In 2016 I was working on a number of painting projects in London. I was walking along Piccadilly, enjoying the late afternoon sunlight. I was struck by the wonderful contrast between the warm rays of sunlight catching the opposite side of the street. Also the cool shadows and the way the two were being connected by shoppers darting in and out of the sun.
I had some time to spare so I dashed off a quick sketchbook watercolour. Experience told me that it was warm enough for the paint to dry in time for my next appointment. Over the years I’ve developed a shorthand technique of rendering buildings and figures. I do this in a way which provides sufficient information to inspire me for any future studio paintings.
Once I’d knocked in the people (some of which were literally blobs of colour) I knew that this was going to work as a larger watercolour Painting of Piccadilly.
The main palette was Cadmium Lemon, Cadmium Yellow, Rose Madder and Manganese Blue. This was applied over a series of simple washes and non detailed shapes. I also felt that this Painting of Piccadilly would also work as a short video. It might be helpful for any budding watercolourist.
Obviously a few other colours have been introduced for the figures and the telephone box. But essentially, like most of my paintings, I’ve kept it simple.
The Studio watercolour was painted on a 12″ x 9″ Arches Watercolour Block. It is ideal for painting smaller watercolours as there is no need to stretch the paper.
The video Painting of Piccadilly shot on my iphone in my Studio and Gallery in Ponteland can now be seen on YouTube so I hope you find it helpful.