View From a Boat; a Kayakers View of Coniston Water by Penny Hunt
28 September – 23 February 2025
Ruskin made many drawings around the lake and drew the view of the lakeside opposite the house in 1837. When he was ill in 1871, the lake became ‘a therapeutic symbol in his fevered state’ and today many are drawn to the lake, finding solace in its waters and the views from them; wild swimming, paddle boarding, kayaking and sailing on the boats that traverse the lake daily.
This exhibition of paintings and sketches affords a view of the waters of the lake itself, the stillness and mist rising early in the morning, the choppy waters on windy days and the changing light on the banks throughout the year. From the wooded views at the head of the lake to the reed beds at the far end, discover the shapes and colours through the seasons.
Having spent over a decade swimming in Coniston Water in all seasons and paddling her kayak around the lake, her first hand experiences of the weather, the water, ever changing views and stories in the landscape inform this exhibition. The landscape itself has been used, foraging for materials from around the lake shore, she has used wood from trees on the shoreline, made charcoal and ground it, local stones and earth have also been ground to make pigment before making into her own oil paints which have been used in the paintings. Inks have been made from the plants and foliage surrounding the lake and used in sketches, the lake waters blending and smudging the ink. The work is made from the lake itself, the landscape has been used to depict itself.
Based in the Yorkshire Dales, Penny is drawn to windswept places, mountains, moorlands and mist; her work is about freedom, spending time in places where you feel the full force of wind and weather and find some perspective on life. Water is constant inspiration, rocky coastlines and rough seas or lakes and waterfalls, By painting directly on the shoreline seaweed, sand and spray are windblown into the work creating texture and atmosphere. Layers are later built up back in the studio, worked from memories and sketches, never photographs which remove the immediacy of the feel of the place, she is interested in atmosphere not detail.
Caption: After the Rains, by Penny Hunt
Further information:
- Brantwood is open every day during summer (10.30 – 5.00) and Wednesday to Sunday (from 13 November) during winter (10.30 – 4.30), also closing on Christmas & Boxing Day.
- Costs: Admission to the house and gardens is £15.00 for adults, £12.50 for students and free for children (16 and under).
- Location Brantwood, Coniston, Cumbria LA21 8AD
- For more information please call 015394 41396; email: enquiries@brantwood.org.uk
