The Ouse in flood, York

The Ouse in Flood, York. 12x24in, oil on board. Painted en plein air in October 2023 by British artist and contemporary street artist Nick Grove.

Arriving in York, I was stopped before I’d even left the car park by an old codger who told me I’d have a job; the place was flooded real bad. I hadn’t come across the river on my route here, so I thought he’s probably exaggerating. Having reached Tower Gardens, where I was hoping to start my painting trip. I discovered the old boy was right; Tower Gardens was flooded real bad, and so was all of South Esplanade. I had to walk all the way up to Lower Friargate to get anywhere near the river, where I turned a corner to find this wonderful view of the Ouse in flood.

Having set up and chosen a panoramic 12x24in board, I set about composing the elements within the painting using the sight size technique to define a real point of view. This is something I feel is important in order to create an authentic moment and experience. It also puts me in a comfortable place because, if I’m not sure about the drawing at any stage, I can just measure and check. And we must check, and check, and check the drawing!

Having taken way too long trying to work out the complexities of the railings going into the water, what a headache! I considered for the moment the overall colour tone and composition before I blocked in the canvas. The atmosphere was unusual. It was a foggy, dull day when I started, very dull and midtone; however, the sun was coming on strong, and I was changing the painting to fit the conditions.

It’s worth noting the rule regarding reflections, such as on the surface of the Ouse in this painting—lights appear slightly darker in their reflection, and darks appear slightly lighter in their reflection. It’s quite discreet but definate.

About 3 hours into my first painting of the trip, I was rather tired and cold. There was sun now all around, but I was still in the shade. With a whole day of painting ahead and the heat calling me, I called it a day on this painting for now and moved on.

12x24in
Oil on board
Framed

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