I have lived in, or near, the Test Valley for many years, and been married to a fly fisherman for even more. This year I am going to record the river from as near to its source as I can manage, down to the tidal waters at Testwood,and the sea.
Each month a different area of the river will be the focus, with a mixture of rural idyll and industry that relies on the water. By the end of the year there will be quite a body of work. Along the way there will be a Facebook page with information and possibly the occasional picture.
The group will try to stick to the allocated days, come rain or shine. The idea is to catch something of the change of seasons as well as geography. The cold and mud of January should show a sharp contrast to the balmy days of August.
Each venue will be available to the public; if you miss a day, or wish to return to a venue you will be able to do so.
I would suggest that those joining this journey should not over plan what they want to do through the year. I intend to use sketchbooks for drawing, and note taking, and try to do a couple of quick paintings at each stop. I’m sure I don’t know the river all that well. I will take a number of photos to work from at a later day.
It is up to you whether you work on the project between dates, or restrict yourself to class dates only.
Don’t be put off by dates you can’t make. Either go on a different day, or leave a gap, or draw a picture of where you are that day.
The River Test, Source to Sea, a year’s journey – dates
January 11th, February 6th, March 6th,
April 3rd, May 8th, June 5th, July 10th,
August 4th, September 4th, October 2nd,
November 6th, and December 4th
Once a month, different venues, one day at a time
£25/day (plus entrance fees where necessary, but nearly all in public spaces)
Suitable for all
For more information please contact me:
One Reply to “The River Test, Source to Sea, A Journey”