Sturminster Newton Mill

Hi Everyone, Thanks for reading today!  I was sent an inspiration photo about a month ago and I did use it to create this latest painting! Let me know what you think!

The subject of this blog is Sturminster Newton Mill, a one-thousand year old mill located outside of London, England. It has sat on the banks of the river Stour since 1016!  In April the mill resumed production to supply flour to local shops during the pandemic. I was very intrigued by its history as well as how picturesque the Mill and land are! 

I started with sketching the scene; the old mill and bridge with the waterfall. I did some research and saw different angles of the mill to make sure I was representing the mill correctly but took artistic liberties with the surroundings. I did not want to duplicate the photo, but I did want the viewer to know it was the Sturminster Newton Mill! 

A clear blue sky sets the scene. A light source is streaming in from the right, but not flooding the scene with brightness. The river water ripples from the waterfall and a hint of the Mill’s reflection floats along the foreground. Fauna and flora surround the banks of the river. I chose to paint the Mill in the light, not in the shadows of the background trees, I wanted it to look as old as it is, but also, to look like a working Mill again! 

I truly enjoyed painting this piece and was so happy to learn all about it’s history too! I hope you do as well!

Thank you so much!
Gina

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