Sheldonian Theatre Reflections – Original Painting

Sheldonian Theatre Reflections – Original Painting

About the Image

Sheldonian Theatre, Oxford is an impressive edifice on Broad Street right in the university’s heart. It has been the proud location of graduations and performances, recitals and you name it – a hub of cultural activity aligned with Oxford’s rich cultural heritage. The theatre has steadfastly served it’s purpose for over 350 years.

A building at one with its environment if ever there was. Glorious golden stone, classical details mirrored in the surrounding buildings – something of a showstopper.

Sheldonian Thearter Show Piece

Being round, or should I say, conical in its appearance, the Sheldonian Theatre reminds me of a wedding cake. Layers of floors crowned with the decorative upper and that green copper dome centerpiece. The dome seems reminiscent of a mini lighthouse.

Stone arches with half-round windows contain decorative glass windows that look like black eyes peering under the stone curtain or into a doll’s house. Once you spot them, they are hard to unsee.

The whole magnificent construction is partially reflected in the scattered puddles on the opposite pavement. It has been raining heavily but the sun has put in an appearance. Hopefully, it will last a long time – a wet Oxford is especially beautiful in the sunlight.

The scene is empty (no doubt due to the recent downpour, save one small figure casually wandering past. Rucksack on his back, hands in pockets; oblivious to his surroundings and the colours he leaves trailing behind.

Perhaps it needs the artist’s eye to see these colours. Good job, I remembered to paint them all then.

How the image is created: Masking fluid is painted onto watercolour paper to create an image. This is covered with a watercolour wash and covered with clingfilm. The picture is further developed using acrylic inks once the film is removed. The masking is removed after several layers are added and allowed to dry. Revealing the final picture.