Day out in the Derbyshire countryside.

I thought I would show you some of the places I hang out with my family. These are the type of places that inspire my artwork too.

Yesterday, I went, with my husband and youngest son, to the Derbyshire countryside to take some snapshots of the lovely autumn colours and hopefully get some ideas to help me paint. Although it was a really misty day I rather liked the mood of the effects of the mists on the countryside. It gave it a haunting atmosphere, an air of mystery. You could not make out what you were looking at sometimes.

There were a number of places that we visited. Firstly we went to Burbage brook, just outside Ringinglow, a favourite for climbers. 

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So quiet and peaceful here, particularly on a misty day like yesterday. The mists seem to somehow dampen sound, almost muffling it. After that we moved on to Stanage, again a local haunt for climbers. My family love climbing here with their ropes and harnesses. I do not like heights, but I have tried abseiling a couple of times, frightening experience, I do not think I will be doing that again in a hurry. 

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Then we went to Ladybower Reservoir, which has a rich history.  In the 1940's the villages of Ashopton and Derwent among many others, were submerged under the reservoir. During severe drought seasons you can just about see the church steeple poking up above the water. Unfortunately, because of this many farmers lost their livelihoods. If you would like to find out more here is a link...

  http://www.peaklandheritage.org.uk/index.asp?peakkey=40300621

Love this misty picture of a bridge surrounded by multi-coloured trees. The deep greens, reds and browns are highlighted by the uplifting yellows. Makes me want to get my paint brushes and start painting. I might make this one of my projects.

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The reflection of the dam, in this next photo, is so clear. The texture of the smooth water next to the rugged rock of the dam is a great contrast.

Here is a closer look at it from the other side. I love coming here when it overflows and the water comes gushing down. It looks spectacular and the roaring sound of the water crashing to the bottom can be quite deafening.

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Here is a tiny snippet of a video giving you a feel of what it is like at the dam.

Our final stop was at Whirlow park at the edge of Sheffield near the Peak District. We did not stay there too long as it was getting dark. But I managed to take a few snaps along the way.

I have been coming here since before I was married, and over the years I have seen the park transform. This park has a gorgeous woods with a little stream going through it. Many a happy day has been spent chilling out in them with the family.  Whirlow Hall is situated within the grounds and is a popular venue for weddings.

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I am going to end on the park bench photo. The red tree behind it reminded me of my beloved Acer tree, which I used as an inspiration for one of my paintings. This looked like a lovely place to sit down and contemplate the day.

I hope this trip motivates you to get out there and take a deeper look at nature's glory. This world is a gigantic work of art and we should take pleasure in being a part of it.

Music plays a big part in my paintings. Whilst painting I often listen to chillout music. It helps me get into the zone. Here is a playlist that I often listen to, for you to enjoy. The images are awesome.

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