Bright light, Trafalgar Square

It wasn’t long into this painting that I realised I may have bitten off more than I could chew. It’s a common situation I find myself in. Perhaps it is actually the right place to be, as I’ve heard it said that ‘just outside of your comfort zone is where you create your best work’. I certainly was in the right spot in that sense. This was my first attempt to capture the hustle and bustle of Trafalgar Squere. And I was using a larger board than normal too. And facing into the light!

It’s not an easy spot at any time of day. For one thing, there is the issue of traffic—both human and nonhuman. It’s actually quite difficult to see your subject as people and vehicles are moving across your line of sight continuously. There’s also the issue of tourists. Setting up to paint in what arguably is the most visited tourist hot spot in all of London does mean you’re going to attract a lot of attention. Sometimes you will be asked politely whether one can take a photo or film you painting; other times, there may be a phone shoved right in your face! And no apology was offered for disturbing you. I’m often tempted to put a hat out for change, but I haven’t yet.

Lastly, there is the pressure of painting right outside the National Gallery! I remember Sir Ken Howard saying that he didn’t mind painting anywhere in London apart from on the steps of the National Gallery because, after someone had seen the paintings in there, his own must seem a little funny. Well, if they find Ken’s paintings funny, they would find mine hilarious.

18x24in
Oil on board
Framed

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