A rather overdue post, but nonetheless I wanted to share a bit more background to this series and how it came into being.
In early 2020 I was inspired to create a new series by the beautiful night sky photography of Beckie Burr. Beckie’s photos captured the majesty of some of Britain’s best archaeological sites, among the eternal backdrop of the night sky. As I had already explored these themes (separately) within my artwork, Beckie’s photos really resonated with me and I was excited to produce my own impression of these scenes. As usual a mix of the mystical and the scientific proved tantalising!
A few months later, a triptych of night sky paintings were complete, utilising my archaeological illustration experience and my newly refreshed watercolour painting skills. The stones were illustrated using my favourite Rotring Isograph pens to render the stones with detailed dotwork. For the night skies, I used Kuretake Gansai Tambi watercolours, which have vivid colour and a rich velvety finish, which was perfect for the depths of night.
These are the three sites which feature in my final tryptic.
Brane Barrow, Cornwall, UK
One of the many things that attracted me to the photo Beckie took of this site was that the barrow entrance was like a doorway into a magical universe. Not surprising then that this type of Neolithic burial monument is known as an Entrance Grave. I was subsequently amused to read (thanks Wikipedia) that one of the reasons the barrow remains standing in such great condition is that the 19th century farmer considered it “good shelter for sheep and pigs”. So much for my romantic notion of escaping to Narnia then.
Avebury, Wiltshire, England
Undoubtedly the most well-known of the three sites, Avebury encompasses Europe’s largest stone circle, and is one of Britain’s’ most iconic ancient monuments. Avebury’s stones may be more thinly distributed than those at nearby Stonehenge, but they are surrounded by a huge henge (so huge there is a village within it’s bounds). Built in the Neolithic, it’s currently estimated the oldest phase of construction is around 3,000BCE, but with archaeological investigations ongoing, watch this space. It’s a great site to stroll around as you can really get “in among the stones”. Teenage me highly recommends a visit!
Devil’s Den, Wiltshire, England
Another monument within the ancient Stonehenge / Avebury landscape, one of the things everyone seems to agree on is that the giant sarsen stones were re-erected during the 1920’s. Less clear are it’s age and purpose, with some describing it as a Chromlech / dolmen and others believing that the stones would have formed part of a (since ploughed away) long chamber. Many folklore tales surround the stones, including that a demon could be summoned by pouring water on the stones. Whatever it’s true origin, the site has a mystical energy which has captured the imagination of generations.
Lots of info to be found on this great website: Devil’s Den, Clatford, Wiltshire | The Northern Antiquarian (wordpress.com)
Thanks for reading! Please don’t forget to follow Beckie’s stunning page on Instagram: Beckie Burr (@beckieburr) • Instagram photos and videos
All of the Stones and Stars Series are now available as prints in my Esty shop:
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