Commission

A number of years ago I was commissioned by a major North East company. They wanted me to paint over a dozen large watercolours of Northumbrian Castles for their board rooms. One of the first ones I tackled was Bamburgh Castle which boasts commanding views over the surrounding landscape. Bamburgh Castle itself is steeped in history and was often the target for marauding Scots. Over the centuries it deteriorated, however it was restored by its various owners during the 18th and 19th centuries. It was finally bought by the Victorian industrialist William Armstrong, who completed the restoration. Today the castle still belongs to the Armstrong family and is open to the public. It also hosts weddings and corporate events. It has also been used as a location for films since the 1920s, such as Ivanhoe (1952), El Cid (1961), Mary, Queen of Scots (1972), and Elizabeth (1998).

Watercolour Painting

This particular painting began as a 12″ x 9″ watercolour painted on location. I started one late winter morning as the sun began to rise over the sea. It was a magnificent scene that was a joy to paint. As I worked I couldn’t help thinking why the whole world was not here to enjoy the beauty of what I was experiencing. I was alone, apart from the odd person walking their dog. The print, (seen above in a deep edged mount) is taken from an original watercolour painted in the studio and can be purchased either online or from my studio and gallery in Ponteland.

If you have one of my prints of Bamburgh Castle which evokes special memories which you would like to share, then please feel free to post a comment below.