Purchase Weatherd Scottish Abbey
Yarn and colour pencils have taken over my world lately. In between designing and sewing paper piecing patterns, I am finding myself gravitating toward knitting needles and colour pencils. Not only are they great for keeping the hands busy, they also share a common thread for me – travel. As I knit a warm piece of clothing, I imagine myself wearing it in a far-away land, exploring. Later on, I revisit a favourite travelled place through painting, specially an old stone abbey or other ruins.
A few months ago I was travelling to England and I wanted to take a painting project with me to fill in the long 10 hours of travel time on the plane. Of the places we visited in Scotland, Dryburgh Abbey is one of my favourites. I found an old photo and it instantly became the subject of my painting.
The picture you see above is how much I finished on the plane. Sadly, after I came back, I moved on to other projects and it was left unfinished.
While going through my sketchbooks searching for more unfinished drawings, I found one of my old pen sketches from another place we visited in Scotland.
A doorway detail in Jedburgh Abbey
A while back, my husband got me a set of yarn from the local yarn store. I was browsing on Ravelry for a hat pattern and noticed one that has a striking resemblance to the design in the Jedburgh Abbey doorway. I fell in love with the pattern and the red yarn was perfect for it.
It is called Paragon Toque. Instead of cables, this design is done simply with knit and purl. I made the large size hat since I like my hats to be a bit on the loose side. I had made a simple hat for my husband before, but this is the first hat I made for myself. I think I will be wearing this one a LOT. I love it!!
I recently started making slow progress on the painting again using my Derwent watercolour pencils. The colours are less intense than Inktense pencils and are easier to lift off if needed. They also blend beautifully. I always like to make a colour swatch of any paint set I acquire. Even looking at these colours makes me happy!
Purchase Weatherd Scottish Abbey
We visited Dryburgh during our stay in Edinbugh. As I was painting, I was reliving the moments of standing in front of the quiet Dryburgh Abbey Chapter House all on my own, soaking in the atmosphere of an old, wet stone ruin.
This Scotland-inspired art print would be nice for anyone who loves historic Scotland and Britain as well as people who love old European architecture prints.
I now have prints of this painting available in my shop. I would love for you take a look. As most of my artwork is travel-inspired, I am sure it would make a wonderful travel lover gift too.
These old medieval architectures invoke thoughts of not just travelling, but also of stories from medieval times. This print would be lovely for a book lover – anyone who loves to travel through pages.
I am enjoying this daydreaming escape through knitting and painting. Here’s to more daydreaming for all of us!
-Soma
19 thoughts on “Daydreaming – Weatherd Scottish Abbey”
Jennifer March 12, 2017 at 13:01
Thanks for joining in with my link party, Soma. Your paintings are so beautiful, you have a real talent. I love your toque too. The yarn reminds me of a sweater I had years ago that was really soft and warm and almost that exact color.
Lisa February 26, 2017 at 19:40
WOW! That is stunning Soma. I just bought a sketchbook specifically for travel. I cannot wait to get it. We do not have any travel plans this year so I will probably sketch/paint our hikes for the year.
Lisa @ LTTL
Candace February 26, 2017 at 16:37
I loved reading this blog post! Your painting is beautiful, I am amazed that it is possible for anyone to do that on a plane! The yarn colors are so rich and beautiful! Is there any silk in them? The hat does really look like it has cables.
Wendy @ September Violets February 23, 2017 at 05:38
What a beautiful painting of the abbey! Looks like you have your system down perfect with the watercolour pencils, sample chart & sketchbook. Your hat is gorgeous too! The pattern really looks like cables, but I guess it’s a lot simpler to knit in just the purl / knit stitches. Well done!
Susan February 22, 2017 at 18:55
That is one pretty hat, not only in the yarn, but the pattern! Thanks for sharing
Jayne February 21, 2017 at 14:25
What an amazing artist you are! It’s always a pleasure seeing what you are working on!
beth February 20, 2017 at 17:15
Love your hat AND your artwork. Beautiful!
Beth @ Cooking Up Quilts February 20, 2017 at 05:57
Love the hat, thanks for sharing the name of the pattern. I like that it has the look of cables without actually having to knit them. Your artistic skills are amazing Soma. I always love seeing your work! Thanks for linking to MCM. :)
bettyl - NZ February 20, 2017 at 00:57
Your artwork is awesome and I admire those who can knit.
Kaja February 19, 2017 at 01:59
Fantastic painting, Soma!
krislovesfabric February 17, 2017 at 12:17
Love the painting, the depth in the windows is just fabulous, and above the large arch…just, wow!
Patty February 17, 2017 at 05:40
Your painting is beautiful.
Jeneta@PlumJam February 17, 2017 at 05:26
Your visual images on posts are always such a delight to see! I LOVE your watercolour of Dryburgh Abbey. And I adore your hat!!
Dixie February 16, 2017 at 20:42
A lovely watercolor and I really love your hat.
I agree. Painting and knitting are great “daydreaming escapes.” And you daydream so well, Soma!
Janine @ Rainbow Hare February 16, 2017 at 16:59
Your painting are brilliant and I love your hat. The perfect hat to remind you of your travels and to travel in future. The yarn is a gorgeous colour :)
Mary February 16, 2017 at 14:34
Your watercolor work is just beautiful. The depth you have captured in that door makes me want to enter it and see the inside.
I LOVE your new hat. I am trying to imagine how they did that with just a knit/purl and no cable. That is fascinating.
rosa February 16, 2017 at 14:04
Wonderful projects!
Kathleen February 16, 2017 at 12:43
Beautiful work as always. Your pen sketch of the doorway would also make a nice paper pieced pattern :)
Kim Sharman February 16, 2017 at 05:27
Looking at you paintings, Soma, makes me happy. =) Your watercolour of Dryburgh Abbey Chapter House is lovely. You are such a clever artist in so many ways. A trip to England and Scotland, how wonderful. I can well imagine inspiration for you everywhere. Gorgeous hat both in colour and design. Yes I can see you living in this pretty hat.