Irene Sanderson

The Mustard Seed Garden path to Blencathra

Materials: Boards, Chinese paper, ink, brushes, watercolour, artist

(Dimensions variable )

An artist following the instructions of ancient chinese landscape painting in an open air studio.

location:

The Old Roman Road, Nr. Blencathra

dates:

From Saturday 27 September up to and including Friday 3 October come rain or shine, from 10.30am until 4.00pm

OS grid ref:

NY 382 272

getting out there:

On the old Roman road north of and parallel to the A66 (OS ref 382272)about nine miles west of Penrith. Turn off the A66 to the north (unsigned) opposite turning for A5091 (Troutbeck, Matterdale) and follow the small road 1/2 a mile west until the footpath sign. The artist will be at that layby.   There is plenty of space for parking, picnics etc.

For seven days from 27 September I shall be on site painting the view of Blencathra using traditional materials and techniques of Chinese ink painting and following the precepts and instructions of the Mustard Seed Garden Manual of Painting. This manual, first published in 1679, gives practical advice and cultural background and remains the
most significant guide. I shall be working from Part One on the fundamentals of painting and in particular the portrayal of rocks and mountains. Each day I shall follow the lessons which basically analyse the style of the different masters to emulate their achievements. The finished works and studies will be on display on site while I am working. The manuals are for the scholar in his study and although they call for the artist to ‘live in the grove he is painting’ the practice of working before the subject rarely took place. This will be an experiment in combining Far Eastern and European traditions of conception.

Artist's website: www.irenesanderson.com