Julien Lovegrove at the Hide

Upon arrival, I was greeted enthusiastically by Alice, and we walked down through the garden to an enchanting ‘secret garden’ a delightful space with the shepherds hut, which was to be my living quarters for the week. Nearby were the kitchen and washing areas, both well planned, and boasting electricity, hot water, a fridge, toilet, and sockets for a kettle etc. This was better than camping, and was very cozy.

My art is usually created out doors, ‘en plein air’ working directly from the subject, but I wanted to explore how to work from sketches instead. So the first morning, I went up onto the common to make some rapid sketches, and small watercolours. Then In the afternoons, I would set up my easel in the garden, and paint in oils, using just those sketches and my memories of being there, how I felt and what I saw and heard.

My plan was to learn how to paint more intuitively than before. So instead of producing accurate paintings of the subject, I would eventually be able to include my thoughts and feelings into my works. This change couldn’t happen in just one week, it would take several months to make these changes, but that first week, was important to allow me to alter my working methods. I valued the opportunity to work and think, with an open enquiring mind, yet without the usual distractions of home and ‘helpful’ critical friends.

Even on a breezy day, my secret garden was sheltered, and on sunny days it was a sun trap, so it was a most enjoyable place to work and create. Alice also provided a large tent, which I could have used as my studio, if I had a rainy day.

The surrounding area was surprisingly beautiful, very hilly, with popular open common areas, and nearby woodlands with plentiful footpaths. I love to walk in the woods and follow the footpaths, to meet nature head on, armed only with a sketchbook or two, and some paints, to make quick sketches for later use. This area was new to me, as in my youth, touring the country on my bicycle, I had stumbled upon Bourton on the Water, and deemed it the worst place I ever saw, ‘far too pretty, and full of tourists’ so I had never returned to the Cotswolds.

Each year, I make a point of travelling to different parts of the country for a week at a time, for painting, usually, to North Wales, Cornwall, Norfolk, Dorset, the New forest, and sometimes, Ireland. Mostly on my own, but sometimes with a group of artist friends. My favourite subjects are trees, woodlands, forests, river banks and rocky coastlines.

On this trip, instead of producing three plein air studies a day, which I normally do, I produced only six oil paintings, but many sketches and ideas for future paintings. Most importantly, I worked out how I want to produce paintings in the future, with more emotional and intuitive input.

My evenings were spent exploring the many local pubs, hotels, and restaurants, where I found a variety of cuisines on offer. Not being much of a cook, I prefer to make my own breakfasts, then find a cafe or a ‘meal deal’ for lunch, then relying on a good hot meal out and a drink in the evenings.

For me the set up at The Hide, shepherds hut was ideal. It may not appeal to everyone, but anyone who has gone camping or caravanning would likely enjoy it.

To see some recent works my website is: wwwjulianlovegrove.com

Instagram: @Julianlovegrove

E mail: julianlovegroveart@gmail.com

Phone: 07719 960434

Studio: 21 Seafield Road, Broadstairs, Kent CT10 2DD