The Stormfront

Alistair Little | Oil on Melamine | 11.5 x 16.5 inches 

“As with all the paintings I’ve submitted to this ‘Best of British’ show there is an exploration of light on those stormy days that are punctuated with spells of bright sunlight.

The Cley Windmill seemed like the perfect building to paint in this light.  It’s beautiful red brick and white woodwork gleaming in bright yellow sunlight.

The mill also suited me for several other reasons. You’ll notice the solitary figure of a woman standing by the water, perhaps just taking a moment to make sense of things, perhaps making plans for whatever comes next.

The Norfolk broads offer a beautiful stark background for her.  The windmill’s slowly turning sails mirror her churning thoughts.

It’s also a symbol of strength in the face of the elements and the oncoming storm, hence the title ‘Stormfront’

I have taken some liberties with the mill, the biggest one being the sails.  I’m not sure they’d catch too much wind as they are, but the skeletal nature of them appealed for the composition.

It strikes me that this scene is virtually timeless, giving the setting a romantic edge, albeit an edge that might be sharp, which is an ambiguity I couldn’t resist.” Alistair

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