Boats at River Hamble, Southampton

Boats at River Hamble, Southampton

This painting is of the River Hamble, near to the Solent and Southampton, in the UK. It is based on a view photographed during the spring of 2012, and features a view of the marina, near the town of Warsash, packed full of boats. There are a number of marinas down the river. The land is very flat and when the tide goes out the mud flats are revealed, showing a covering of moss and algae, with pockets of water isolated from the river. The River Hamble contains many old shipwrecks of archaeological importance. I was drawn to this scene for my painting by this strong, green landscape, that only appears for part of the day and the way that puddles of water remain creating their own small rivers through the landscape.
This painting is created in acrylic on a canvas measuring 20" x 16".

River Hamble, Southampton

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