Tynemouth

Capturing Tynemouth proved more difficult than anticipated. Large and historic architectural forms seem tiny against expanses of sky, sand and sea. Interiors are busy and complex, full of detail and contrast. With so much subject matter to choose from I'll definitely be returning here.

 

 #29 Tynemouth Longsands

#30 Tynemouth Market



#31 Tynemouth Priory and Castle

#32 Beaches and Cream, Cullercoats

 

Trams and Trains

Perspective plays a large part in conveying the impressive nature of this subject matter. Trams in their depot at Beamish Open Air Museum glimmer with history while the bold form of The Mallard shines before The National Railway Museum Shildon. The success of these images lies in the contrast of the man made forms against expressive use of paint and colour.

 

#27 Tram Depot, Beamish Museum

#28 The Mallard, National Railway Museum Shildon



Hadrian's Wall

Three views of Hadrian's Wall focus on different aspects. One is a wide view showing the wall rising and falling over rugged terrain, another gives you a feel of being stood close to it and the other sees the dip of the landscape frame a famous sycamore. This latter image is titled 'The Robin Hood Tree' in reference the Kevin Costner scene filmed here many years ago.

 

#24 The Robin Hood Tree, Hadrian's Wall

 

 

#25 View of Crag Lough, Hadrian's Wall

 

 

#26 View to the East, Hadrian's Wall

Back to the NewcastleGateshead Quayside

Winter sunlight played an important role in creating a strong atmosphere within these images. A reasonable area has been given to depicting figures, this too helps give character. As with the Durham set there are famous structures throughout but there is also a depiction of everyday elements such as signage on the road or a lampost that obscures the view.

 

#21 Under the Bridge, Newcastle

 

 

#22 Quayside Sunlight, Newcastle

 

#23 View from The Baltic, Gateshead



Around Durham

With this set I wanted to capture the Cathedral in the way it is most often viewed, incorporated into the background of other scenes. In #19 and #20 the perspective of various architectural forms leads the eye into a fairly distant Cathedral view. This idea of showing a popular landmark within the more everyday surroundings is something I'd like to explore more.

#18 Durham Cathedral 

#19 Durham Cathedral from Owengate



 

#20 Durham Cathedral from Framwellgate Bridge

 

Sunderland Air Show

Another shoot that I've been meaning to use was taken at Sunderland Air Show last summer. I've only chosen to paint two of the images. In the first I've tried to convey the movement of the Vulcan as it flies in from the coast and swoops round over the beach. It's a stunning sight as the force of the massive plane can be felt by everyone on the ground.

In the second image a figure in the foreground stoops to photograph one the planes from the Red Arrow display team. A contrast can be seen between the impressive mechnics of the machine and the everyday houses and buildings of the seafront. Most of the colour focus is on the red of the plane but some abstraction has been introduced in the sky. I'd like to continue adjusting the colour palette in the next few works.

#16 Vulcan Approach, Sunderland Air Show

 

#17 Red Arrow, Sunderland Air Show

New York City Street Scenes

In recent weeks I've dedicated some time to using the New York City street images I captured last summer. Consisting of five works, this set was probably more challenging than previous work due to the highly complex nature of the architecture. Combining the realism of the orignal imagery with the abstract qualities of the paint was quite complicated and I think most succesful in the Apple Store image. It is here I've revived one of my old favourite techniques of splattering the paint on the surface, injecting an energy or dynamism.

 

#12 Times Square Studios, New York City

 

#13 West 34th Street, New York City

 

 

#14 United Nations Flags at Rockefeller Center, New York City

 

#15 Apple Store on Fifth Avenue, New York City

 

#15 Times Square Sidewalk, New York City