Up River: The Song of the Esk

In “Up River”, acclaimed nature artist Darren Woodhead captures in painting and words the natural beauty of the countryside around Carlops and the valley of the North Esk river. Over two years as Artist in Residence supported by the Orcome Trust, and working in close conjunction with the local community, he produced over 350 drawings and paintings. Together with diary entries which describe mood, weather and the subjects portrayed, he creates a magnificent record of the area – the hills, the flora and fauna – contrasting the barrenness and bleakness of winter with the explosive colours of spring and summer. He also touches on the technicalities of working in extreme conditions, which adds another dimension to the understanding of an environment so expertly captured in his paintings.