Going back to my roots!

Really, really like this. Sketches are wonderful for memories. Nice evocative story.

This is lovely Sarah, I could get lost here.

I think going back to one's roots is a really good idea - not all the time, but now and then; that's why I like to look at video demos on the Painting and Drawing Channel and, of course, on POL; most of them may be meant for beginners, but I think it helps to be reminded of the basics occasionally. You also tend to get a reminder of what meant most to you when you started out; which, when you come to think about it, is probably what really matters to you still. I like your rather mysterious lost pond - just a thought: have you ever tried lifting out a few highlights with glass paper/sandpaper? Works best with watercolour, but can also work with acrylic, especially on rough paper.

Hi Fiona, Robert said it much better than I ever could. And this is so very atmospheric! Well done. :) Mia

Sylvia, Fiona and Mia, thank you so very much for your nice comments. Robert, I used a kitchen knife on this, ( I couldn't find my stanley knife), which really wasn't wise of me, but was having a bad day!!!! The advice about the sand paper is spot on. I used it on another painting of a lake and it made it sparkle nicely. Sometimes I do try to lift out colour for highlights but I do find that they are still too muted when used in water scenes. All advice gratefully received :)

Wonderful painting Sarah. Love the way you create depth with layers of paint. I remember epping forest have not been there for years.

Thanks Pete for commenting. I went past Epping Forest sometime ago and was glad to say that it hadn't changed much at all. just the traffic around it seemed faster . A lovely place though :)

Dreamy, atmospheric and a little mystery. Masterful ingredients for a magical painting. Thank you for the kind comments you made on my work. All the best and keep the paintings coming.

Thanks Jamie, all comments gratefully received :)

You've done a trememdous job here with so few colours. Jamie is spot-on when he suggests that it's 'atmospheric'. Great work with a subject that appeals to so many.

Thank you Tom. The three colours used here were Prussian blue, Sepia and yellow ochre (or was is raw sienna...........). Anyway, thanks for dropping by :)