I've been intending to paint Ratcheugh Observatory for years, and it's finally made its way onto the easel.
This wonderfully quirky and eye catching folly stands on a prominent crag just outside Alnwick on the road to the coast. Visible for miles around, it must give sweeping views across the surrounding countryside, from the coastline to the inland hills.
Although it looks every inch the romantic observatory, it wasn't built for studying the heavens. Commissioned by the 1st Duke of Northumberland, its purpose was far more practical: to provide a vantage point from which he could survey his extensive estates. Whatever its original purpose, it remains one of Northumberland's most distinctive landmarks and a fascinating subject to paint.
With fields full of phacelia, daisies and the occasional poppy it makes a perfect summer subject.
It was painted onto textured heavy weight paper, using Artist's professional acrylic paint.
It is ready to hang, and framed in a bespoke solid oak frame which is 26 cm square. The painted area is 12 cm square.
This series of small paintings are small enough to hang anywhere- an awkward space or on a staircase, but with enough presence to always look great- singly or as a group. Hang them in blocks, vertical rows or horizonal lines.
FREE P&P to any UK address.
