Yesterday’s visit to Quarr Abbey was rewarded by a couple of prime photo opportunities. Firstly, there is the demonstrative and persistent cat which causes great concern as it follows visitors along the path. It turns out not to be missing (as indicated by helpful poster). The other great feature at the nearby cafe has to be the birdlife, including a limping Pheasant and the cheeky Robins coming as close as they dare. I was able to do a few quick sketches of the Robin and am very much centering on bird images at the moment back at the studio. It seems to be a time for consolidating on past work in the run-up to my exhibition at Quay Arts at the end of April.

The Garlic Farm certainly offers variety in terms of scenery as you follow the trail round. I’ve chosen a couple of viewpoints here and did this quick scratchysketch en route. It’s very enjoyable for photography hence the wispy grass scene I’ve conjured (with a bit of cropping). The cryptic question remains: according to one of the monks at Quarr Abbey that I met earlier in the year, the grass is actually greener on the ‘other side because of the angle of view. Whether this has any spiritual or life-changing significance remains for you to decide!