It is almost time for seasonal colour change, so we need to enjoy the last of the late green summer lusciousness:

Departing summer hath assumed
An aspect tenderly illumed,
The gentlest look of spring;
That calls from yonder leafy shade
Unfaded, yet prepared to fade,
A timely carolling.

No faint and hesitating trill,
Such tribute as to winter chill
The lonely redbreast pays!
Clear, loud, and lively is the din,
From social warblers gathering in
Their harvest of sweet lays.

(from William Wordsworth September, 1819)

Contrary to popular rumour, the Jack Doherty exhibition is not completely sold out….. it is an exhibition of wonderfully varied forms, the turquoise, fire and charcoal colours are perfect in the afternoon light here, as, now lower in the sky, the sun pours like honey into the gallery…

It really is the most gorgeous time of year. Soon the trees on the right of the Avon will turn.

There is so much to admire in Mark Entwisle’s watercolours – each brush stroke is so important as, unlike with oil-painting, there can be no re-runs…..

His is an exceptional collection of watercolours.

The clarity and sharpness of Jo Barrett’s still life works suits the lovely fresh light in the gallery:

And only five minutes walk away from Bath town centre……

And finally…… it has taken me until recently to read the utterly marvellous book that the extract below is taken from, every page as immediately rich and re-readable as the next.

So I set off across the fields, not following paths, but through gaps and over walls, towards the west. I’d never been that way before. There was warmth and ripeness in the air. Autumn was burning across the Vale, the beeches flaring like torches as the heat mist ebbed away from hedges and spinneys and from flocks grazing along the slopes of the faded fields. Yet, unwilling as I was to acknowledge it, I knew now that this landscape was fixed only momentarily. The marvellous weather was nearing its end.

(from J L Carr A Month in the Country)

Thank you for reading,
Aidan Quinn

Beaux Arts Bath