. Thanks for the support, Margaret, you're too kind. I'm really pleased you liked the shadows and trees. Thanks! Good to see you, Dawn. Thanks for the comment. Me too, Carole. Autumn is well and truly on its way and winter is never far behind. Thanks for the nod, Cesare. Best to all Bri

Thank you very much, Fiona and Sandra, for the very welcome comments. Always appreciated. Thanks for noting the foreground highlights, Fiona, and I loved your comment about wondering about and wandering through this painting. Great thing to say. I hummed and harred over the sky, Sandra, and played about with the shadows as things progressed. I've been practicing footprints so I am SO pleased they worked. *smile* Best to both Bri

Cold and sunny - lovely

Beautiful light on the snow Brian, lovely painting.

Thank you very much indeed, Maureen and Carole, for the very kind comments. Pleased you liked, and thanks for letting me know. Best Bri

This isn’t in Ashworth Valley is it Brian ?. I don’t consider my self a Mancunian but a Lancastrian , born in Bury and brought up in Heywood a long time ago. But the valley , Norden , the park and Knowle hill were all my dog walking areas. Very reminiscent painting for me . You have done it well.

Thank you very much, Sylvia, for the fascinating comments. It's a small world, as the saying goes. Much appreciated. Not the Ashworth Valley but having googled them I find they are remarkably similar; not too far away either. This little collection of trees is known as Alkrington Woods Nature Reserve, which runs from Rhodes fishing ponds to Middleton centre. My son went to Bury college btw before going to Newcastle Uni, and still plays five-a-side football there every Monday evening. I attend to give my valued opinion. (and a lift to half the team) *lol* I'm pleased you liked this effort because I enjoyed painting it. Bri

That's a stunning painting Brian, beautiful light in it.

Thank you very much, Val, for the super comments. Much appreciated. I'm so pleased you liked the light . Thanks for letting me know. Bri