Fourth Plinth, Trafalgar Square

Trafalgar Square, watercolour

This is the latest  in a  small series of watercolours of London in the rain, which is based on a visit back in February. This link tells you more about the sculpture which was installed on the Fourth Plinth at the time. I was quite taken aback, when I saw it!

Just recently, a new artwork has taken its place, one with a more political and humanitarian message. 

This watercolour is painted on an A3 block of Saunders Waterford paper. I am quite pleased with the transparent grey I achieved for the clouds, using Teal (Ken Bromley) and Permanent Alizarin Crimson (Winsor & Newton). 

The reference photo had a very close tonal range between background and foreground, so I planned to keep the background lighter in tone for the foreground to stand out.

Tulips and Elephant

Tulips and Elephant watercolour

I have painted this set-up before, about four years ago, and that painting is now in China. 

The ceramic elephant is a particular favourite of mine, made by my husband, when he learnt how to work with clay. For that project, they had to work with an oval mould, and while most chose to make a vase, he came up with the idea of an elephant. I love its colour and pretty shape.

I have painted the tulips in hope of spring arriving soon; the tulips in my garden are showing some flower buds but are not quite ready to bloom yet.

Gate to Chinatown

Chinatown watercolour

Although London presented itself on a rainy, grey day, the ornate Chinese gate in Wardour Street and the many umbrellas provided some much needed colour.

Lode Mill, Anglesey Abbey

Lode Mill, watercolour

Another iconic building, which is part of the National Trust property Anglesey Abbey. The link will tell you more about its history. 

I do like white buildings, as they provide a backdrop for colourful shadows, and this mill contrasts beautifully with the dark trees leading up to it. 

There were more shadows on the left side of the building, which I at first painted in and immediately regretted doing so. As the red (alizarin crimson) used in the mixture is a staining colour, I could not remove it completely. To bring back the white colour, I therefore painted over it with white gouache, something I am usually reluctant to do.  I felt it was worth it not being a 'purist' in this case, as I felt the painting was worth rescuing.

St Remigius Church, Dunston

I painted this picture following our stay at the lovely Dunston Hall hotel. Although this hotel caters mostly for golfers (something we are not), there is also a suggested route for walkers, which avoids the golf course and leads to this beautiful little church.  

St Remigius Church, watercolour

This is painted on A3 Khadi paper; in some areas of the painting, I tried for a livelier paint application by placing unmixed colour patches next to each other and letting the paint mix on the paper.