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0:00:19 > 0:00:22- If you've ever visited - any of Wales's ancient monuments...
0:00:23 > 0:00:26- ..you'll be familiar - with Alan Sorrell's work.
0:00:26 > 0:00:30- Sorrell is well known for - painting pictures from the past...
0:00:30 > 0:00:33- ..which include - buildings, people and events.
0:00:35 > 0:00:38- His paintings open a door - to the past.
0:00:40 > 0:00:42- In his paintings of castles...
0:00:42 > 0:00:46- ..Sorrell used to work - with a limited palette of colours.
0:00:46 > 0:00:49- This palette - became characteristic of his work.
0:00:49 > 0:00:53- After studying - at the Royal College of Art...
0:00:53 > 0:00:57- ..Sorrell secured a scholarship - to study in Rome.
0:00:57 > 0:01:00- There, he became interested - in historic buildings.
0:01:01 > 0:01:05- In the 1930s, Sorrell started - working with the National Museum.
0:01:06 > 0:01:11- He undertook the work - of drawing Celtic and Roman sites.
0:01:11 > 0:01:13- This is how Sorrell painted...
0:01:14 > 0:01:19- ..everyday life in Llanmelin - around 2,000 years ago.
0:01:19 > 0:01:24- Most of Sorrell's work was linked - to castles from the Middle Ages.
0:01:27 > 0:01:30- In this painting, - Raglan Castle by Alan Sorrell...
0:01:30 > 0:01:32- ..you can see the difference...
0:01:32 > 0:01:35- ..between an artist - who paints for pleasure...
0:01:36 > 0:01:39- ..and an artist - who paints commissioned work.
0:01:39 > 0:01:43- This painting depicts everyday life - during a particular age.
0:01:43 > 0:01:48- It's very interesting since Sorrell - has altered the perspective.
0:01:48 > 0:01:51- He's raised the landscape - to show the castle's interior.
0:01:52 > 0:01:55- He uses white ink to highlight - the minute details...
0:01:56 > 0:01:58- ..such as the portcullis.
0:01:58 > 0:02:00- He's marked it out in white ink.
0:02:03 > 0:02:07- He's also gone to the trouble - of painting this wall here.
0:02:07 > 0:02:10- He details - almost every brick in the wall.
0:02:12 > 0:02:17- Sorrell's painting inspired me - to visit this remarkable castle.
0:02:19 > 0:02:24- You won't find red sandstone towers - like these anywhere else in Wales.
0:02:25 > 0:02:28- The architecture - is more French than Welsh...
0:02:29 > 0:02:32- ..but I must admit, - they are stunning.
0:02:32 > 0:02:35- Luned Rhys Parri - from Groeslon, near Caernarfon...
0:02:36 > 0:02:40- ..has built - a green fortress for herself.
0:02:40 > 0:02:44- She is creating a three-dimensional, - multimedia piece of art.
0:02:46 > 0:02:48- Luned is well known as an artist...
0:02:49 > 0:02:52- ..who carves figures based - on old family photographs...
0:02:53 > 0:02:55- ..and the people she knows.
0:02:55 > 0:02:59- They are often associated with a - community that's fast disappearing.
0:03:00 > 0:03:02- There's a lot of humour in her work.
0:03:07 > 0:03:11- It will be interesting to see how - she responds to a historic subject.
0:03:11 > 0:03:15- I turned my back on the castle - to sketch Luned...
0:03:15 > 0:03:18- ..working in her Middle Age tent.
0:03:21 > 0:03:24- How do you respond - to this situation?
0:03:24 > 0:03:27- As I get used to my surroundings...
0:03:27 > 0:03:30- ..the picture starts to take shape.
0:03:31 > 0:03:35- I feel more at ease - and I can see it developing.
0:03:35 > 0:03:39- You're creating something - that is unique to you.
0:03:39 > 0:03:42- I've brought some paper - and cardboard...
0:03:42 > 0:03:45- ..all the way from north Wales!
0:03:45 > 0:03:50- I might also use materials - I find around this locality.
0:03:50 > 0:03:52- I'll look for materials...
