Old School, Loch Portain, North Uist, Scotland

Apologies for the very poor perspectives on the croft houses.

This is very, very atmospheric, Fiona. Beautiful colour palette, stunning sky, love it.

It's cracking Fiona! You've managed more detail than me, for instance the loch, which was in the photo but I couldn't get it for fear of overdoing the background. It's a great representation and I think we've both done very well but especially your lovely self.

You certainly have done well Fiona....the colours are great .....fabulous sky and I also like the fields....clever girl!

I've not used pastels but I love the blending of these colours to creAte that amazing sky. Diana

I see in your pastels a growing style like Alan. Beautiful atmosphere in this one, Fiona.

It's really lovely Fiona, your sky looks wonderful.

This one I like a lot Fiona! I as got that windswept and isolated look which tickles my northern soul. You are doing well with your pastels!

Many thanks Mia, Michael...amazing how different they are, I still prefer yours! Sylvia, Diana, Cesare, Margaret and Satu thank you for your comments. Satu that's a lovely thing to say, I'm glad it reminds you of your homeland.

You found some orange then Fiona. This is really good. That sky is great.

Like the sky gives impression of space

Many of us don't know it but so what of you've altered or added stuff. It's a smashing subject and well painted.

well done Fiona lovely

It's a stunning piece Fiona. Getting better and better.

Yes Adele, it was lurking at the bottom of the box, where I put it straight back!!lol Thank you. Thank you Derek, David and Henry very much.

Lovely blending of the pastel in that sky Fiona. I saw the original photo of this in my daily paper and, like Michael's, I love your interpretation of the scene, both so different but equally as good.

This is great, Fiona! Love how the swirling sky and landscape moves the eye around. And there's loads of atmosphere as far as I can see. It's lovely!

Val, Seok, thank you both very much indeed. Val....why don't you give it a go, the quality of the photo on my screen wasn't very good, a little dark but the news paper one maybe much better.

Lovely, fresh, loose work ,Fiona! I can see you really have enjoyed yourself on this one!!

Good morning Fiona, lovely picture of the Old Schoolhouse at Loch Portain - my house. I am struggling to work out the angle the painting is from. Seeing 3 buildings is the issue - wondering if we're also seeing part of the old mission church. Is the water in the background the freshwater Priest's Loch or the sea inlet Loch Portain? I can;t

Good morning Alasdair....thank you for your comment on the above picture. You are very lucky to live in such a beautiful area. I’m afraid I am unable to give you very much information ref. the buildings and the stretch of water on the horizon. It was a painting challenge from a friend and artist when we both started using pastel. The image it was taken from was an old black and white photo which he found on google. I have tried to locate the photo again so you have a better idea, but can’t find it. Of course there could also be a wee bit of artistic licence!