Yore Mill Summer 22

Yore Mill Bridge Summer 22 These small paintings are straight forward views of the mill in one way. But in another they tell a story of climate change. The summer of 22 was the hottest on records and the hottest temperature was recorded in Britain since records began. We were able to walk down the river from the Upper Falls to the Middle Falls actually on the river bed. We picked up litter and agricultural plastic from the river bed and found a Victorian boot that was revealed by the low water. Also visible was the broken mill wheel that has been languishing in the river since it was cracked probably in the Georgian or Victorian period of the Mill being in its industrial height. So the views of the Mill and Bridge are looking up from a dry river bed and not the usual viewpoint from road or bankside that would usually be seen. I have painted them in acrylic paint on recycled board. I am aware of the implications for plastic pollution with using acrylic paint. I paint multiple images at the same time to minimise wasting. I only put out what will be used in one session and use it all up even if that means painting a background in a sketchbook. Then only the brushes need to be washed and waste is minimised. I am finding a direction in these paintings as I respond to the environment in a visual and emotional way.