The woodlands at Bates Green Farm at Arlington in Sussex are famous for the intensity and the vast amount of Bluebells there in the Spring.

I am most indebted to Alison Cotton , a local Sussex Artist and Watercolour tutor, for  arranging this lovely day there in what turned out to be  perfect sunny and warm weather!

Phillipa, from the Bluebell Farmhouse Kitchen prepared a really tasty lunch  of Asparagus Quiches, amazing salads and a Rhubarb crumble for the eight of us which was all really delicious.

Having the extensive woods all to ourselves was amazing and we all really enjoyed watching Alison’s demonstrations and trying hard to capture the colour and the masses of bluebells , with the trees and dappled shade of their surroundings.

I was pleased to have had time for three watercolours 14 inches by 10 and to have time to take many reference photos for the future.

So here are my efforts. Painting watercolours  “en plein air” is always tricky but in the warm dappled sun it was nevertheless a great experience.

“At the edge of the Woods”. Watercolour 14 inches by 10 on Arches 300 gsm paper

“A path through Arlington Woods”. Watercolour on Arches 300 gsm paper, 14 inches by 10

“A glimpse of the pond in Arlington woods”. Watercolour 14 inches by 10 on Arches 300gsm paper.

My thanks to Alison, Philippa and everyone that made the day so enjoyable. Maybe a return visit to paint the woods in the Autumn would be a good chance to sample more of the great food from the Bluebell Farmhouse Kitchen and enjoy more painting in Arlington Woods.

Happy Travelling

Brian