Winter in the Scottish Highlands

After completing my Ben Mor Coigach painting in January, I headed for the mountains to be inspired for my next paintings. Before I go anywhere, the maps are spread out and sketching begins. I can visualise and draw the landscape in 3D just by looking at maps - this means I have a good idea of where I want to explore and what I will see when I'm there. The following drawing is my impression of Ben Dearg and Cona' Mheall from a planned vantage point on the flanks of Am Faochagach. I'll hopefully get there in the next few weeks, but it's very much weather and snow dependent.

Opposite the Beinn Dearg group is the Fannichs mountain range. There are many summits but the crowning glory is the beautiful peak of Sgurr nan Clach Geala - Pointed Peak of the White Stones. I managed a recent camp on the Northeast Ridge, so I would be totally immersed in the mountain environment which is essential for my creative process - dreaming and imagining what my painting could look like, and living in the landscape, if only for a short time. I came home armed with a very exciting idea, but it'll have to wait as I have started a panoramic Ben Nevis Plateau painting. I've also been asked to paint the Commando Memorial again near Spean Bridge, so I'm working out a composition for that too.