This is a painting I have had in my head for a while. I love the giant slabs which set out this route. Evidence of our heritage, when these hills powered the industrial revolution.
I also love the way that the steep sided valleys vanish once you're on the tops. They drop away, concealed by the change in gradient, leaving only the sky and the moorland. Only the a wind farm on the horizon and the stone setts below our wheels to remind us that this is a productive landscape, entirely man made.
Painting starts with the sky, creating a sense of space. A few lines to remind me where the horizon is and to ensure the rider's silhouette is preserved. After that I look for shapes and colours to mark out the landscape, working in wet on wet for turf and shadow. Lastly adding detail to the rider.