Sussex paintings for sale

Thursday 19 June 2014

Painting "Brighton Pavilion" and deckchairs on the beach

Brighton Pavilion
After a lot of thought and a moment of madness,  I have decided that my Sussex by the Sea series would not be complete without a painting of  Brighton Pavilion.

In 1815, George, the Prince Regent,  commissioned John Nash to transform his modest seaside villa into a wonderful oriental palace.
It has survived fires, storms and wartime damage but it's magnificent architecture remains just as wonderful today as when it was built.

It's going to be a challenge, but I think it deserves to be captured on canvas and because there is so much detail  it will be bigger than my previous paintings ....
                                               "Brighton Pavilion"
                              Acrylic on box canvas 32"x 16"x 1.5"
Everything was sketched out using a grid to make sure the perspective was correct, with so many different angles it would be easy to get confused ! I then painted in the sky and first layer of grass, this made the composition much clearer to work on.
Starting to paint Brighton pavilion
Starting from the center I have painted in some of the first layers of colour, as they dry I can then begin to build up the tones with thin washes of blues and purples.
Starting to paint in the sides of the building
Gradually I start to add the detail. Today it seemed like slow progress but it helps to photograph it step by step as I can clearly see how it's developing.
About a third of the way through painting Brighton Pavilion
I have been using very tiny brushes today and very thin washes which means that it doesn't really look like I have achieved much. but I'm happy with it so far and I havn't gone mad yet!
 Today I  have concentrated on the left hand side. There will eventually be shaded trees there so I needed to get the background in before I can start adding them. I have also nearly finished the rooftops, once they are dry I can start adding the highlights....
.....well it's now 3 days later and today I managed to complete the painting. It's not been as difficult as I had imagined and I'm happy with the blue and purple shading as it gives it a wonderful regal look :)
                                                    "Brighton Pavilion"
                                Acrylic on box canvas 32"x 16"x 1.5"
Painting of Brighton pavilion
 
Close up and wall views of "Brighton Pavilion"
                                                                             *****
Of course a trip the seaside just wouldn't be complete without colourful deckchairs, their canvas seats billowing in the warm sea breeze like the sails of seaward ships.....
                                                        "Summer Sea Breeze"
                                 Acrylic on stretched canvas 24"x 18"x 0.5"
Deckchair in the breeze at Seaford
 
                    Paintings for sale at https://www.artgallery.co.uk/artist/paula_oakley_2

Saturday 14 June 2014

"Mount Caburn Views" Painting the view of the Sussex Ouse valley

Mount Caburn, Lewes, Sussex
My walk this week took me to the top of Mount Caburn on the outskirts of Lewes.
 At 480ft it is an isolated peak with an iron age fort at the top.
 It is a National Nature Reserve with an abundance of beautiful wild flowers.
 My walk took me through pretty wild orchids and scented meadow sweet swaying gently with the delicate grasses in the warm Summer breeze.
It was a perfect day of blue skies and sunshine with superb views over the Sussex Weald.
Westwards  takes you to Glynde and along past Firle Beacon on the South Downs
View of Firle Beacon and Wilmington from the top of Mount caburn
Southwards overlooks the village of Beddingham nestled at the bottom of the Downs
Beddingham, Sussex
But it was the view South West that really made the walk worth while.
The River Ouse leaves Lewes and meanders down the valley past the picturesque villages of Rodmell, Southease and Piddinghoe, finally reaching the sea at Newhaven in the far distance.
As a young child I lived on farms in this area and enjoyed walks along the riverbank as much as I do today.
                                            "Mount Caburn Views"
                              Acrylic on box canvas 24"x 20"x 1.5"
Painting the view south from Mount Caburn

 Paintings for sale at https://www.artgallery.co.uk/artist/paula_oakley_2

Saturday 7 June 2014

"The Ploughing Match" Painting of Shire horses

The South Eastern Shire Horse Show May 2014
The May Bank holiday brought with it  beautiful sunshine, so we took the opportunity to visit the South Eastern Shire Horse show in Surrey.
The show fitted in well with my love of mixing modern day with nostalgia , it was a perfect chance to explore the wonderful array of subjects to photograph and inspire!.
 As my ancestors were all farmers  it was interesting to see some of the old agricultural methods being demonstrated, especially the heavy horses pulling the ploughs. They are magnificent animals and really looked spectacular dressed in all their finery and ornaments.
Shire horses taking part in the ploughing match
With so much choice it was hard to decide on which horses to paint but it was Sid and Sam that really caught my attention. Such rich chestnut colours adorned with blue and white plaits and shiny brasses.
                                     
                                           "The Ploughing Match"
                              Acrylic on canvas board 23"x 18"
Painting of the shire horses at the ploughing match
 
                                                            
Close up and framed views of "The Ploughing Match"
Paintings for sale at https://www.artgallery.co.uk/artist/paula_oakley_2