“A cup of coffee with a robin, at Cranborne Garden Centre”
A dark, gloomy, late November afternoon. I was drinking a cup of coffee (with milk), when suddenly, a beautiful little bird came to keep me company. A friendly little robin. They are rather small, with a red-orange chest and are sedentary birds. From the 19th century, are highly associated with Christmas and are present on many cards.
Cranborne is a village in East Doset with a population of less than 800. In the past, Cranborne was a market town, with a much larger population. There was a hunting lodge, built by King Henry VIII and hosted many kings for hunting, starting with King John.
The garden centre is set in the former walled kitchen garden of Cranborne manor. The house is not open to the public, but some of the garden can be visited on regular bases. The garden centre, has a nice kitchen and they organise weddings and receptions as well. Lovely place, we like going there from time to time, for a little walk and a cup of coffee.
I did the painting after a photo taken by me, using alla prima techniques. I haven’t painted from a photo in a long time, so I quite enjoyed the experience.
So, here it is:
“A cup of coffee with a robin, at Cranborne Garden Centre.”
Oil on linen.
24 X 30cm (10” X 12”).