0:03:53 > 0:03:55- ..that represent the castle.
0:03:55 > 0:03:58- I like the way - you start with sketches.
0:03:58 > 0:04:01- It's very sensitive. - There's a nice line here.
0:04:02 > 0:04:03- I like this.
0:04:04 > 0:04:07- I also like the way - you build from the base.
0:04:07 > 0:04:12- That's where the fun starts for me, - when it becomes more 3-D.
0:04:12 > 0:04:16- The 3-D develops - as it emerges from the surface.
0:04:16 > 0:04:22- The original mansion was owned by - William ap Thomas through marriage.
0:04:22 > 0:04:24- He was a professional soldier.
0:04:24 > 0:04:27- He was also a bit of a gangster.
0:04:27 > 0:04:31- He controlled most of this area - with his armed servants.
0:04:31 > 0:04:34- He started building - the high towers...
0:04:34 > 0:04:39- ..in 1435 to make his mark - on the landscape...
0:04:39 > 0:04:41- ..and provide a subject for Luned!
0:04:44 > 0:04:49- This week, we also look at another - painting by Alan Sorrell...
0:04:49 > 0:04:54- ..his interpretation of Carreg - Cennen Castle in the Towy Valley.
0:04:54 > 0:04:59- From the 13th century onwards, there - were many battles for this castle.
0:04:59 > 0:05:05- It changed hands between the Welsh - and Normans on numerous occasions.
0:05:10 > 0:05:14- This is Sorrell's painting of - Carreg Cennen Castle in its heyday.
0:05:15 > 0:05:17- You can sense the atmosphere.
0:05:17 > 0:05:20- This shows an unstable Wales.
0:05:20 > 0:05:24- The people are stooping, - as if they're under constant threat.
0:05:25 > 0:05:29- You can sense the tension - in the painting.
0:05:29 > 0:05:32- This is a dominant stronghold.
0:05:32 > 0:05:35- It seems to emerge from the rocks.
0:05:36 > 0:05:39- Sorrell has also included - the agricultural world.
0:05:39 > 0:05:43- The sheep - are heading towards the castle.
0:05:43 > 0:05:46- It gives the idea - of an approaching threat...
0:05:47 > 0:05:51- ..an army, an English king - or a Welsh prince, possibly.
0:05:51 > 0:05:55- You can see the banner on the tower.
0:05:55 > 0:05:59- It's not very prominent - it - doesn't fly from the highest tower.
0:06:00 > 0:06:04- It gives the impression - that this is a transitional period.
0:06:08 > 0:06:12- We had to walk some way - to reach the location...
0:06:12 > 0:06:17- ..chosen by our second artist, - Aneurin Jones.
0:06:18 > 0:06:22- Aneurin Jones is one of Wales's - most popular artists.
0:06:23 > 0:06:27- His inspiration - are the landscapes and people...
0:06:27 > 0:06:30- ..around the rural community - of Cwm Wysg.
0:06:31 > 0:06:33- Stories relating to the characters - and rural life...
0:06:34 > 0:06:40- ..horses and changing seasons are - themes often depicted in his work.
0:06:41 > 0:06:45- The castle, the rocks - and the trees combine...
0:06:46 > 0:06:48- ..to create an impressive structure.
0:06:49 > 0:06:53- Preparatory sketches - are essential for all artists.
0:06:53 > 0:06:59- They are an opportunity to think - about the location and composition.
0:06:59 > 0:07:03- What's so special about - looking at the castle from here?
0:07:03 > 0:07:08- There's a network of activity - within the stone walls.
0:07:08 > 0:07:10- You can see a deep valley.
0:07:10 > 0:07:13- There are numerous - peaks and troughs.
0:07:13 > 0:07:17- The colours have created - a very special mood today.
0:07:18 > 0:07:21- The trees seem to belong - to another world.
0:07:21 > 0:07:26- You've walked up the path - to reach this location.
0:07:26 > 0:07:29- Did that inspire - your imagination at all?
0:07:30 > 0:07:32- No! I was out of breath!
