English streetscapes highlighted
A couple of English streetscapes to highlight this time.
British domestic architecture
There is something fascinating about the sameness of British domestic architecture in the suburbs. It is easily seen from intercity buses and trains. The wider view shows the sameness stretching down streets, up hillsides and around towns. It seems unimaginative, especially when compared with the Australian range of architectural fads and trends. But the English version grew from such different beginnings – wars, austerity, industrialism, high density living.
It is a long time since I first saw those streets in northern England. I was astonished and confronted by the sight, but began to relax with the predictability of it all. Visually, these English streets present the artist with rhythms of form and colour which make pleasing compositions. Repetition can do that.
Even newer housing estates develop along similar lines.
Long summer days
Not sure about you, but early mornings are almost unknown to me these days. But sometimes it is important to get up early, especially when I am on a painting mission..
In the UK summer the daylight creeps in through the curtains at about 4am. That allows plenty of time for turning over and finding a bit more sleep….But it does make it easier to leap out of bed. That light is energising and brings with it lots of inspiration.
Warwickshire morning; $150
And then there are the long balmy evenings! This next one was painted before a latish barbecue dinner, between 6 and 9 pm.
The pen is shown with this painting to give you an idea of the scale.
These two paintings are lively outcomes of a lovely stay in Stratford-upon-Avon last year.
Another one to show you soon.
