Sketch outing - 20th June

I joined a Wednesday sketch group outing which was planned for either Avebury or Devizes.  As it was the day before the Summer Solstice and the historic stone circle at Avebury was likely to be clogged with Druids, revellers, police and parking restrictions, we aimed for the Kennet and Avon Canal at Devizes.

We based ourselves next to the impressive Caen Hill Flight (a stairway of 16 closely built locks) which was the last stretch of the canal to be completed in 1810.  This forms part of the Devizes Flight which comprises a total of 29 locks.

With the advent of steam locomotives and motor vehicles, the transport of goods on the canals declined, the locks here fell into disrepair and were closed to boat traffic in 1951.  It was saved from complete closure by interested local groups and restored over four decades with the help of volunteers and considerable donations and grants.

(1) A glimpse of the locks disappearing down the hill - it's
difficult to capture the full flight on camera

(2 ) View towards the top lock before the canal descends the hill

(3) The Tea Room from the other side of the top lock

 My attempt at view (2) above -
Pen, watercolour, oil pastel, Inktense pencils, acrylic marker etc.
Still trying to get used to this dark toned paper!

Pen and watercolour - more my style (from view 3 above)