The first scene on arrival, full of excitement and joy, and the last scene on leaving, wistful and sad. The Damrak, a body of water flanked by ancient town houses, and bordered on the other side by a wide road of trams and cars, captures a little corner of Amsterdam. Beyond the houses, lies the […]Read Post ›
A lone man relaxes at an Amsterdam street-side cafe, listening to music, unaware of the tumult around him. The heat is palpable. Coffee, steam, warmth. Eggs and toast and jam. A day in Amsterdam ahead, a day of endless possibility. What can one do in a single day, a day alone and free? This work, […]Read Post ›
I always know I have arrived in Amsterdam when I see the Basilica of St Nicolas. It looms. It is solid, slightly creepy perhaps in its stuffy Dutch conservativism of yesteryear. Behind its walls begins the maze of the Red Light District, drawing the visitor inwards, into a web of intoxicating vice and intrigue. The […]Read Post ›
This striking little work packs a punch. It depicts a Glaswegian tenement under an intensely blue sky. The clouds lead upwards. A small painting maybe, but it does pack a punch. I have used some 1950s materials as collage. https://www.artfinder.com/product/look-up-and-look-forward/#/
This view depicts a Romanesque church in France. The sun is setting, the dusk thick. I am fascinated by the light, light such as I have never seen before, pink and blue and soft. Shadows lengthen and there is an intense, mysterious stillness. https://www.artfinder.com/product/le-dorat-dusk/#/
Edinburgh’s Southside. Golden stone, like a Scottish Jerusalem, the air crisp and scented with salt, fish oil and baking. The volcanic crags. Is there any finer thing than this? This work, executed with photographic realism in places, is a delight and very collectable. https://www.artfinder.com/product/south-side-edinburgh-sun-joy/#/
This view depicts a London canal boat, transformed into a floating book shop. What could be more relaxing? There is heat in this very London-themed work, and light. https://www.artfinder.com/product/buying-books-over-calm-waters/#/
This view depicts the interior of an old town pub in Hull. Sitting in the corner, enjoying a real ale, imaging the ghosts that wander the greasy cobbles outside. I have often come here, to sit and drink. The old town is a special place indeed. https://www.artfinder.com/product/inside-a-pub-in-hull/#/
This cheery work depicts a bowl of sweet pepper soup, a coffee and some sliced bread on a wooden table. Spice and pepper, warmth and colour. It a cosy painting, a tranquil and modern still life. The colour is muted, the scene edged in a shadow. https://www.artfinder.com/product/sweet-pepper-soup-and-a-cup-of-coffee/#/
What to do with a Saturday in Paris? For me, an afternoon sleeping in the sun of the Luxembourg Gardens, surrounded by other like-minded sun lizards seems a good bet. The ancient statues stand guard, a thin cloud of dust dances from the gravel paths, bees hum. The air is scented with lavander and honeysuckle. A day […]Read Post ›
