A View Shared with Paula Youens, SWAc
My project began on March 24th, 2020, Day 1 of the UK's official Lockdown…
My project began on March 24th 2020 - Day 1 of the UK's official Lockdown.
I took a 30 minute short stroll from my house, downhill to Axmouth harbour. On the river bridge I stood in the cold, sketched the boatyard, took a photo & walked back. Later I went on Instagram, where I keep a visual diary & titled the post -
'LOCKDOWN DAY 1' - just 1 photo, 1 sketch. No words or explanation.
The next day I packed a rucksack with my drawing kit, set off & did the same again. This time I sat on the beach, drew the cliffs,
returned home & posted again. I added a few words -
“Daily exercise - push a brush around a piece of paper” ....
These 'walk & draw' trips are a vital part of my creative work, which is inspired by landscape. I have always done this. It’s in my DNA.
Gradually the walks got longer & more challenging, as I followed unknown footpaths & bridleways. Sometimes it was a 5/6 hour trek following the coast path. Or 20k exploring farmland & along winding lanes. These long walks needed describing. Observation was part of the day. Photos & videos were added to each daily story, keeping me up until 2am writing & editing. More Instagram people began following this daily online diary & joined me on journeys around my homepatch - especially city dwellers in strict confinement.
These 'walk & draw' trips are a vital part of my creative work, which is inspired by landscape. I have always done this. It’s in my DNA.
That simple post in late March became a 3 month physical, creative & mental challenge. I simply stepped outside & began walking. The only rule was that it must start & finish at my own front door.
My adventure ended on July 1st - LOCKDOWN DAY 100.
In total I walked - 936.30 kilometres
588 miles 6.260491 yards
Created 247 drawings & sketches outdoors
Longest walk - 22.38 k
Shortest walk - 4k
See more at www.instagram.com/paula.youens.art
Paula is an artist/printmaker who creates contemporary landscapes that explore form, atmosphere and a sense of place. Drawings are made outdoors - all year round and in all weathers. A graduate of Exeter College of Art, her professional career was in freelance illustration, working in London for national newspapers and magazines. She relocated to Devon's Jurassic Coast in 2003 and began drawing again. A series of courses fired up an exploration of intaglio print techniques and the purchase of an etching press. Paula’s mixed media work uses layers of gesso, paint, charcoal, graphite and ink. In 2012 she became a Director of Exeter's Double Elephant Print Workshop. In 2017 Devon Guild of Craftsmen elected her to full membership in the discipline of printmaking.