0:07:33 > 0:07:37- It's a long journey - but it's also a pleasant journey.
0:07:38 > 0:07:42- You can feel the atmosphere, - you feel part of the locality.
0:07:43 > 0:07:47- You can't imagine a factory - or any industry being located here.
0:07:47 > 0:07:50- You're in the heart - of the countryside.
0:07:50 > 0:07:53- This has a fairy tale quality to it.
0:07:53 > 0:07:56- It's something very real...
0:07:56 > 0:07:59- ..but you feel - as if it's part of a dream.
0:08:01 > 0:08:04- I went to visit Luned - in Raglan Castle.
0:08:08 > 0:08:10- How's your work coming along?
0:08:10 > 0:08:12- It's developing nicely now.
0:08:12 > 0:08:16- I've familiarized myself - with the view and the materials.
0:08:16 > 0:08:20- I was going to use this either as - a sketch or a practice run.
0:08:20 > 0:08:24- I might just take it back - to the studio to work on it...
0:08:24 > 0:08:28- ..and add more layers to it - to develop the 3-D drawing.
0:08:28 > 0:08:31- I might mix some materials - with paint.
0:08:31 > 0:08:35- I'm using the dust of the stones - at the moment...
0:08:35 > 0:08:39- ..to remove some of the sheen - from the acrylic paint.
0:08:39 > 0:08:42- I'm also going to include - some collage work.
0:08:46 > 0:08:50- Skill, vision and determination - are required to create...
0:08:50 > 0:08:52- ..a successful sculpture.
0:09:00 > 0:09:05- I was eager to discover if - Sorrell's work had inspired Luned.
0:09:05 > 0:09:10- I've enjoyed looking at his work. - I'd never heard of him before.
0:09:10 > 0:09:15- I like the way he sees things - in an unusual way.
0:09:15 > 0:09:19- He tilts the perspective - and paints in a creative manner.
0:09:19 > 0:09:24- That gives me the freedom - to be more experimental.
0:09:25 > 0:09:27- I've learned a lot - from examining his work.
0:09:27 > 0:09:31- I don't want to create - a completely realistic piece of art.
0:09:31 > 0:09:33- I want to adapt it - and enlarge it.
0:09:34 > 0:09:38- Sorrell portrays everyday life in - the castle. What do you think of it?
0:09:39 > 0:09:42- I think he wants to add movement - to his painting.
0:09:42 > 0:09:45- A way of achieving that - is to include figures.
0:09:45 > 0:09:47- You can see trees - swaying in the wind.
0:09:47 > 0:09:50- I'd like to include energy - and movement in my work.
0:09:51 > 0:09:55- Back at Carreg Cennen, Aneurin - has moved to a different location.
0:09:55 > 0:09:58- Before the days - of computer graphics...
0:09:59 > 0:10:03- ..Sorrell's images - opened the door to the past.
0:10:04 > 0:10:07- These paintings - are the intricate interpretations...
0:10:07 > 0:10:09- ..of a vivid imagination.
0:10:10 > 0:10:14- The past springs into life - before our eyes.
0:10:14 > 0:10:17- What do you think of the painting?
0:10:17 > 0:10:22- He was a skilled craftsman. - He belonged to an age of craftsmen.
0:10:22 > 0:10:25- That's something - that doesn't exist today.
0:10:25 > 0:10:28- He'd served his apprenticeship - from an early age.
0:10:28 > 0:10:32- He was acknowledged as one - of the great craftsmen of his day.
0:10:32 > 0:10:34- He was also a keen historian.
0:10:36 > 0:10:40- He paid attention to detail.
0:10:40 > 0:10:42- I know this may sound strange...
0:10:42 > 0:10:45- ..but it could be a real castle - or an unreal castle.
0:10:45 > 0:10:50- He's used his imagination - to create another castle.
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0:11:03 > 0:11:07- Luned has started - building her towers.
0:11:13 > 0:11:18- Sorrell portrays the historic visit - of the King of England...
0:11:18 > 0:11:20- ..to the castle in the 1640s.
0:11:23 > 0:11:26- This is the castle's bowling green.
