Langdale Pikes from Wray Castle

I was right, I thought it was you Malcolm! Not only did I recognise you, I also caught sight briefly of your lovely watercolour which confirmed it! Actually, I preferred most of the wild card paintings but there again, I usually disagree with the judges. I liked the gouache painting from the final three. Congratulations on the tv appearance however brief and it was good to see you :)

Thanks Louise. Yes there were severval good artists in the wildcards worthy of a place in the pods. I did meet the gouache artist Imogen Guy during the break. Her boyfriend was James Cope who won the wildcard entry with his portrail of the artists painting- I met him at Ambleside as we waited for the launch to Wray Castle.

Also Malcolm, did you enjoy the experience?

Yes Louise it was very uplifting to meet other artists both amateur and professional. Painting outdoors is not my norm - I borrowed an easel and practised once indoors to see if I could draw and paint a complete picture in four hours with the water pot on the easel and the paint box in my hand. Overall an excellent day out.