Bealach na Ba

This is a dramatic landscape of a drive we went on on our recent visit to the northwest highlands.  The road into the remote peninsula of Applecross goes over this pass, Bealach na Ba, which is Gaelic for the Pass of the Cattle.  It is the highest road in Scotland, and is quite hair-raising, with switchbacks and sheer drops.  It was a gloomy grey day, and we were so high we were in the clouds.  Once through the pass the views over the sea to Skye and Raasay were amazing.  I wanted to paint these huge looming mountains, and add a more dramatic sky.  

Bealach na Ba

 I've started on light grey Pastelmat.  Mostly Unison pastels, I lay in the dramatic clouds, which I have taken from sketches and other photos which I took on this holiday.  I have lots of reference photos of skies.  Later I shall add some drifting mist over the mountains.