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0:00:22 > 0:00:24- Of all the castles in Wales...
0:00:25 > 0:00:27- ..this is the most difficult - to reach.
0:00:39 > 0:00:43- It's a strenuous task to climb this - mountain to reach Dinas Bran Castle.
0:00:43 > 0:00:46- Someone would need a good reason...
0:00:46 > 0:00:48- ..to come here to paint a picture.
0:00:49 > 0:00:53- Most views of the castle - have been painted...
0:00:53 > 0:00:56- ..from the town below.
0:00:56 > 0:00:59- You can see the castle - from Llangollen.
0:01:00 > 0:01:05- Dinas Bran was built in 1270 - by Prince Gruffydd ap Madog.
0:01:05 > 0:01:06- Seven years later...
0:01:07 > 0:01:11- ..the castle - was deliberately set alight...
0:01:11 > 0:01:14- ..before Edward I captured it.
0:01:15 > 0:01:19- In 1770, Welshman Richard Wilson - painted a picture of the castle.
0:01:20 > 0:01:24- He was the father of the British - landscape painting tradition.
0:01:30 > 0:01:34- In Wilson's day, the idea was - to create a classic landscape...
0:01:34 > 0:01:37- ..which appealed to sponsors.
0:01:37 > 0:01:41- The castle is a dramatic focal point - in this painting.
0:01:41 > 0:01:44- The way he uses light - behind the castle...
0:01:45 > 0:01:48- ..reflects the drama - in the painting.
0:01:48 > 0:01:51- There's an element of drama - in the weather.
0:01:51 > 0:01:54- Wilson has painted trees - on both sides...
0:01:55 > 0:01:57- ..to create a theatrical effect.
0:01:57 > 0:02:00- This was part of the tradition - at the time.
0:02:01 > 0:02:04- Wilson also includes people - in the painting.
0:02:04 > 0:02:07- The people are busy doing something - in the painting.
0:02:08 > 0:02:11- When people see the painting - for the first time...
0:02:12 > 0:02:14- ..they can talk about - the characters.
0:02:14 > 0:02:21- The way Wilson uses the language - of artists is very interesting.
0:02:21 > 0:02:24- He combines everything - to create a splendid painting.
0:02:26 > 0:02:30- Two artists will create - new interpretations of the castle...
0:02:30 > 0:02:32- ..as seen in the historic painting.
0:02:33 > 0:02:36- The first artist is Dewi Tudur.
0:02:36 > 0:02:38- He is originally from Mold.
0:02:44 > 0:02:46- Dewi is an Art teacher.
0:02:47 > 0:02:51- He works in a cinematic form, - creating distinctive paintings.
0:02:52 > 0:02:54- The colours are intense and rich.
0:03:07 > 0:03:09- You work with pencils and pens.
0:03:09 > 0:03:12- You draw very detailed sketches.
0:03:12 > 0:03:15- My work is very graphical.
0:03:15 > 0:03:19- Lines have always appealed to me, - particularly concise lines.
0:03:20 > 0:03:22- There's a lot of drama in your work.
0:03:22 > 0:03:28- I like the action and amusement - followed by peace and tranquillity.
0:03:28 > 0:03:31- I'm trying to recreate - that atmosphere in my work.
0:03:31 > 0:03:36- I'm finding it difficult to work out - what aspects appeal to you.
0:03:36 > 0:03:38- This is a challenge for you.
0:03:39 > 0:03:41- In a way, it is a challenge.
0:03:41 > 0:03:45- There's a cluster of trees - down there.
0:03:45 > 0:03:47- Since my childhood...
0:03:48 > 0:03:50- ..I've been attracted to trees.
0:03:50 > 0:03:53- Their shape - they're so maternal...
0:03:53 > 0:03:56- ..so welcoming, so comfortable.
0:03:56 > 0:04:00- The trees have a woolly texture - and yet, a few yards away...
0:04:00 > 0:04:02- ..we have this solid structure...
0:04:03 > 0:04:06- ..stones which have been here - for centuries.
0:04:06 > 0:04:10- There is mellowness and comfort - in the valley.
0:04:10 > 0:04:13- A primitive atmosphere - surrounds this castle.
0:04:14 > 0:04:16- It's quite chilling.
0:04:20 > 0:04:26- Wilson was familiar with this church - in a quiet village near Machynlleth.
0:04:26 > 0:04:30- Wilson was born here in Penegoes, - in 1713.
0:04:30 > 0:04:33- His father was the local rector.
0:04:37 > 0:04:42- He was a talented artist. In London, - he trained as a portrait artist.
