Moorland Sunset

“Derwent Moor in Derbyshire is the place to be on a summer evening as the setting sun starts to light up the sky with a warm glow. The surrounding lower moorland starts to fill with mist and the distant Kinder moorland just shows itself in subtle shades of grey.

At just above 500 metres above sea level, Derwent Moor, in the foreground of this painting, seems to soak up the light showing its rich warm browns, burgundies and many shades of purple heather. It was the reflections in the stream that made me stop to look at this subject, linking the foreground with the sky. It was the three contrasting strips of colour – warm orange-yellows, blue-greys and purple – that made me want to paint this colourful landscape.

I think this is one of the finest places to walk in the Peak District, but once the sun drops it becomes very dark indeed and a torch is essential for a safe return.”

Rex Preston