Regular readers of this blog will be familiar with the fact that I have a standing agreement with a “gastro-pub” near my home, to display some of my pictures in their restaurant.* I try to rotate the display no less than three times a year, and over the week-end I determined to do that early next week. The question I face, however, is what my new display will include.
This agreement has been in operation for several years now, during which time I have tried to limit my display to images of local sights. This hasn’t been too difficult because a major local attraction is Almscliff Crag, which is a very popular destination with rock climbers–including me–and walkers. It holds a tremendous fascination for me, suggested by the fact that the climbing community refer to it as “God’s Own Crag”, in recognition of its enormous charisma. Even so, the Square & Compass has now seen my stock of images of the crag–and some of them more than once.
I have had in mind to do a set of mono prints based on the crag, but readers of yesterday’s post will appreciate that this plan is not advancing quite as smoothly as I first imagined! I could extend the geographical range of my images of course, and include pictures based on nearby Ilkley, or Upper Nidderdale, to the north. So yesterday I spent some time rummaging through my racks to see what is available. Suddenly, I had an inspiration.
Among pictures I have not looked at for ages was one I abandoned, feeling that it was going absolutely nowhere. Frankly, it is boring. It is no wonder that I stowed it away out of sight. As I looked at it, however, it became clear quite suddenly how it was possible to develop the basic work I had done, improving the composition, refining the detail, and adding two figures that could give point and liveliness to it. So, I have “resurrected” it, and yesterday evening put in some time exploring what might be done. I’m quite encouraged by the progress so far. A good deal more can be achieved by developing the modelling of the rock forms, but already it is starting to “rise again” and to “live”.
I wonder how many more neglected possibilities are hidden in those picture racks. When I have the time I’ll have to take a rummage.
*This is the Square & Compass, at North Rigton, between Otley and Harrogate.