0:04:45 > 0:04:48- He started his career - in the capital city...
0:04:48 > 0:04:51- ..an exciting place - for a young artist.
0:04:56 > 0:05:00- In 1750, Wilson left his studio - in Covent Garden...
0:05:00 > 0:05:02- ..and travelled to Italy.
0:05:03 > 0:05:05- Wilson spent six years in Italy.
0:05:05 > 0:05:08- It was a time when landscapes...
0:05:08 > 0:05:13- ..which showed temples and other - classic images, were popular.
0:05:15 > 0:05:19- These paintings, - and the work of Claude Lorrain...
0:05:19 > 0:05:21- ..greatly influenced him.
0:05:28 > 0:05:31- Our second artist, Eleri Mills, - has chosen to work in a field...
0:05:32 > 0:05:34- ..on the slopes opposite the castle.
0:05:36 > 0:05:39- Her work portrays the narrative - of the landscape...
0:05:40 > 0:05:42- ..near her home in the Banw Valley.
0:05:43 > 0:05:49- Her work is influenced by the - mythology and soul of rural Wales.
0:05:50 > 0:05:54- She's chosen a location similar - to the one taken by Wilson...
0:05:55 > 0:05:57- ..for his painting.
0:06:00 > 0:06:04- What strikes me is the physical - connection she has with her work...
0:06:04 > 0:06:06- ..to measure perspective.
0:06:09 > 0:06:13- I wanted to know what appealed - to her about this scene.
0:06:16 > 0:06:19- This angle is rather dramatic.
0:06:19 > 0:06:22- We're at the same level - as the castle.
0:06:22 > 0:06:25- I'm very fond - of the zigzag shape...
0:06:25 > 0:06:28- ..of the path that leads - up to the castle.
0:06:29 > 0:06:32- We've created a kind of window...
0:06:32 > 0:06:37- ..to look through the void - at the subject.
0:06:37 > 0:06:42- The light is poor today - nothing - stands out. It's quite neutral.
0:06:43 > 0:06:46- It's hard - for an artist to deal with this.
0:06:46 > 0:06:48- It's a bit quaint today, isn't it?
0:06:48 > 0:06:53- Nothing stands out dramatically.
0:06:53 > 0:06:58- In a way, that limits - the different elements.
0:06:58 > 0:07:01- And it limits the problems. - You're using charcoal today.
0:07:02 > 0:07:04- What is the idea - behind this picture?
0:07:06 > 0:07:10- Using charcoal - is a very direct method.
0:07:10 > 0:07:13- I like it, - I draw quickly when I use it.
0:07:13 > 0:07:16- You can move things around...
0:07:17 > 0:07:22- ..by rubbing the charcoal - across the paper...
0:07:22 > 0:07:26- ..using my fingers and an eraser.
0:07:26 > 0:07:29- The layers of the landscape - are interesting.
0:07:29 > 0:07:33- You can read the landscape - from any number of perspectives.
0:07:34 > 0:07:38- From a geographical perspective - an artistic perspective...
0:07:38 > 0:07:43- ..and a political perspective - - it's a lauded location.
0:07:53 > 0:07:56- Dewi has moved to a location...
0:07:56 > 0:08:00- ..where he can view - the expanse of the Dee Valley.
0:08:00 > 0:08:05- Botanic features - have attracted his attention...
0:08:06 > 0:08:08- ..more than the castle's structure.
0:08:11 > 0:08:15- In 1756, Richard Wilson - returned from Rome.
0:08:15 > 0:08:18- When Wilson returned to London...
0:08:18 > 0:08:22- ..there was a market - for his romantic landscapes.
0:08:22 > 0:08:26- Sir Watkin Williams Wynne was one - of Wilson's most important sponsors.
0:08:27 > 0:08:29- He bought a large number - of his paintings...
0:08:29 > 0:08:32- ..including a portrait - of the artist himself.
0:08:32 > 0:08:37- Williams Wynne was one - of Britain's wealthiest noblemen.
0:08:37 > 0:08:41- He supported the work - of Welsh artists.
0:08:42 > 0:08:47- I wonder if Dewi - appreciates Wilson's work.
0:08:47 > 0:08:53- What strikes me immediately is the - calm that emanates from his work.
0:08:54 > 0:08:59- There is calm in the work - of many romantic artists.
0:09:01 > 0:09:06- The background gradually emerges - from a dark foreground.
0:09:08 > 0:09:11- He is very romantic - in the way he works...
0:09:11 > 0:09:15- ..but there is also - a sinister aspect to his work.
0:09:15 > 0:09:19- Tranquillity is sinister - - I'm very fond of tranquillity.