0:11:26 > 0:11:29- King Charles I would enjoy a game...
0:11:30 > 0:11:33- ..with the castle's lord - and the locals.
0:11:35 > 0:11:39- One story records how Charles played - against the local champion.
0:11:39 > 0:11:43- He infuriated the king - by pointing out...
0:11:43 > 0:11:45- ..his modest cottage - in the valley below.
0:11:48 > 0:11:52- This is the great hall - where everyone dined together.
0:11:52 > 0:11:55- At the top table, - the Lord and his special guests.
0:11:56 > 0:12:00- Further down, the ordinary guests - and the staff of the estate.
0:12:00 > 0:12:04- The agricultural workers - sat right at the end.
0:12:07 > 0:12:10- This scene was a visual feast.
0:12:13 > 0:12:16- The castle was a noble mansion - at this time.
0:12:17 > 0:12:19- The family were loyal to the king.
0:12:22 > 0:12:25- On the eve of the Civil War...
0:12:25 > 0:12:29- ..the situation - was about to change completely.
0:12:29 > 0:12:32- Raglan's fate had been decided.
0:12:32 > 0:12:36- As punishment for rebelling - against the parliamentary guards...
0:12:37 > 0:12:40- ..the castle was demolished - and left in ruins.
0:12:46 > 0:12:50- Carreg Cennen Castle - is associated with heroic tales.
0:12:51 > 0:12:57- My favourite story relating to the - castle is about Owain ab Urien.
0:12:57 > 0:12:59- He came down from the Old North.
0:12:59 > 0:13:03- He escaped after the great battles - to this area.
0:13:04 > 0:13:06- He joined his family here.
0:13:07 > 0:13:11- What appeals to me - is this idea of the crows...
0:13:11 > 0:13:15- ..protecting him all the way here.
0:13:15 > 0:13:19- The crows were in a cave here.
0:13:19 > 0:13:26- According to legend, Owain is asleep - today in the cave of crows.
0:13:27 > 0:13:29- That's a wonderful story
0:13:29 > 0:13:34- It's a wonderful idea - associated with sleeping heroes...
0:13:34 > 0:13:38- ..who are biding their time - to lead the nation to freedom.
0:13:44 > 0:13:48- This underground passage - is older than the castle.
0:13:48 > 0:13:53- It leads to the cave - Aneurin mentioned.
0:14:03 > 0:14:07- At her home in Groeslon, Luned - is hard at work in her studio.
0:14:17 > 0:14:20- While Luned gets on with her work, - I'm writing my autobiography.
0:14:44 > 0:14:48- How much work do you have left?
0:14:48 > 0:14:50- I think I'm halfway through it.
0:14:50 > 0:14:53- I need to stick - a few more layers on it.
0:14:54 > 0:14:58- I'm going to build this section up - a bit more.
0:14:58 > 0:15:01- I might build this section out - to over-emphasize it.
0:15:01 > 0:15:08- If I include the figures, - it will resemble my usual style.
0:15:09 > 0:15:13- I've included photocopies - from the booklet about the castle.
0:15:13 > 0:15:18- I'm just trying to create - an interesting link to the castle.
0:15:18 > 0:15:20- It might work, it might not.
0:15:20 > 0:15:24- These photocopies - may not be visible in the end.
0:15:25 > 0:15:29- I'm not happy with just flat paint.
0:15:29 > 0:15:31- It's not enough for you.
0:15:32 > 0:15:35- I like the colour - and the way it emerges.
0:15:35 > 0:15:39- It's starting to work. This green - colour was a bit of a mistake.
0:15:40 > 0:15:42- I'm starting to experiment - with pink.
0:15:42 > 0:15:46- The colour of the stone - is unusual in this castle.
0:15:46 > 0:15:50- You've used pages - from different magazines.
0:15:50 > 0:15:54- The colours are coming through - in some areas.
0:15:54 > 0:15:57- This is part of an old shirt.
0:15:58 > 0:16:00- It was my husband's.
0:16:01 > 0:16:03- There's something about it...
0:16:03 > 0:16:05- There's something about it...- - Is he happy to see it here?!
