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Bright light, Trafalgar Square is an original oil painting by Nick Grove.
Fine art oil painting by Nick Grove.
Early on in this painting, I realised I may have taken on more than was comfortable. That, however, is often where the most worthwhile work begins. This was my first attempt to capture the energy of Trafalgar Square, using a larger surface than usual and working directly into the light.
The practical challenges are considerable. Traffic—both pedestrian and vehicular—moves constantly across the line of sight, making sustained observation difficult. Painting in one of London’s busiest tourist locations also guarantees attention. At times it’s generous and curious; at others intrusive and unthinking. A phone appearing inches from your face is not uncommon.
Then there is the psychological pressure of painting just outside the National Gallery. I once heard Sir Ken Howard say he avoided painting on its steps, knowing that after seeing the masterpieces inside, his own work might seem wanting. If that were true for him, I joked to myself, then my efforts must seem absurd. Still, the challenge was part of the point.
This painting is about holding focus amid distraction—finding order, light, and structure in the midst of movement and noise.