0:09:19 > 0:09:22- There are tranquil elements - to my work....
0:09:22 > 0:09:25- ..but it can strike fear - into people.
0:09:25 > 0:09:28- Wilson also painted other castles...
0:09:28 > 0:09:32- ..including Dolbadarn, - Caernarfon and Pembroke.
0:09:32 > 0:09:37- In these paintings, Wilson - illustrated his love for Wales.
0:09:38 > 0:09:41- He expressed his vision - of the Welsh Golden Age.
0:09:50 > 0:09:54- Eleri has moved to the foot - of the mountain.
0:09:55 > 0:09:57- She's working in a panoramic format.
0:10:00 > 0:10:03- Is this how her completed work - will look?
0:10:09 > 0:10:13- I wanted to know more about - her feelings towards the castle.
0:10:15 > 0:10:18- It's a breathtaking location.
0:10:22 > 0:10:25- It appeals to me as a Welsh person.
0:10:25 > 0:10:31- This location conveys - a very strong message...
0:10:31 > 0:10:34- ..which stretches back - for centuries.
0:10:34 > 0:10:37- Even though we're now looking - at the ruins...
0:10:38 > 0:10:41- ..you can sense a certain aura - about the location.
0:10:41 > 0:10:46- Some people have a problem with - the whole idea of castles in ruins.
0:10:49 > 0:10:53- I think Welsh artists - have a duty and a role...
0:10:53 > 0:10:58- ..not only to look back - over centuries past...
0:10:58 > 0:11:03- ..but also to promote Wales - and its prestige beyond Wales.
0:11:05 > 0:11:10- Dinas Bran's historical significance - is evident in Dewi's work.
0:11:12 > 0:11:14- This was my intention here.
0:11:14 > 0:11:19- I wanted to adapt the trees - to create...
0:11:19 > 0:11:22- ..a garrison marching over the hill.
0:11:23 > 0:11:28- I wanted to transform the bushy - trees into something more sinister.
0:11:29 > 0:11:33- We're in an area which has - such a primitive character.
0:11:33 > 0:11:37- We're very aware that at one time - people were here...
0:11:38 > 0:11:41- ..during a precarious period.
0:11:42 > 0:11:44- History surrounds us.
0:11:44 > 0:11:48- We need the artist's imagination - to reveal it.
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0:12:00 > 0:12:04- Richard Wilson was an important man - in the London art world.
0:12:04 > 0:12:10- With Joshua Reynolds, he established - the Royal Academy in Piccadilly.
0:12:10 > 0:12:13- He'd reached the pinnacle - of his career as an artist.
0:12:14 > 0:12:18- Back in Llangollen, I'm enjoying - the acrobatics on the bridge!
0:12:21 > 0:12:24- These boys are huge fans - of Richard Wilson.
0:12:25 > 0:12:29- Maybe not! But I'm pretty sure - Eleri is a real fan.
0:12:29 > 0:12:33- I'm very fond - of Richard Wilson's work.
0:12:33 > 0:12:36- I think he's an eminent artist.
0:12:37 > 0:12:39- He inspired a revolution...
0:12:40 > 0:12:42- In the art world.
0:12:42 > 0:12:45- He changed people's perception - of art.
0:12:45 > 0:12:49- What gives me a thrill is the fact - that he deals with Wales...
0:12:49 > 0:12:51- ..in such a remarkable way.
0:12:51 > 0:12:54- He has an understanding of Wales.
0:12:54 > 0:12:57- His work is filled with emotion.
0:12:57 > 0:13:02- He was raised - surrounded by these landscapes.
0:13:02 > 0:13:06- There's a poetic element - in his work.
0:13:07 > 0:13:12- The composition of his work - is always so dexterous.
0:13:12 > 0:13:19- He evaluates a scene - and then recreates it...
0:13:19 > 0:13:23- ..in such a balanced manner.
0:13:23 > 0:13:25- It's excellent.
0:13:26 > 0:13:30- But there is mystery in the tree - beyond the bridge.
0:13:30 > 0:13:34- It appears that his inspiration - for this painting...
0:13:34 > 0:13:37- ..came from this painting - of Tivoli in Italy.
0:13:39 > 0:13:43- This landscape is very similar - to his landscape of Dinas Bran.
0:13:44 > 0:13:48- It is likely - that these are Italian women.
0:13:48 > 0:13:50- Under infra-red light...
0:13:51 > 0:13:55- ..you can see a Catholic altar - beneath the paint in the background.
0:13:56 > 0:14:01- Wilson was content - to recycle his work.
