From the rolling slopes of Snaefell to the dramatic cliffs of Bradda Head, the Manx hills offer a diverse range of natural forms that are a constant inspiration to artists and photographers. Focusing on the 'hills' ink drawing prompt this week, join me as I sketch the view from Cairn Gerjoil (the hill above Windy Corner) and find how a quick web search turned up some interesting Manx literature.
How searching for the name of a hill led to a tresure trove of Manx Literature
When I decided to draw the view from this hill, I realised that I didn't even know its name and had always referred to it in my mind as 'Windy Corner Hill'. I decided to search on the internet as I always find it fascinating to see what turns up when I look for information about structures and landscape features on the Isle of Man, as I usually find a treasure trove of information. The Manx take great care to preserve their history and over the years, a great deal of information has been digitally archived for access on the internet, not least in the wonderful archive provided by the Manx National Heritage iMuseum.
It didn't take me long to find that the hill is known as Cairn Gerjoil and I was surprised to learn that it forms the northern tip of the parish of Onchan. Looking further down my search results, I was intrigued to see that the hill features in a very interesting story by the author Egbert Rydings. Rydings was the Lancashire-born owner of the Laxey Woollen Mills, which he established in 1881. He became friends with the Manx National Poet T.E. Brown, who encouraged him to write the stories of Manx Tales, which are literary works in the Manx dialect (and hence a little difficult, but still enjoyable, to read now).
These stories give a fascinating insight into the life of people on the Island at that time, and I was struck by how much I found reading the Manx dialect similar to aspects of the Cornish dialect that I grew up with. Rydings, like me, wasn't Manx-born, but became a dedicated believer in Manx life, community and culture and certainly had an influence on both the Laxey, and wider Manx community.
You can find the stories from 'Manx Tales' and more about Egbert Rydings at the Manx Literature website here.
Using water-soluble inks to draw the view from Cairn Gerjoil
I've always loved the view towards the south of the Island as I travel towards Douglas from Ramsey along the Mountain Road, but seeing it from the top of Cairn Gerjoil was even better! I loved the contrast of the rugged brown heathland on the hilltop with the rolling green fields of the valleys and smaller hills below. The peaks of South Barrule with Cronk ny Arrey Laa, just peaking from behind it, are visible in the distance and the distinctive shape of Archallagan plantation just before them.
I already had this photo on my phone, so I added a grid to it and got sketching. You can see the stages in the photos below:
I had just received some new colours of Diamine water-soluble ink, and so added these to the sketch above. I wasn't happy with the colours for this sketch, so I sketched the same scene in black ink again (no pencil drawing or grid this time as I was already familiar with the scene and had my previous sketch as a reference) and then added one of my new colours with two that I'd previously purchased. This turned out much better and I enjoyed the freedom of this looser sketch.
The Diamine inks are wonderful to use when you don't need to use a waterproof ink. Many of the colours split and transform with the addition of water and therefore provide an unpredictability that gives interest to your work. They're also just fun! I love using them with a glass dip pen and water brush.
Comments