Two Sunsets above Whitby

Sketching on the cliffs above Whitby on my weekend away: 

I went out to draw the sunset on two consecutive evenings: firstly, looking out to sea then, the following night, facing inland towards a farm. I love the way the colours change even as I am scribbling! 

There was a handy, dry-stone wall for me to perch on for the sketch below. I was even able to lay out my pencils on a nice, flat bit. I remember thinking, ‘This is probably not such a good idea: they could easily roll down into the gap…’ Unfortunately, I was right – my green pencil disappeared between the stones into the black void! Luckily, I had pretty much finished the drawing.

Next morning, before we set of for home, I went out to see if I could catch sight of my pencil, now there was daylight. But no luck – it must have been way down inside. Undeterred, and always one for a challenge, my friend dismantled, then rebuilt the section of wall, and we got it out. All for one, half-used-up, green pencil – what a hero!