Greetings, it's time to start a blog. 2009 was a busy year for me - a lot of painting and two successful London exhibitions. Winter in Scotland is the time for me to gather inspiration and ideas for new paintings. So far, it's been a wonderful start to the season with 'the big freeze' bringing many climbing opportunities including a great new 210m route on Beinn a' Bheithir - Hidden Streak IV,4. Some early starts have revealed spectacular sunrises on some of the most iconic peaks in the country, and from my sketches and photographs should appear new paintings that conjour the feelings of elation and awe that I felt when viewing the scenes for real. An Garbhanach was looking truly alpine on Tuesday evening - I knew it had potential, just needed the right viewpoint and light.
The weather forecasts seem to have taken over my life - I'm packed and ready to go to the Isle of Skye again, just as soon as they say the sun will shine! (I've had a few trips to Skye in the rain and it is utterly miserable, conversely, when the skies are blue and the Cuillin are snowy, there is no-where on earth I'd rather be). Objectives for the next trip will be views of Sgurr a' Ghreadaidh from the south, Sgurr Alasdair from the south, Clach Glas again from the north and I'm not finished with Sgurr nan Gillean yet (my favourite British mountain).
Sketches and paintings will appear on the blog, so check back soon to see the Scottish peaks at their best. Check out my website for all my work so far http://www.jamiehageman.com/
Cheers, slainte, Jamie
