Paintings of Kuwait

In 2009 I had an exhibition of my paintings in Kuwait. I spent time driving around the city, looking for interesting buildings to paint. A souk painting in my sketchbook was one of my first studies. Then some Arabian dhows in the dhow harbour.

However, as soon as I saw this sign, I wanted to buy a pair. However, just how technical are they? Would I be able to handle them okay? Can you buy an app instead? Are they expensive? What are Technical Scissors?

Instead, I bought a pair of “non tech” pink kid’s scissors for my grandaughter for just over a pound from a nearby mall.

Souk Kuwait

Of course, I did manage to find some subjects that were very paintable. One of my favourite scenes from this trip was the Entrance to the Souk.

As part of my preparation I did several sketchbook watercolours just outside the entrance of the souk Al Mubarakiya. I sketched the figures going in and out of one of the oldest retail parts of Kuwait. The loose, expressive brusk marks were valuable in recreating the larger watercolour that I executed in my studio back in Ponteland. I had the original watercolour reproduced as a limited edition print which can be seen at my Studio and Gallery in Ponteland.

My souk painting and the accompanying sketches are a reminder of the time I spent painting by the entrance to the souk.