To produce this view of a west country village in England, this mixed media painting blurs the edges to force a focus to the buildings in the centre. The idea of forced focus is an idea that I wish to pursue.

The Morris dancing tradition goes back to the 15th century. Handkerchiefs, bells and sticks are part of this rhythmic folk dance. We saw these dancers in Brighton, but we have seen other Morris dancers all over the U.K.

Forde Abbey is a medieval monastery with extensive grounds that include many acres of gardens. Water features such as this great pond play an important part in the garden design. It is now marketed as a venue for weddings and corporate events.

Unfortunately we struck a rainy day but I still found the gardens, which are more informal, very attractive. I hope to paint more impressions of this property.

This small orchard overlooked by a distant church tower was a subject right near our rented house in Dorset.

This deceptively simple subject presented a challenge as the entire painting is green. I still think that the subject of this sketch could make for a strong and romantic painting but a good deal of concentration would be necessary to handle the "greenness".

Athelhampton is a 15th century house near Dorchester, Dorset. The gardens are quite formal showing the French influence.

Although I am more inclined to a looser, less formal garden, say like Sissinghurst, I must admit that there is an appeal, especially with the corner houses in this garden. I had thoughts of using this as a sketch. Time will tell.

There is a carnival atmosphere along the sea front at any British coastal town. This scene in changing light gives a view from a nearby hill. No matter how cloudy or nasty the day, there are always people willing to brave the weather to go into the sea.

Although the seaside towns used to be a must-do every year for British families, the advent of cheap air travel means that it is possible for families to vacation abroad.

See also Image # X0011 Hillside Flower Shop, Lyme Regis, Dorset

The seaside town of Lyme Regis, crowded with tourists, is located on a hilly site. This pink-painted flower shop seemed to add to the festive atmosphere as we headed to the Front, down a steep and winding street from the car park.

There is a carnival feeling at British seaside towns which is great fun. I realize that there are everyday residents but they are far outnumbered by tourists on holiday.

See also Image # X0011 Front, Lyme Regis

Rainy weather adds a muted beauty to this Dorset country landscape. Winding roads through farmland are punctuated here and there by very small villages.

This sketch may be the start of another painting but I don't know. I never know what will take my fancy. Although this small painting looks simple, it was difficult to paint as there is very little variety in the colour which I thought important to show. The only reason that we drove this way was on our way to a pub that Marilyn had read about.

This ancient inn stands beside a small river, spanned by a stone bridge. Hidden from any main road this hotel and restaurant date back to the 16th century.

One of the many features of rural England that draws us back is the number of quaint, pretty, historic and welcoming country pubs and inns. In Canada we lack an equivalent institution. I wish that there were small pretty village pubs here.

Dorset is a county in the west country of England. The northern part is farmland which then gives way to the so-called Jurassic coast. The rural area, and that is most of it, was the setting for Thomas Hardy's stories such as The Mayor of Casterbridge. Driving trips through the country lanes are what we like best. This peaceful view appeals to me.

On our holiday in 2011 we stayed in a restored Flax mill about 6 miles from Bridport. Our house was on the way to nowhere and provided a quiet pleasant retreat by the mill stream.