Portway churches

There are several intriguing churches on the Portway: the humble semi-detached chapel of All Saints at Dale; the elegant spired landmark of St. Matthew's, Morley; the imposing St. Mary's, Wirksworth, where Saxon stones enrich the medieval walls; and the 13th Century Church of Holy Trinity at Ashford in the Water.



Since Christmas I have been concentrating on the churches, sketching interiors and exteriors. The warm toned study of St. Mary's, Wirksworth reflects the welcome shelter from the freezing fog outside. The larger painting of Morley takes an unusual viewpoint, with flat areas of paint scored, crosshatched and patterned.