Ocean Village, Southampton Magnet

Ocean Village, Southampton (UK) has changed a bit since I first visited 30 years ago. Back then it was the most desirable place to be in the city, with exclusive apartments and houses with a view over a marina filled with yachts, and a vibrant little mall with cafes on the waterfront. Since then the development has grown hugely, with the marina (now filled with expensive 'gin palaces') overshadowed by tall buildings fighting for the light. The atmosphere may have changed, but there is still some of the magic around the marina. and that is what I've aimed to capture in this 12x16 inch oil painting, looking towards where there was once just that little two storey complex of shops and cafes.