Do you have a favourite building?
Maybe there’s a romantic connection? Or it inspires you because of its beauty?
Battersea Power Station…
might be an unlikely favourite building but it captures the imagination of many and is a popular subject matter for art.
I first saw it on an album cover in the 70’s and was intrigued. The artwork by Storm Thorgusson has a gritty industrial feel. Later, as an occupational therapy student on placement in Clapham and then South Croydon I would pass it on the train. Let’s just say it impressed me. So when I started illustrating architecture, painting Battersea Power station was already on the “Must do” list.
As usual when painting I start with a sketch…
It is then masked with masking fluid before I add a little paint…
I leave them overnight to dry flat and I often go back a few times. The last layer needs to be dry before the final touches are added and the ink blown around with a straw to get those lovely tendrils.
And when the masking is removed I get something like this!
My finished Painting of Battersea Power Station. As it’s undergoing a radical transformation I felt Battersea Reborn was an appropriate title!