Saturday 17 October 2009

Wendens Ambo in Watercolour

Something I had planned to do for a very long time.I painted this watercolour of Wendens Ambo about 12 years ago. I copied it from a photograph belonging to my then art teacher. I had always wanted to find the village and take my own photograph but just never got around to it.


On the day we drove through Newport (last post) I did just that. Wendens Ambro is about 2 miles away and a 5 minute detour off the road.
The trees are in fuller leaf
And the cottages have been repainted

And there are a couple of cars - but apart from that I think I have a good reproduction
I have been playing around with the new 'updated editor' here but it won't do what I want it to do!

21 comments:

Anonymous said...

Barbara, it is lovely that you went back and found the place that inspired you so. And took your own photograph. It's wonderful, also that there has been so little change in twelve years. Your painting in delicate watercolor captures the mood so well.

I simply had to search Wikipedia for such an interesting place. I hope you'll forgive me for posting a few facts as I enjoy exploring the history of the land:

"Its unusual name originates from the joining of two villages, Great and Little Wenden, to form Wendens Ambo, meaning "both Wendens"."

Am I right in assuming the picturesque tower is St. Mary the Virgin Church?

"The first church on the site was probably constructed of wood, perhaps as early as the eighth century, but no trace of it remains. It seems to have been rebuilt in stone about the time Domesday Book was written (1086 A.D.) with later additions in the 13th, 14th, 15th and 19th centuries."

Interesting and ancient. Thank you sharing your vision, and your part of the world.

Adrienne said...

Oh, my friend, I love your artistry and this wonderful piece captures the scene - even all these years later! There's no way to miss that you have painted what is truly there. Oh, if only I could do the same. But I shan't complain - I can make music while you paint. What a twosome we could be if we could only visit and share the talents God has given us. And see your lovely country at the same time! Dream on I shall until someday it's reality.
~Adrienne~

Anonymous said...

I think I will have to move to Wendens Ambro
simply on the strength of its name alone.
I remember seeing this painting in your house.
What a fascinating post!

Sara at Come Away With Me said...

I've always loved your paintings, Barbara. And I can't believe I did not take time to study them more closely in person when we were your guests! So many other things going on I guess.

Linda said...

Barbara, what a wonderful painting you did and I'm so glad you were able to go back and view the original setting.

Anonymous said...

Barbara you did a great job. I love watercolors. I have neglected them since my art class is into acrylics, but I don't want to neglect my WC. I really enjoy that the most.
QMM

Patsy said...

Bet that was fun to see your painting come to life.Just looks like the trees have grown a little.
Patsy

a woman who is said...

How special is that I am so glad you got a chance to see this spot and take a picture.

Anonymous said...

How fun is this!! To find the very same view that you'd painted is terrific. You've done a beautiful job capturing the softness of the scene.

Tracy Golightly-Garcia said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Tracy Golightly-Garcia said...

Barbara
You did a wonderful job! Wish I could buy one of your paintings--do you ship to the states? :) :)

Best
Tracy :)

Andrea said...

Barbara, it is very beautiful! You are very talented and inspiring.

And yes, yours is such a likeness. It so captured the essence of Wendens Ambro, which is very lovely.

Take care. God bless you, dear friend.

Andrea

Deanna said...

Barbara,
You have done well.
d

Anonymous said...

Hi Barb, I did not know you could paint. It is beautiful. Oh how I wish I had that talent. I would love to have paintings in my home.

Things do change, but it is good that the buildings are still there. Nothing looks the same where I live. They would rather tear things down than restore.

Willow

cyclopseven said...

Guess I've found another stopover in my cyber-travel. Interesting blog with wonderful pictures and description. Thank you for sharing.

Kate said...

What a wonderful painting - you really did well!!!

Pom Pom said...

What a sweet little glimpse you gave me today! Thank you!

Linda said...

How much fun to have found that. Love the painting.

Pomona said...

Lovely pictures, and how clever of you to paint it. I am glad that you like the look of our little cottage!

Pomona x

Merisi said...

Mission accomplished! :-)
I enjoyed Josie Ray's history lesson too.

Always those cars, they are the bane of the photographer. ;-)

*Ulrike* said...

Barbara, that is such a beautiful watercolour! The village is also so quaint looking too. You did a beautiful job!