Catte Street towards Radcliffe Square, Oxford

Nestled between two grand university buildings, I pressed on with a rather damp painting session in the heart of Oxford. Despite the persistent drizzle—inevitably creeping up my sleeves—the day offered unexpected joys. The gleam of wet pavements, the playful overflow of rain from the gutters, and the huddled postures of passersby trying to escape the elements were a delight to observe and capture on canvas. I chose this particular spot for its enchanting view of Oxford’s Radcliffe Camera and the Bodleian Library in the distance. Even with the rain dictating my options, the area teemed with captivating street scenes. The Radcliffe Camera and its surrounding streets and alleyways offered an endless array of compositions, enough to keep any artist occupied for days. In fact, most of my time was spent within just 200 yards of this iconic site. Though it was my first time painting here, the setting felt oddly familiar. The honeyed tones of the stone, ranging from rich raw sienna to muted yellow ochre, reminded me of the architecture in my hometown of Stamford and nearby Cambridge. Blocking in this particular scene came naturally; the abundance of raw sienna provided a perfect base, which I subtly muted as the buildings receded into the misty distance, creating a soft aerial perspective. Despite the rain, this was a day well spent, immersed in the charm of Oxford's historic streets. 12x16in Oil on canvas Framed You can securely make payments for artworks using credit or debit cards. We offer additional payment options as well. We ship all artworks fully insured and use recyclable packaging with pride. Subscribe to my newsletter for updates on exhibitions and new paintings. Viewings are available by appointment. Please contact me by email at mail@nickgrove.com to arrange an appointment.