The Old Man of Stoer by Fiona Phipps

Forgot to add; it's 197ft tall and is Torridonian sandstone.

As soon as I saw this I just had to log in and leave a comment (much to my husbands chagrin who is patiently waiting to take me out ) I've passed this on the ferry to Orkney in gale force winds,so I know just what an awesome sight it is. You have definitely done it justice in this wonderful painting and is one of my very favourite paintings of yours.

Oops, sorry Fiona my old man has just told me I'm getting my old men mixed up. Of course it's the Old man of Hoy I've passed on the ferry, this is still my favourite though :) These "intellectual intermissions" are getting a bit too frequent LOL

Fiona, this is quite quite fabulous! I love the craggy shapes and the textures, which add so much tension to the painting. A super piece!

whatever old man this is he iis very lovely your friend will be very happy

Had to take a second look to see that this was yours. You really have been branching out on your subject matter and what a wonderful job you've done here. My hill walking and climbing days are over but I think only the very skilled (or brave) tackle this one!!

You've certainly shown its strength Fiona, and what a wonderful birthday card - a gift in itself!

i can see a face in the rock standing in the water :-) you have a lot of talent :-) im still stuck painting an hibiscus :-p this is a really lovely painting :-)

Super work Fiona and quite different from your watercolours. As others have said already, you have captured the strength and texture of the rock very well.

Excellent, lovely detail in the rock Fiona. This will be a winner with your friend!

It's been said already. It is a very strong image and very apt for the subject matter. I think our friend will be delighted. Excellent.

All I can add is - WOW.

Your best yet [ in my humble opinion]!

Not (to me at least) the most ppealing of subjects to paint and yet you have made it something special

Lovely strong image and your usual palette which is a recipe for success :)

Many thanks Michael, Sarah for your kind comments.

Great work Fiona.

Hi Denise, thanks very much!

I think that you have made an excellent job out of this very difficult looking subject. Stone looks like stone and the water is great too. Well done Fiona!!

Lovely work Fiona, with all the remarks above its hard to think of something different to say except its a constant joy looking at your portfolio

Many thanks Satu. Derek, that's a lovely thing to say, thank you very much indeed. X

wonderful colours and shadows...........can deff see a face on the rocks nearest.............lovely painting

Hi Ruthy, thank you very much for your comment. I think someone else mentioned a face, I was looking in the wrong place. I see it now! It's a bit grumpy!

Hi Fionna Have been having a trawl through your paintings and really like your loose style and limited palette approach re Affrington Church etc. - Wish I had some of that discipline. I have a real bad tendancy to fiddle , rework and do not attack the subject in a way you do. However when I do it turns out a mess c'est la vie. Good to see your work again and look forward to participating again now the building work is complete. Manus

Manus, thanks very much for adding your comment much appreciated. If I could fiddle with the same amount of talent as yourself, I'd fiddle too, I'm sure!! Thanks again!