Description: This is another of my paintings from Bath Christmas market. It features a small row of market huts in front of the side wall of the Abbey. Its twilight, and I was taken not only by the pools of light from each hut, but also the play of light on the stained glass windows, and the hint of something inside.
Description: In 2024 the dull lawn on the North side of Romsey Abbey was replaced with a wildflower meadow. The effect was stunning, totally transforming the view of the Abbey. This view, painted in oil on a 16x20 inch board is based on a summer sunrise, when the early morning light reaches the North face of the building.
Description: A working bus station is a rarity these days, most have been redeveloped for other purposes. But in Winchester (Hampshire, UK), the old bus station remains in use. The magnificent guildhall can be seen in the background too. Painted in oil on board based on photos from the Spring with a little magic to bring the buddleia into bloom!
Description: Shanklin is a bustling seaside resort on the Isle of Wight off the South coast of England. Yet despite it being a holiday isle you need walk only to the end of the beach to reach solitude and this view framed by an old groyne. I've painted this view in oil on a 16x12 inch board.
Description: I think this has to be my favourite folly. Its a romantic little tower built by the beach at Appley (Ryde, Isle Of Wight, UK). I have happy memories of a sliightly merry afternoon at the pirate festival (Shipwreck Isle) staged here a few years ago. And what better place to stage it? the folly looks great from the beach with the woods behind, and also pretty good from the woods with the sea behind. I chose the latter to paint on this little 5x7 inch canvas, and added a bunch of wild flowers that were at a spot close by.
Description: The best view of Yarmouth on the Isle of Wight (UK) is undoubtedly had from the ferry. Here all the elements come together - The George inn, the castle and the church with its distinctive octagonal clockface. And the there are the hills behind - here parched from a hot dry summer. I've painted this in oil on a 16x12 inch board.
Description: This is the third of my paintings of the Christmas market at Bath in Somerset, England. Darkness has fallen and the buildings of the city are all lit in changing colours, whilst the light from the market huts spills out across the pavements, stopped only by the many people casting shadows in all directions. Painted in oil on a 12x12 inch board.
Description: I've seen many views of this famous bridge, and decided to see it for myself. I spent a day walking the path on the Western side of the Avon gorge, then crossing the bridge into Clifton, Bristol, UK. Down the little used zigzag path I reached the busy road on the Eastern side, and followed the water back into Bristol. In my walk my favourite view was my first sight of the bridge, and that is what I have painted here. Hope you like it.
Description: The North Laines of Brighton (UK) is not your average shopping street. The shops here have a somewhat laid back, eco friendly, upcycle and chillout feel about them. I've captured this little scene from their heart and painted it on a 12x16 inch board. Enjoy spotting all the little details.
Description: The thing I love about Bath is everywhere you look you find something unexpected and quite wonderful. Here I spot the 'Bath Mineral Water Hospital' behind a typical street cafe scene. The hospital is being redeveloped, so you'll have to take your ailing mineral water elsewhere now! I've painted this scene in oil on a 12x16 inch board.
Description: The village of Hamble sits on the river Hamble in Hampshire (UK), with places to walk along the shore, and a little pink ferry that takes you across the water to Warsash. This is one of those spots along the river, that I've chosen to paint. The pine tree that hogs the frame was created by going wild with an old toothbrush!
Description: In a corner of old Portsmouth (UK) you find this historic view between two very old public houses. In the gap is a glimpse of the historic naval dockyard with its old buildings and the large hulk of HMS Warrior (an early metal hulled warship) with its masts and rigging. Painted in oil on a 10x12 inch board, there are very few clues as to the century.
Description: Another view from Bath (Somerset, UK) and its much loved Christmas market. This time I've painted a view from outside the back of the Roman Baths, looking under the arch to the abbey. Lots of fantastic architecture, and a row of market huts providing pools of light for the foreground. Feel free to sup a glass of mulled wine as you feel the atmosphere.
Description: The Christmas market in Bath (Somerset, UK) is one of the best in the country. The little huts fill the many courtyards and lanes. As evening falls the historic buildings are lit by changing coloured lights, and if you find just the right spot you can get a fantastic picture. This 20x16 inch oil painting is based on my photos from the 2023 market. The historic abbey is lit up pink in the background. Hope you can feel the atmosphere of being there in that moment!
Description: This is one of two narrow shopping streets in Frome (pronounced 'froom') in Somerset, UK. Its too narrow for traffic, and has a stream running down a channel in the path. It also has a fabulous selection of independent shops, including a good bookshop and the bakers shown here. You can't see whats inside from here, but I can tell you its full of delicious cakes, tarts, pastries and pies. I've painted this view in oil on a 12x16 inch board. I hope you enjoy looking at all the little details I've included!
Description: 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.
Description: Beggar's Fair is a free music and arts event that takes place in Romsey, Hampshire, UK each summer. This courtyard is typical of the dozens of venues spread around the town. I've painted this scene in oils based on photos I took. why this courtyard? I couldn't stray far from the paintings I was showing nearby, and I particularly enjoyed this quartet.
Description: Until recently I had no idea that the Kennet and Avon canal went right into the heart of historic Bath (Somerset, UK). This painting is of Sydney Wharf, close to Sydney Gardens where my last Bath painting was sited. From here it a ten minute walk to the bustling city centre, but you would never guess.
Description: Its been a while since I last painted these beach huts on the Dorset coast, so here is a new set painted in oil with greater skill honed over the years since. These idyllic beach huts on Mudeford spit, Christchurch, sell for absurd amounts of money, but you can have them on your wall for the cost of print from teepublic!
Description: Off the tourist trail, Bath has lots of interesting little corners and delightful little parks. This one lies across the Pulteney bridge, and at the far end of the grand terrace, behind a gallery. I'm guessing that this was once a toll booth for entering the park, but now it serves coffee! I've painted this in oil on a 10x12 inch board, a scale at which you may notice a few brush marks and not so straight lines!
Description: The river Itchen is not much more than a stream until it reaches Southampton (UK). At riverside park it widens dramatically, and passes under Cobden bridge. And that is where I got this view, looking South towards St Denys and Southampton water. Painted in oil on board I was drawn to the jumble of boats and in particular the less than perfect hopuseboat that dominates the view.
