Painting London

Tower Bridge

Peter likes to work fast, capturing an impression before the light changes. Some of his paintings are planned in advance in that he will have noted a particular light effect at a certain time of day, and he will have his easel set up ready to capture the exact moment. Other paintings are based on a chance glimpse of something interesting that he has come across by accident, such as a light effect on The Thames in London. ‘Speed is an essential part of my work as I want to capture mood and light'.

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Tower Bridge from Wapping

 

"Painting on a larger canvas presents different challenges when painting on location, this painting was 50cm x 60cm in size and I managed to paint it in one sitting. I enjoy painting the Tower Bridge with the modern building around it, especially when the sunlight catches the dark green glass on the Town Hall".  

 

 

Although painting on location can be very frustrating, as when the tide suddenly disappears or the clouds come over and the light goes flat, there is also so much to gain. When I look back at the picture when I return to the studio, I see parts of the painting that remind me of being there, something I feel that a photograph lacks. I went on to paint another smaller painting that evening – again the light was very different.