0:14:03 > 0:14:05- In his studio in Llanrwst...
0:14:06 > 0:14:08- ..Dewi has started painting.
0:14:08 > 0:14:11- He works in a calligraphic manner.
0:14:11 > 0:14:16- See how he uses his brush to respond - to the fluid state of the paint.
0:14:43 > 0:14:49- Watercolour paper allows him - to raise the paint off the surface.
0:14:49 > 0:14:52- It reveals - the layers of colour underneath.
0:14:57 > 0:15:00- I've included the primary colours.
0:15:00 > 0:15:07- The dark colour represents the - castle and the dominant stone walls.
0:15:07 > 0:15:09- This has worked well for me.
0:15:11 > 0:15:14- I wanted some light - in the background.
0:15:14 > 0:15:19- It reminds me - of a lapis lazuli gemstone.
0:15:19 > 0:15:22- It's a rich colour - in the middle of the darkness.
0:15:22 > 0:15:27- The colour of the lapis lazuli - has an ancient quality.
0:15:28 > 0:15:30- I wanted a sense of elegance - in my work.
0:15:31 > 0:15:34- Every part of the painting - is important to me.
0:15:34 > 0:15:37- Lucky mishaps occur sometimes...
0:15:37 > 0:15:40- ..when colours run into each other.
0:15:41 > 0:15:47- I enjoy working with colours - that merge beautifully.
0:15:47 > 0:15:52- It's an abstract painting but it's - also a representation of something.
0:15:52 > 0:15:57- I'm trying to merge - the territorial with the abstract.
0:15:58 > 0:16:02- In mid Wales, in a studio - near her home in Llanfyllin...
0:16:02 > 0:16:07- ..Eleri has created - a panoramic view of the landscape.
0:16:17 > 0:16:22- She creates a complex dance as - she communicates with her painting.
0:16:31 > 0:16:36- The way you work in the studio - is completely different.
0:16:36 > 0:16:39- It contrasts the work - you did on location.
0:16:39 > 0:16:43- You create marks - using ink, charcoal and pencil.
0:16:43 > 0:16:48- You're working - with watercolours here.
0:16:48 > 0:16:50- The painting is starting to flow.
0:16:51 > 0:16:54- There's a sense of adventure - when you use watercolours.
0:16:54 > 0:16:56- There's no control over the paint.
0:16:56 > 0:17:00- I'm seeking the beauty - of the Welsh landscape...
0:17:00 > 0:17:03- ..and the beauty of the Welsh soul.
0:17:03 > 0:17:07- It's ambitious, I know. But why not?
0:17:07 > 0:17:14- Art is a process that's shrouded - in mystery. It takes time.
0:17:15 > 0:17:17- I spend a lot of time - in the studio...
0:17:18 > 0:17:24- ..just looking, - thinking and absorbing.
0:17:24 > 0:17:29- Then there's an explosive period...
0:17:30 > 0:17:33- ..when the work springs to life.
0:17:33 > 0:17:38- What about Wilson's work? - He's influenced you greatly.
0:17:38 > 0:17:41- He is one of my favourite artists.
0:17:42 > 0:17:47- I feel that Wilson's presence - is with me in this case.
0:17:47 > 0:17:51- It's as if he's on my shoulder - when I'm working.
0:17:52 > 0:17:58- In his time, people lost interest - in his romantic method of painting.
0:17:58 > 0:18:01- When Wilson was - in his late fifties...
0:18:01 > 0:18:05- ..the market for this kind of art - had almost disappeared.
0:18:05 > 0:18:09- He earned a living - working in the Royal Academy.
0:18:10 > 0:18:13- He earned 50 a year as a librarian.
0:18:16 > 0:18:20- Dewi is adding details - using white paint...
0:18:20 > 0:18:25- ..for the trees - that inspired him in Dinas Bran.
0:18:57 > 0:19:00- We can now see the spirits - of the garrison on the hill.
0:19:03 > 0:19:05- A remarkable painting - and also quite extraordinary.
0:19:05 > 0:19:08- You work like a bird.
0:19:08 > 0:19:12- You have a gentle touch on paper.
0:19:12 > 0:19:17- There is a Japanese influence - on my work.
0:19:17 > 0:19:21- I like the gentle feel - of the brush on the paper.
0:19:21 > 0:19:27- You work quickly. Every second - is very important to you.
0:19:27 > 0:19:29- I work in an instant.
0:19:29 > 0:19:35- Every second is important especially - the first hour of working...
0:19:35 > 0:19:37- ..when I remove layers of paint.
0:19:38 > 0:19:41- As I remove the paint, - the layers underneath emerge.
