The Lake District

The Teessdale Gallery

The Lake District

The "Classics" Series

Scafell Pike from Esk Gorge.

At 3210' Scafell Pike holds the title of highest mountain in England. This claim means that many a visitor to the summit is doing so as part of a "challenge" or just to say that have been there. Scafell Pike has lots more to offer than just a tick in a box. There are many fine approaches to this fell which provide breathtaking views and dramatic mountain scenery most of which are away from the crowds. Even the subsidiary tops of Broad Crag and Ill Crag are usually by-passed in the rush to the highest point.

For this painting I wanted to depict this fine mountain in a view that would mean something to the walker who knows the fells well. The approach from Eskdale via Brotherkield and Lingcove Bridge is a route that passes through a valley surrounded by stunning high mountains. As you gain height and pass through the gorge of the Esk the craggy face of Scafell Pike is revealed. This is the aspect which I hope will capture the character of Scafell Pike.

This is just one of many photographs I took as we walked up by the River Esk. The sunlight and shadows that were passing over the snow-covered tops gave an extra dimension to the contours.

Here are the initial sketches for the final composition.

I am continuing to work on this painting idea and progress will be added to this page on a regular basis.

Notes on the "Classics" series. All paintings will be produced in watercolour and will measure approximately 405mm high by 508mm wide. It is my intention to produce a high quality (giclee) print from each image in this set but only to an edition of 75 and to the exact size of the original. The images will not be available in any other format. If you are interested in any of these images then please do contact me via the link at the top of this page.

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