Pontsticill Reservoir, Brecon Beacons by Ray Beaumont

Lovely brisk day (though you probably didn't think it was that lovely to stand in at the time). I like the patch of light on the middle of the mountains, it really lifts the painting. Ray, how do you in practical terms do your outdoor sketches - i.e. do you sit down, or stand and have just a little pocket palette in your hand? Where do you put the water??! I haven't really worked out how to do it.

Hi Caroline. Thanks for your comments. My sketching kit includes a foam pad to sit on - or I stand if the ground is muddy/wet. I have a 10x7 Bockingford pad, 2B pencil, 8 and 6 round sable brushes, a No2 rigger and my paints are contained in a metal palette - 12 colours in total - filled from tubes, but I seldom use more than 4 colours per sketch. I carry empty yoghurt pots to hold water and often fill them from a river or lake etc. Sometimes I'll take an old 1pint milk bottle of water if the terrain is dry. If you live near south Wales maybe we can arrange a joint sketching trip? If you want more info/details my email is "[email protected]". Best wishes, Ray

Lovely immediate sketch Ray........I've been caught once or twice and have the same 'wet' texture in the sky part of the sketch......fun though!

Thanks Fiona. Sometimes a windy day can help, sometimes it can hinder. Either way, it all adds to the fun of sketching outdoors. If the sketch ends up as rubbish it can always be used to help light my coal fire once I'm home. All the best.

Another super watercolour with great colours