Thursday 1 May 2008

HOVETON HALL GARDENS NORFOLK


Last week I visited the Hoveton Hall Gardens just 3 miles from my home. It has a wonderful peaceful relaxing atmosphere with walks through a woodland carpeted in daffodils when I visited, walks around a beautiful 4 acre lake with stone bridge and currently bright yellow giant marsh marigolds. The magnolias were out - as you can see from my two quick watercolours here.



There is also an enclosed flower garden, approached through a wrought iron circular gate in the shape of a spiders web with the garden cottage beyond. Here is my double spread pen and wash sketch of it - although the wall is rather darker in real life.

Cant wait to visit again later in this month (May) to see all the azaleas and rhododendrons out in full bloom that were in bud when I was there.

6 comments:

Claudia said...

Very pretty your Magnolia sketch, Joan!

P.S. Thank you for your comment, Joan. Yes, I was really impressed by the scene I saw while driving. (Bad thing; I always see wonderful scenes when I'm in my car, but "unfortunately" h a v e then to concentrate on driving;-((

Anita Davies said...

Joan what a fantastic gate! Unsure about the horrid spider but what beautiful design.
Of course, you do realise you will have to take me there to see it now don't you?
LOL!

BTW...The studio is up.
All of the plastics and they are just now fitting the windows in the pouring rain! It is FANTASTIC!

Did you have a workshop today?

Joan Sandford-Cook said...

Claudia - I dont think you need to worry when you cant stop to sketch a particularly enchanting scene with a memory like yours. Something I could never do. .. thats why I always have my little digital camera on my passenger seat!!

I had already planned Anita to take you to Hoveton Hall as its so near and delightful - I know you'll love it. Brave of me to sketch a big metal spider when I am so averse to them in real life.!! Hope you can make it this month when the azaleas and rhododendrons are in full bloom. Cant wait to hear you are IN THERE PAINTING - it must be so exciting seeing your new studio grow. What great guys you have around you working in the rain.

Robert A Vollrath said...

Taking a break from setting up my Art Show and I thought I'd peek in and see what new art you have up.
Love the flowers and the spider gate.

Joan Sandford-Cook said...

Oh how lovely to hear from you Robert and thanks for popping in to see what ive been up to in yhour busy schedule. GOOD LUCK WITH THE SHOW. Keep us posted with any news.

E-J said...

Somehow I missed this entry when you posted it. Lovely watercolours!!