Simon Hodges VPPS Sketching in Totnes

Sketching in Totnes

By Simon Hodges VPPS

Just back from a few days in Totnes. My wife, Helena, and myself ventured into Devon and in part, The Pastel Society made it possible. Located in the beautiful town of Totnes is the studio of Sarah Bees PS so with PS council business to discuss, it was a great reason to spend some time in a place I had not visited since my days as an architect and meet up with a fellow pastellist and PS member.

Sarah showed us The Dartington Estate just outside Totnes with its long, varied and fascinating connection with the arts and experienced a landscape that inspires Sarah and her work. The weather was lovely, the food great and the company excellent.

We also visited Sarah’s spacious studio (certainly relative to my own,) enjoyed its lovely views over Totnes and talked about the promotion of The Pastel Society. But that is for another time.

The following day, after coffee at a street café, we left Sarah to prepare for her next painting workshop and spent the day walking the streets of Totnes and the paths along The River Dart. We also took in the panoramic view from Totnes Castle.

Sketching was mainly done using a camera because time was short but some pastel was done using Caran D’Ache water-soluble pastels in an A5 sketchbook. Some are shown here.

Good sketching. Simon


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