Looking back on 2021
2021 has been another strange year but it was great to start going to events and moving around. Looking back on 2021 the exhibitions and art fairs started in earnest. Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Artweeks may have been busy, but come July life really started becoming hectic.
July
Oxford is more recognisable for its stone and spires but there is a walth of other historic architecture. This shop on Cornmarket is a gem passed by by many a shopper. Centuries of owners have plied their trade but it is currently looking for new occupants. Shop to Let says the sign.
August
As the country started to open up again, in April/May I took advantage of a visit to the Mall Galleries for the Royal Institute of Painters in Watercolour exhibition delivery to photograph Liberties. Sadly Liberties was under cover for maintainance. Fortunatly other buildings were not and I spent some time on the Palladium and this painting is the result, London Palladium.
September
Canary Wharf from Lime House was a commission painting and saw some experimentation with techniques. The painting was finished with acrylic medium , thus eliminating the need for glass.
Looking back on 2021 I’m reminder of some big changes. September was the month I left my studio of over 8 years and travelled around the corner to a new space in Unit 15.
October
Canals and locks have always held a deep fascination. I grew up near the Rochdale Canal and we travel canals whenever we get the chance. The deep water in locks is rarely still on a busy canal in the summer, so as traffic winds down for the day, or when a lock is disused, the sight of still water is mesmerising, These waters reflect the gates and far bank of the Irwell as it flows past.
November
In preparation for Manchester Art Fair, my attention was taken with images of my home city, and the Town Hall always features in my memories of home.
Waiting in the bus in St Peter’s Square often at the bus stop, but usually due to heavy traffic on the way to Piccadilly and Oldham Road.
In Nearly Hometime – Manchester Town Hall the clocks shows less than 10 minutes to the hour. I wonder how many inside were watching the time and swishing those minutes would pass more quickly, maybe they had an exciting date to look forward to, or just wanted to catch the bus home.
December
My final painting for the year isn’t finished just yet. With November being so full and December catching up, creation time was short and I worked on two large pieces, neither of which is complete. Here’s how Library Vibes is looking at the moment. I always share finished painting with my newsletter subscribers first. Want to join them and be among the first to see new art? I’d love to include and share new art and invitations to exhibitions. Please use the link below.
And here we are on the last day of the year. Looking back on 2021 has been fun. Thank you for being part of my journey, I wonder what 2022 has in store? Please join me and we can find out together!