Drawn to the valley - artist's open studios

The last few days I have been visiting artists studios - 'Drawn to the valley' is an artist led collective of around 100 members who all live and work in the Tamar Valley, designated 'an area of outstanding natural beauty' - it's a great way to meet other artists and also get to know the area I've recently moved to better! I love visiting artist's homes and studios too! The river Tamar runs through the valley and divides Devon and Cornwall, from Launceston in the north down to the sea at Plymouth - so the artists are working in border lands - on the edge of 2 very different counties!

I started off on Friday evening by going along to a Private View at the Tamar Valley Centre in Gunnislake - the 4 artists exhibiting belong to the printmaking studio I have been attending during the last few months and Mary Gillett, the tutor was one of the exhibitors. It was so lovely to know people and to chat over a glass of wine- something I have missed being new to the area!! It was a great space and all the work was of high quality.

On Saturday I visited 4 artists based in Millbrook on the Rame Peninsula - I particularly liked the ceramics of Jill Holland and the work of Helen Round a painter and printmaker.

it was a beautiful sunny day and I took the Cremyl ferry and walked a circular route of around 8 miles stopping for a coffee at my favorite cafe The Honey Room at Widdicombe's In Millbrook and then lunch on this hilltop - overlooking the twin villages of Cawsand and Kingsand

what a view!

I love visiting this area - it's not far, as the crow flys, from where I am at the moment but it requires a ferry ride or a longish drive around the estuary - Millbrook is where I would like to live when I get around to buying a property next year. I am renting at the moment to give me a chance to find the ' ideal spot' - then of course I need the ideal house at the ideal price to appear! this is where I need to TRUST! so watch this space and see if I find my dream home!

I returned to Plymouth on the Cawsand ferry and finally a bus arriving home tired, inspired and happy and ready for my supper!

A long walk home

In this part of the world we have 100 inches of rain a year so when we have bright sunny days like today it is best to take advantage of it! I feel very privileged to be able to do this – I neglected the sorting, unpacking and general admin of moving into a new home  to start exploring my locality! I took a local bus to Tavistock my nearest town and then walked home……….

7 miles  (11 kms)

I started here in the park where lots of families were enjoying the sunshine  and catkins and spring blossom were showing their splendor

I felt buoyant and full of the joys of spring!! 

Once out of town I arrived on Roborough Downs

these ponies roam wild in this area and on nearby Dartmoor – I love the stocky ones with short stubby legs, gentle eyes and shaggy manes!

and the elegant white ponies (maybe this is a unicorn!)

 

there were some perfect stones where I could sit and eat my cheese and pickle sandwiches!

A day of long shadows

 

Maybe a lunch time stopping place next time!

Or maybe here……………………….!

or at the aptly named ‘Double Waters’ where the Rivers Tavy and Walkham meet……………….

Across the old bridge…………….

And up another Devon county lane …..

I’m still fixated by trees! This time an English one!

And guess what else?

I fear I am repeating myself!

A perfect final resting point just 20minutes from home!

3 and a half hours and I was home to a well earned glass of wine and hot bath!

See you on my next ramble!