0:16:05 > 0:16:08- I'm not sure if he knows yet.
0:16:08 > 0:16:10- I liked the lines.
0:16:10 > 0:16:13- It conveyed the texture - of the stones.
0:16:16 > 0:16:21- Sometimes, the work becomes more - interesting when you make a mistake.
0:16:21 > 0:16:27- As the mother of two children, - is it hard finding time to work?
0:16:27 > 0:16:29- Finding the time is difficult...
0:16:29 > 0:16:33- ..particularly having enough time - to work on larger pieces.
0:16:33 > 0:16:39- This is a breakthrough - I've had - more time to work on a larger piece.
0:16:42 > 0:16:46- In his studio, - at his home in Cardigan...
0:16:46 > 0:16:48- ..Aneurin works with oil paints.
0:17:15 > 0:17:18- The painting is much bigger - than I expected.
0:17:18 > 0:17:21- It's a constant battle. - It's also been a pleasant battle.
0:17:22 > 0:17:25- There's a difference - between working on a grand scale...
0:17:25 > 0:17:27- ..and working on a small piece.
0:17:27 > 0:17:32- I like the brush strokes. There's - a lot of energy in the painting.
0:17:33 > 0:17:36- The background - the board, - is pale brown.
0:17:37 > 0:17:41- You can see it coming through - the paint. It ties it all together.
0:17:41 > 0:17:45- I usually paint - in different tones...
0:17:45 > 0:17:49- ..either in warm or cold tones.
0:17:50 > 0:17:53- That is the key to painting, - in a way.
0:17:54 > 0:17:58- I've painted this picture - on a canvas or a plain brown board.
0:17:59 > 0:18:06- I spend a lot of the time colouring - the canvas instead of painting.
0:18:06 > 0:18:10- It's part of the process - and it's very interesting.
0:18:10 > 0:18:16- You'll often paint detailed - pictures, studies or sketches...
0:18:17 > 0:18:18- ..to gather the information...
0:18:18 > 0:18:21- ..then you need - to simplify that information.
0:18:21 > 0:18:24- I'm not making a copy of the sketch.
0:18:24 > 0:18:27- I'm constantly changing images.
0:18:27 > 0:18:31- There was very little light - on the day - it was relatively flat.
0:18:31 > 0:18:36- That appealed to me. I could have - looked at the scene differently.
0:18:36 > 0:18:41- I could have created a drama and - used a palette knife for the rocks.
0:18:41 > 0:18:45- What appeals to me - is the mystical aura.
0:18:45 > 0:18:48- It's something that's synonymous - with the county.
0:18:49 > 0:18:54- You could argue that the castle - and the land are as one.
0:18:54 > 0:18:57- It's starting to work now - because the colours appeal to me.
0:18:58 > 0:18:59- A symphony in green!
0:19:00 > 0:19:05- When you work with similar colours, - it's difficult to create variety.
0:19:05 > 0:19:09- The artist has to be very creative - to capture people's interest.
0:19:09 > 0:19:10- It's a challenge.
0:19:11 > 0:19:14- Do you look at the painting, - think about it...
0:19:14 > 0:19:17- ..and wait for it - to communicate with you?
0:19:17 > 0:19:22- You communicate with the painting. - It tells you what it needs.
0:19:23 > 0:19:26- I don't speak out loud - in case someone's listening!
0:19:26 > 0:19:29- You could argue - that you've created the painting...
0:19:29 > 0:19:31- ..before starting to paint.
0:19:32 > 0:19:36- You develop the idea in your mind - and follow a certain path.
0:19:36 > 0:19:39- The process itself - is very interesting.
0:19:39 > 0:19:44- Putting the paint on a canvas - is a creative process.
0:19:46 > 0:19:50- Luned's garden in Groeslon - looks like a Jamaican garden.
0:19:56 > 0:19:59- She's added more colour - to her creation.
0:19:59 > 0:20:02- She's started working - on the figures.
0:20:14 > 0:20:18- I've returned to Aneurin's studio - to see the finished painting.
