A family break away inspires

A week away by Oban is just what was needed. Nature, coastlines, love and laughter cheer the soul but is all too fleeting.

Our first stop and a sketch from Arrochar and Loch Long

It has been a busy couple of weeks and even as I write this I am thinking about the workshop I have in a couple of hours at Lauriston Castle. It seems I am rushing about so much at the moment and need to slow down but keep thinking, ‘I’ll just get this done and that out of the way and then I will take it easy’. Do you know what I mean?

Charcoal sketching from pieces found on Ganovan Sands, Oban

I know for many people taking a break means doing twice the work before and after so you manage some down time for yourself and I am sure I will get back into the rhythm of a work/life balance soon but just now I seem to be wishing the summer away rather than enjoying the time now.

Sketching still life is a great way to stop and be in the moment

Don’t get me wrong, the holiday to Oban was a blast, we enjoyed a relaxing few days near Oban in a beautiful holiday home surrounded by nature with a river at the end of the garden. It was bliss and a chance to catch up with family I hadn’t seen for too long. But after the rush to get away and then coming back to full on I feel like I need another break to get over the last month!!

Rant over, I know I am so lucky to have had such a lovely time and spend it with my gorgeous family. We took a tiny boat to an island, cycled along a loch and swam in the Atlantic, I really can not complain and I feel so lucky to live in Scotland and have all this on the doorstep. Here are a few of my sketches from the past ten days. Happy holidays!

Mark :)

Click to enlarge