Doone Valley in Winter

Winter in Doone Valley. Where is Doone Valley? It is located in Exmoor National Park in England. The name might sound familiar from the book by R.D. Blackmore – Lorna Doone. The fictional romance based on historical characters and takes place in Devon and Somerset.

I’ve never been fortunate enough to visit England but their countryside just seems so lush and green. Doone Valley, when in full green, is a beautiful scenic place of fields, hills and streams. It seems somehow ironic that the first view I had of the valley was one in which it was covered in snow and mist.

This winter scene was done by the English artist Frederick John Widgery (1861-1942). It seems fitting my introduction to Doone Valley would be by one of Exeter’s mayors.

Doone Valley in Winter is a pretty watercolor depicting a snow-covered landscape. A lone windswept tree stands among some rocks in the foreground with a thicker strand of trees in the background. Snow-capped ridges are seen off in the distance raising above what might be the River Exe.

It’s a shame that this scan is a bit grungy. Trying to fix it ends up removing the wispy clouds and ultimately ruins the piece. Hopefully, the quiet beauty of this snowy scene will inspire you.

winter-Widgery

This image is copyright free and in the public domain anywhere that extends copyrights 70 years after death or at least 120 years after publication when the original illustrator is unknown.