0:20:18 > 0:20:20- He's adding the finishing touches.
0:20:25 > 0:20:28- Aneurin has captured - the enchanting atmosphere...
0:20:29 > 0:20:31- ..which surrounds - Carreg Cennen Castle.
0:20:32 > 0:20:35- You can see the rocks clearly - - they stand out.
0:20:35 > 0:20:37- You can also see the drop...
0:20:38 > 0:20:41- ..and appreciate how much - of a stronghold the castle is.
0:20:42 > 0:20:43- It's very interesting.
0:20:44 > 0:20:48- The castle and the rocks - are the same colour.
0:20:48 > 0:20:51- The castle seems to grow - out of the ground.
0:20:51 > 0:20:54- I like the way the blue - in the centre of the painting...
0:20:55 > 0:20:57- ..conveys the mystery of the place.
0:20:57 > 0:21:00- It's very similar to smoke.
0:21:01 > 0:21:04- You can imagine - an army camped beneath the castle.
0:21:05 > 0:21:07- That's a possibility.
0:21:07 > 0:21:10- The mystical atmosphere appealed - to me.
0:21:10 > 0:21:12- I tried to capture that mystique.
0:21:12 > 0:21:14- I tried to capture that mystique.- - This is very different.
0:21:15 > 0:21:17- It's lively, it's colourful.
0:21:17 > 0:21:22- I like the way you've captured - the atmosphere around the castle.
0:21:22 > 0:21:28- Luned has rebuilt the rose sandstone - walls of Raglan Castle.
0:21:31 > 0:21:34- You've finished your work. - You've done an excellent job.
0:21:35 > 0:21:37- It's a stunning piece of work.
0:21:38 > 0:21:41- Thank you very much, Osi. - I'm glad you like it.
0:21:42 > 0:21:45- I like the way you use figures - to create scale.
0:21:45 > 0:21:47- It's also a psychological device.
0:21:48 > 0:21:51- She's walking into the castle - - not escaping from it.
0:21:51 > 0:21:53- This work says a lot about you.
0:21:54 > 0:21:57- When I made the first figure, - it was far too big.
0:21:58 > 0:22:02- The scale was completely wrong. - It's better now, I think.
0:22:02 > 0:22:06- I can visualize the way the castle - towers over the people.
0:22:06 > 0:22:08- The towers seem - to look down at people.
0:22:09 > 0:22:13- You've worked in 3-D to create - illusion and depth in your work.
0:22:14 > 0:22:16- You've also used varying tones.
0:22:16 > 0:22:19- You've modelled the castle - in two ways.
0:22:19 > 0:22:23- You've used lights and shades - to create the 3-D effect.
0:22:23 > 0:22:27- It's totally different - in other parts.
0:22:27 > 0:22:31- You use various methods to create - depth. It's very interesting.
0:22:32 > 0:22:34- I've played around with it.
0:22:34 > 0:22:39- Maybe I could have taken the work - one step further, I don't know.
0:22:39 > 0:22:42- I didn't want it to be too precise.
0:22:43 > 0:22:47- The colours are real. You've used - the original red of the stone walls.
0:22:49 > 0:22:55- I enjoyed the process of painting - the walls and mixing the colours.
0:22:56 > 0:23:03- I like this way of working. There - are so many different techniques.
0:23:04 > 0:23:07- At the end, - I enjoyed the painting process.
0:23:07 > 0:23:11- I can see how you've relaxed - towards the end of the process...
0:23:11 > 0:23:14- ..in the way you applied the paint.
0:23:14 > 0:23:18- Centuries ago, these buildings - would have been full of life.
0:23:18 > 0:23:22- Our artists have given them - a new lease of life.
0:23:23 > 0:23:28- Luned has rebuilt the castle - and added a touch of humour...
0:23:28 > 0:23:31- ..with the energetic little figure.
0:23:31 > 0:23:36- Aneurin's castle appears to be - part of its surrounding landscape.
0:23:37 > 0:23:42- It's a declaration of his heritage - and his love for rural Wales.
0:23:53 > 0:23:55- S4/C subtitles by Simian 04