Cathy

The Albert Hall is a dream location, for many aspiring musicians. It’s a dream to perform there. More than that, the Albert Hall has a program of working with schools to make these dreams come true for groups of school children.

This gateway is part of a small complex of passages which together form an artwork dedicated to the memory of Manchester scientist John Dalton. I took the photograph because the gateway interested me. At the time, I didn’t know about the connection to Dalton, but I saw an eye motif that was appealing and intriguing. I wanted to know more,

Evening colours pervade on this wet, November night. It’s a painting of two halves, the crisp lines seen on the tram and street contrasting with the abstract of the sky with random, stylised features, disjointed and sparse. For a dark painting. There’s a wealth of colour in this image, drowned out by the yellow tram and lights. Ignore them if you can, and lose yourself in that textured sky.

Commissioning a painting is a complex but exciting process. Follow the creation of “Canary Wharf from Limehouse Basin,” starting with the initial consultation leading to two photo shoots. Then join me for the satisfying unboxing of fresh cradled panels and the essential bubble wrap popping. This commissioned piece showcases my unique painting process. A blend of traditional and experimental techniques in acrylic ink and watercolour.

What do you see, first? The glorious gates or the hunched over horseback riders? Impressive, comes to mind, dramatic and elegant. Cathy Read’s painting immortalises the Spirit of Horse Racing at the landmark Towcester Course.