Southampton Northam River Itchen old jetty with sea birds

Southampton Northam River Itchen old jetty with sea birds

This oil painting is a view of the River Itchen, in the county of Hampshire UK. Here it is seen in the area of Northam, in the City of Southampton heading towards the port. Local business can be seen in the background, including a scrap metal merchant. The metal is piled up in several mounts on the berth, awaiting collection by ship, usually about once a week. In the foreground is an old jetty, now reduced to 'wooden bones'. However the local seagulls use it to enjoy the view and sunshine on this summer evening. A swan in circling around the base of the jetty.
The painting is done on a canvas measuring 16" x 20". A bright red acrylic paint base was initially applied to the canvas, followed by a drawing in brown acrylic. A colour wash was then applied, again in thinned acrylic paint. Finally the painting itself is done in oil paint, straight from the tube. Painted in 2012.

Southampton Northam River Itchen old jetty with sea birds

Yachts at Ocean Village, Southampton, UK

Yachts at Ocean Village, Southampton, UK 

This was painted in oils on a 20" x 16" canvas. This depicts the recent redevelopment of part of the docks at Southampton, UK. This part of the docks was the first to open in 1842 and used for commercial shipping. It was redeveloped in 1986 for leisure use. The development is known as Ocean Village and is popular with tourists and those interested in yachts. Often the area can be packed with boats squeezed in to any available space. Luxury flats, cinemas and bars populate the surrounding marina. I was drawn to the interesting mix of buildings in the distance, separated for the viewer by the expanse of water. The yachts always have their own interest when painting them-the elegant hulls and the details of the rigging. The reflections in the water are always difficult, but satisfying to paint. The artwork was completed in early 2011.

Ocean village Southampton