Pastels of London during the Olympics and Paralympics

London is slowly getting back to a semblance of normality after one of the most interesting and exciting summers I have experienced in the capital. Boris Johnson promised ‘a summer like no other’ and for once, the hyperbole came up to the mark.

Olympic Rings, Tower Bridge, Early Morning (in progress)

I set up my easel around different corners of London, east and west, and discovered new parts – Stratford, North Greenwich Arena, Potters Fields. Inspiring, vibrant places to paint and new material for my work.  The Thames has always been endlessly fascinating for me with the rapidly changing light and tones.  It has been an adventure to find new stretches, other than the familiar Chelsea bridges.  

Paralympics Marathon, by Temple and Waterloo Bridge

  

One of the things I have most enjoyed about this summer is seeing the utterly familiar in a completely new way – such as the large Olympic medals hanging in the trees in Leicester Square (medalling in Leicester Square…) or BT Live in Trafalgar Square, where the giant screen provided new and interesting opportunities for light to bounce off.  The bold Olympic/Paralympic colours of pink and purple also jollied up London.  I liked the silhouettes of people as they walked along endless miles of coloured plastic sheeting that wrapped up and surrounded the different sporting locations in the city.

Leicester Square Medals - Pastel on card

BT London Live, Trafalgar Square, Paralympics

Floral Crown, St James' Park

It has been an incredible opportunity.  My work can be seen at the following group shows in October and November.

10 and 11 October, Art for Youth, Royal College of Art, http://www.artforyouth.com/Home.html

10-19 October, The Study, 10A Blandford Street, London W1U 4AZ Green and Stone Charity Auction, http://www.greenandstone.com/v2/p/auction.php

29 October – 3^rd November – Consider the Lilies, Gallery 27 Cork St, W1 (11-5pm)

And there will be my solo show at my studio at Wimbledon Art Studios Open, Studio 402

22-25 November http://www.wimbledonartstudios.co.uk/open-studios/next-show/

Lunchtime walkers, St James' Park

More Olympic/Paralympic images to follow in the next blog - work still in progress!