Chasing Dreams in the Yorkshire Dales: An Artist's Journey Inspired by Stone and Sky

For me, the Yorkshire Dales aren’t just a place; they’re a lifelong dream, a cherished memory, and now, the profound inspiration for my art. My first fleeting encounter in 2004, conquering Pen-y-Ghent, one of the iconic Three Peaks, was merely a prelude to a love affair that would blossom years later.

From “All Creatures” to Artistic Inspiration

Like many, my imagination was first captured by the charming world of James Herriot. Growing up with the original All Creatures Great and Small BBC TV series, the idyllic landscapes of the Dales became etched in my mind. The recent, wonderful, Channel 5 adaptation only intensified that yearning, making a return visit an absolute must.

Summer 2024 finally saw that dream realised. A milestone birthday provided the perfect excuse for a day trip while holidaying in the North Pennines. Heavy rain couldn’t dampen the spirit of the place, even if the views were obscured. What started as a single trip has since transformed into many! I simply can’t stay away from the unique charm of this region.

Black Austin 7 car parked outside the original Skeldale House from the BBC TV series that was filmed in The Yorkshire Dales village of Askrigg — *Black Austin 7 car parked outside the original Skeldale House from the BBC TV series of All Creatures Great and Small that was filmed in The Yorkshire Dales village of Askrigg*

Me and my Lab posing outside Skeldale House, from the new adaption which is filmed in Grassington in the Yorkshire Dales — *Me and my Lab posing outside Skeldale House, from the new adaption of All Creatures Great and Small, which is filmed in Grassington in the Yorkshire Dales*

The Enduring Character of Yorkshire Dales Field Barns

The landscape here speaks to me in a way few other places do. The rolling hills, the dramatic valleys, and especially the steadfast Yorkshire Dales field barns. These architectural gems, some lovingly restored while others crumble gracefully back into the earth, each tell a story. Also known as laithes or a cow’us/cowuss if you’re in Swaledale, their character remains constant.

I have made it my mission to include at least one of these iconic structures in my Dales scenes. For me, my Yorkshire Dales field barn art isn’t just about the architecture; it’s about capturing the soul of the region.

The cowuses of Swaledale pepper the hillside of Kisdon in winter sunshine — *Cowuses of Upper Swaledale pepper the hillside of Kisdon in winter sunshine*

Coming Soon: The “Field Barn Series” Collection

*A small watercolour painting depicting a field barn / cowuss near Muker in Swaledale*

I am currently working on a series of small 6 x 4” watercolour paintings focusing entirely on these historic barns. These miniature studies allow me to focus on one particular barn, capturing the texture of the stone, and the mood of the sky in a condensed format.

Want to own a piece of the Dales? These paintings will be launching in my online store soon!

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Painting of field barns at Burtersett, Wensleydale, Yorkshire Dales, a sea of yellow wildflowers of the haymeadow gives the foreground a splash of sunshine colour. (for sale) — **Painting of field barns at Burtersett, Wensleydale, Yorkshire Dales,** a sea of yellow wildflowers of the haymeadow gives the foreground a splash of sunshine colour. **A4 size watercolour available now!**