I took the reference photo for this subject on a walk around Derwentwater in March this year. The previous winter must have been fairly dry by Lake District standards, because a lot of the shoreline was exposed which provides us with an interesting view of the pebbled beach, both in the middle distance and the foreground. We also get to see a lot more of the rocks and boulders, some of which are on the shore, and some partly submerged in the shallows of the lake, adding an extra challenge. I am working here with quite a limited palette; mainly blues, greys, and dark green, plus a light straw colour for that lovely bright light seen filtering through the middle-distance trees, and contrasting with the strong blue/grey of the distant fells. I worked on a quarter imperial (approximately 15” x 11”) sheet, which I think is the ideal size for this subject. Enjoy!
