Coalbridge Street: The grass is always greener…

It’s Saturday again somehow. As I write this I am sat on puppy watch and trying to balance the needs of a 12 week Labrador puppy with our 9 year old miniature Dachshund. Perhaps not quite as relaxing as this used to be, the headspace isn’t available, it’s taken me half an hour to even write this introduction…

It was last weekend that I shared a little more of the story and thinking behind this latest of shelf cameo layouts, and longer since I talked about the success with ground textures. Tired yet recharged from the NEC this week has seen a little progress on the back of the yard and introducing some ‘green’.

Of course I say green, and in the title I tease… but not only do I rarely use greens but Coalbridge Street is set in the autumn! I did a small test area first, Woodland Scenics ‘yellow grass’ flock followed by some Peco/WWS ‘Patchy’ 2mm with Mininature 6mm straw. It looked too dark, and was rubbed off before it dried. Not everything works first time… take two, the pale foundation of the yellow grass flock followed by Greenscenes yellow and pale green 2mm. I let this dry and then added smaller patches of the 2mm ‘patchy” and 6mm straw, as previously, the results looked much more promising. 

I notice now as I sit and re-read this that it is written in quite a technical manner. I take for granted the years of practice that have led to the comfort I find in the craft, the ease of using the tools and materials, the ability to find peace in the moments that follow. The words here read cold and numb, but the process is anything but… instead it is warm and restorative.

Initially I was concerned I’d added too much green to the palette, especially so close to the lovely washed out back scene - but as it has dried and I’ve had a chance to live with it I’m much happier. This is not the final picture, more ground texture and some trees will be added, but already it is brining photography in this area of the composition to life, as much part of a project as the design, the build and the operation.

As I wrap another blog post up I can report I’ve finally managed to get both dogs to settle and peace has returned to my Saturday morning. I can, at least for half an hour or so, look forward to some gentle reflection and enjoy an old book or two… until next time, more soon…

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