“There is an abundance of dry stone walls around Hartington and they always look so good in the snow, in the warm glow of the winter sunshine.

I like to look along the walls, so I can see the blue shadows. The colours in a winter sky can make a very cold day appear warm.

The late afternoon sunlight behind Wolfscote Hill became stronger as the sun began to set at the end of a brilliant day in the snow.”

Rex Preston

“It is very rare that any summer goes by without a visit to Fairbrook Valley to have a walk amongst the heather.

Definitely one of the most beautiful valleys I have ever seen, it is very well hidden and is accessed through a pine forest and over a footbridge. It is only a few miles long, but in August and September when the heather is in full bloom, it is absolutely stunning.

The cascading water glistens as it finds its way over the rocks into the many deep, clear pools. The banks are lined with silver birch and mountain ash trees and the distinctive shape of Kinder Scout can be seen in the distance.”

Rex Preston

“On a very narrow road that goes over to Askrigg from Swaledale in Yorkshire, I stopped for a walk at Whitaside Moor, to get a good view of the dale.

Pausing by a moorland beck, I watched the autumn sun light up the pastures and farm buildings. Swaledale became shrouded in misty rain for a while, but then the sun just broke through to light up the valley.

Seeing some men busy renovating the dry stone wall by the road made me certain that this would be a good subject to paint.”

Rex Preston

“The track that runs below Barton Fell has some incredible views of Ullswater, with all the surrounding crags disappearing off to the distant fells of Helvellyn.

I always think there is a real feeling of space and peace here. On this March afternoon, the calm breezes were just breaking the surface of the lake, but still allowing some reflections.

This is, in my opinion, one of the best vantage points to see the Lake District.”

Rex Preston

“Walking along the River Dove from Milldale to Wolfscote Dale one damp October morning, the sun was just beginning to break through the mist.

Looking back by an overhanging tree, the sun was making the autumn colours glow. The light glistened on every wet surface giving a magical effect and the bright autumn leaves reflected in the river.

I sketched the scene, making lots of notes to help me to remember the scene back in my studio.”

Rex Preston

“After a day spent walking and sketching in late November, I timed my walk so that I could watch the evening sky as I walked back along Froggatt and Curbar Edges.

At over 300 metres high, Curbar Edge is a very good vantage point to observe the changing light as the sun sets.

Over the years, walkers have worn out some of the paths creating pools that reflect the sky beautifully. People often go there in the evening just to watch the setting sun, it gives you a feeling of being on top of the world!”

Rex Preston

“There is a farm cottage at Lanthwaite, near Crummock Water where I have stayed a couple of times. It is quite remote and there is nothing there except the most beautiful scenery.

As it brightened up after a rainy morning, I wandered along a track close to the cottage. The light in the sky intensified filling the fells with sunshine and reflecting in all the pools.

This painting was done a few yards from the cottage in early September while the heather was still very colourful. The Lake District offers an amazing variety of subjects for a landscape artist.”

Rex Preston

“Driving around the higher parts of the Peak District looking for snow, I had a phone call from my son Mark who was painting on location near Cross o’ the Hands, Mugginton Lane End. He had found plenty of snow and also these cattle. I soon joined him with my sketchbook.

I no longer paint on location in very cold conditions. My sketchbook has served me very well and over many years, I have trained myself to take just what I need from the landscape to be able to paint it back in the studio. The farmer had just put some hay out for the cows, so they all came close by.

I first painted this group of trees in the early seventies, before Mark was born. It is great to see him painting some of the same places now and enjoying it just as much as I do.”

Rex Preston

“One cold and wet December day whilst sketching along the Dales Way in Cumbria, I came across these farm buildings as I was approaching Gawthrop, towards the end of my walk.

It was late afternoon and the buildings were silhouetted against the mist covered slopes of Dentdale. It had been a showery day and almost every wet surface was reflecting the light, creating a wonderful atmosphere. The cool greys of the walls looked warmer due to the glow from the sky and the lights on in the cottage made it look very cosy and inviting on such a cold day.

I am sure the farmer and his dog were very glad to be home.”

Rex Preston

“There is a small car park at Trevelgan Hill on the coastal road from St Ives to Zennor, which is an excellent vantage point from which to observe the evening light reflected in the distant Atlantic.

Further back from the sea is Rosewall Hill, the summit of which allows a brilliant view of the sea and sky, with a moorland foreground and a glimpse of the coastal road in the distance as it meanders through some of the most dramatic coastal scenery I have ever seen.”

Rex Preston