Southampton Northam River Itchen old jetty with sea birds

Southampton Northam River Itchen old jetty with sea birds

This oil painting is a view of the River Itchen, in the county of Hampshire UK. Here it is seen in the area of Northam, in the City of Southampton heading towards the port. Local business can be seen in the background, including a scrap metal merchant. The metal is piled up in several mounts on the berth, awaiting collection by ship, usually about once a week. In the foreground is an old jetty, now reduced to 'wooden bones'. However the local seagulls use it to enjoy the view and sunshine on this summer evening. A swan in circling around the base of the jetty.
The painting is done on a canvas measuring 16" x 20". A bright red acrylic paint base was initially applied to the canvas, followed by a drawing in brown acrylic. A colour wash was then applied, again in thinned acrylic paint. Finally the painting itself is done in oil paint, straight from the tube. Painted in 2012.

Southampton Northam River Itchen old jetty with sea birds

 

boat wreck with sea birds

boat wreck with sea birds oil painting

Boat wreck with sea birds

This was completed in mid July and is painted on a canvas 20" x16" in oils. The boat wreck was situated on the river Itchen, southampton. I was attracted to the textures on the boat, the flaking paint and the rotten wood and the reflection in the water. The birds were added to the composition, though are typical of the wildlife in the local area.

from the website...
This boat wreck is on the River Itchen, which starts in Southampton. I was drawn to the interesting textures on the boat, the pealing paint and the algae gradually taking over the surface of the hull when choosing this subject for a painting. It is based on a photograph and I added the birds in from other pictures I took in the same area on the same day, using photoshop to create a final master drawing/ layout. I think that the textures do come across well through the use of oil paint and the sea birds add interest to the scene, the water reflections finishing off the painting quite successfully. The artwork was completed in 2011.