In March 2020, as the Covid pandemic developed and restrictions were imposed, I started painting at remote locations. One such location was a ruined mill on the banks of the river l’Herault near where I live called the Moulin Bladier. The mill is about 1,000 years old and, remarkably, until the 1970s was whole. At that time a huge storm and floods in the region sent fallen trees down the river, which crashed into and destroyed the mill. Some repairs and river defence work were carried out, but the mill remains in the state it was left in – ruined but still with enough structure to make a fascinating subject. During the lockdown I found it a peaceful setting and an amazing subject, which continues to provide inspiration.
Evaluating subject matter
What makes good subject matter is totally subjective. Good subject matter should not be confused with aesthetically pleasing subject matter. The mill is a good subject for a number of reasons: there are varied and; and there are enough contrast both in form and tone and enough interest in terms of features to make a good painting. Good subjects must also have enough content, and this can be a trial-and-error situation. Sometimes we are inspired, yet somehow the subject fails to meet our expectation. To avoid disappointment, we should, perhaps, not expect more from our subject than it can offer, and we should be realistic about its potential. Be aware that some subjects will work on a small scale and not on a larger format as there just isn’t enough content.
