Spitfire under Llandeilo Bridge

Making good progress on my next commission drawing, the final painting will be a 3ft x 2ft oil of a Spitfire flying under Llandeilo Bridge, it's s pretty tight squeeze but apparently it was witnessed by a few locals, 

I am currently researching the story , the Spitfire apparently put down on Love Lodge fields which are some way down stream from the bridge , with mechanical problems , after being repaired the pilot took off and did a pass under the bridge ,

When I was approached to do this commission , the story intriuged me and decided to take it on,

There is a very interesting video on YouTube of a similar stunt performed by Ray Hanna in his Spitfire flying under Windton Bridge in Co Durham whilst filming for the 1988 tv series 'Piece of Cake'

It has an uncanny resemblance to the river Towy and the Llandeilo Bridge although Winston is made of brick rather than stone,

I  going to use photographic reference from Spitfires stationed at Pembrey during the war. indeed this could well be the squadron that the aircraft was attached to, 

Anyway back to the composition , I am toying with an idea of placing a framer and cows in the foreground will leave positioning the aircraft once the background is painted and finished. 

Sketching in the studio

Working on my concept drawing for the client

Winter Woodcock

Snow paintings are always a favorite to do, the limited palette that I work with testing me to achieve different lighting conditions and the sense of cold, I was blessed whilst exhibiting in Pawlet Vermont in 2001,I met husband and wife artists John C Pitcher and Sue Westin, who's large snow scenes were so inspirational to me and I would like to thank Sue for telling me what colours she used for snow

Big brush day

Busy day working on decorating a cottage for a friend lovely to have a blank pink walls to paint , chose a neutral colour scheme of white ceiling and English Muffin Matt emulsion for the walls ,all the woodwork is going to be painted in wheatgrass Satin wood, hoping to get it done in the next week or so, 

Next commission

I have secured a very interesting commission which I can't wait to get my teeth into,

I am currently researching the event In local folklore, it is quite an amazing story which will make a great composition, the client is also looking forward to seeing the finished piece,

I shall keep you posted with development drawings and painting updates as the piece progresses.