0:19:42 > 0:19:44- They are so important.
0:19:44 > 0:19:47- I hide some patches, - as I've done here.
0:19:48 > 0:19:51- I wanted the power of the blue - colour to emerge from the darkness.
0:19:52 > 0:19:55- A dark castle with curious - patches in the background.
0:19:55 > 0:19:57- There's a narrative in your work.
0:19:57 > 0:20:01- I can imagine you - preparing mentally beforehand...
0:20:01 > 0:20:04- ..before launching a sort of attack.
0:20:04 > 0:20:08- I'm a hermit by nature. - I like my own company.
0:20:09 > 0:20:13- I like the sound of silence - and tranquillity.
0:20:13 > 0:20:18- That sense of complexity in one - particular part mirrors our life.
0:20:24 > 0:20:28- Eleri is completing her painting - in the same way she started it...
0:20:29 > 0:20:31- ..with charcoal.
0:20:52 > 0:20:57- Above the horizon, Dinas Bran looks - out over the enchanted landscape.
0:20:58 > 0:21:02- You've completed the painting - - it's amazing.
0:21:02 > 0:21:07- The first thing I've noticed - is its physicality.
0:21:08 > 0:21:11- The landscape looks - as if it's breathing.
0:21:11 > 0:21:13- There's a sense of meditation.
0:21:13 > 0:21:18- There is also a feminine quality - to the landscape.
0:21:18 > 0:21:22- It's a landscape which flows.
0:21:22 > 0:21:25- There are smooth lines.
0:21:26 > 0:21:28- It's very rich.
0:21:28 > 0:21:35- In this work, I tried to convey the - valley's beauty around Llangollen.
0:21:35 > 0:21:39- It mirrors the beauty - of the Welsh landscape.
0:21:40 > 0:21:43- The colours are deliberately mellow.
0:21:45 > 0:21:51- I've used Richard Wilson's work - as my starting point.
0:21:51 > 0:21:57- I intentionally tried to reflect - his palette of colours...
0:21:57 > 0:22:00- ..especially the turquoise colour - he used...
0:22:01 > 0:22:04- ..in the backgrounds - of a number of his paintings.
0:22:06 > 0:22:08- The composition is very balanced.
0:22:08 > 0:22:13- I think the painting works - because of the way you work.
0:22:13 > 0:22:16- Your technique - helps the composition.
0:22:17 > 0:22:21- That's why I always walk back - and forth when I'm working.
0:22:21 > 0:22:24- That's crucial to the way I work.
0:22:24 > 0:22:31- I can measure and change the - balance of the work constantly.
0:22:32 > 0:22:35- In doing so, I can make sure - that all aspects...
0:22:35 > 0:22:38- ..lines and colours within - the painting are correctly placed.
0:22:39 > 0:22:44- I'm never sure where - I'm actually going...
0:22:44 > 0:22:46- ..but I just feel my way.
0:22:46 > 0:22:50- It can be a very painful process.
0:22:50 > 0:22:53- If someone can go through - that process...
0:22:53 > 0:22:56- ..and find the right balance...
0:22:56 > 0:22:59- ..there's a good chance of success.
0:22:59 > 0:23:04- The castle in this painting conveys - something a little different.
0:23:04 > 0:23:07- It conveys mythology.
0:23:08 > 0:23:11- It conveys the bardic tradition - of Wales.
0:23:12 > 0:23:16- It's an expression of a castle - in a landscape.
0:23:18 > 0:23:22- It's more than just a castle.
0:23:24 > 0:23:28- This painting of Dinas Bran - is full of poetic echoes.
0:23:30 > 0:23:32- This is an image packed with rhythm.
0:23:32 > 0:23:37- It expresses the heartbeat - of cultural history in mid Wales.
0:23:41 > 0:23:45- Dewi's painting gives us a glimpse - of the landscape...
0:23:46 > 0:23:48- ..as seen through the castle walls.
0:23:48 > 0:23:51- The artist seems - to be defending Wales.
0:23:54 > 0:23:57- As Richard Wilson's status - as an artist waned...
0:23:57 > 0:23:59- ..his health also deteriorated.
0:24:00 > 0:24:05- In 1782, - he moved in with his sister in Mold.
0:24:06 > 0:24:10- Sadly, he died within a year.
0:24:10 > 0:24:13- He is buried here - next to his mother.
0:24:14 > 0:24:17- His legacy - consists of many paintings...
0:24:17 > 0:24:21- ..of which we as a nation - can be proud.
0:24:32 > 0:24:34- S4/C subtitles by Simian 04