Island Colours

The weather has been predominately grey for the past three days. But the prevailing palette seems to be muted greens, ochres, some pink and, of course, blue.

I spent part of yesterday swatching colours for some of my work; I have chosen soft natural hues, I have also tried to capture the colour the dry stone walls which are covered in the most outrageously vibrant yellow lichen. Those who read or watched Brambley Hedge when younger will recognise it from High Hills when Wilfred discovered the gold-coloured lichen (possibly caloplaca flavascens) when getting lost delivering blankets.

Environmentally friendly and non-toxic ‘copper blue’ is a beautiful soft turquoise which I think will be useful somewhere. And genuine hematite and Roman black have also made it into the box. I am unsure what I will use these for, but they are very pretty and sparkly. Also, genuine lapis lazuli which is supposed to increase intellectual ability. I will hold my breath on this one!

But at 4.30 pm yesterday, I watched the sun set as a pink slash through the sky, draped across a vivid navy blue. A few hours later, I went out again; it was still warm enough not to need a jumper. And it was pitch black apart from flashes from the South Light, which I expected. I did not, however, expect to see two other lighthouses to the West and Southwest, where there should be absolutely nothing. These were the lights from the furthest most isles in Orkney: Start Point in Sanday, and Sea Skerry in North Ronaldsay. It is quite unusual to see them, and they need quite rare conditions, so I felt very privileged, especially as Sanday is also visible from my own place in Orkney. I am not quite so isolated, after all!