‘Coire an t’Sneachda, the Cairngorms’, Oil, Acrylic & Pastel, 88 x 88 cm
There are two reasons for choosing this very wintry scene for my work of the week. Firstly, it’s apparently around 32 C this afternoon and forecast to go to 37C possibly by Sunday. Being used to the slightly cooler temperatures of Irvine, I’m finding it a little hot today and could really do with a nice cold snowy hill to sit on! But the main reason for choosing this painting is that my mind is very much on Scotland this weekend and in particular Glenmore Lodge near Aviemore. This is the centre where I did both the summer and winter mountain skills courses for visually impaired people. I’ve mentioned these courses before I know, and this weekend is really special as it’s the 10th anniversary this year for the course. Norma Davidson the co-ordinator for these courses, has organised a reunion for past course members and the fully sighted volunteer guides. I would have loved to be there this weekend and as I type this, my partner Anita (who has guided me over so many hills) is driving up to Glenmore to join the group.
The weather apparently isn’t so good but I’m sure everyone will have a good time and I’m sure there will be a lot of reminiscing done in the bar …and walks and adventures planned.
I did this painting after attending the one visually impaired winter mountain skills course that was run. We were taken up into the coire to learn some winter survival techniques …digging snow holes etc and we had this amazing view of the ice and snow covered crags. It was a special day for me too as one of the instructors spotted a Snow Bunting in the rocks close by and amazingly it sat there long enough for me to find it with my monocular…..I’d always wanted to see one of these.
Back to the heat and the work now and with a bit of luck a nice ice cold beer later this evening. Best wishes to all those at the reunion at Glenmore Lodge.
For details of the course, check out the Glenmore Lodge website: http://www.glenmorelodge.org.uk/