Plein air painting 78

In drydock, resting out of water, was this nicely kept boat with glossy wood and paintwork. The location is Shamrock Quay, Northam, Southampton. The nearby river is the Itchen where a hint of water can be seen. Moving to the background the Itchen bridge can be seen on the right hand side and the recent development involving blocks of flats at Woolston can be seen on the left.
Painted early one October morning on mounting board, sized at 12" x 9.5", in oils.

A park scene with a giant head building - digital illustration

It was common in an alt Victorian steampunk world to have various public buildings built around giant heads. These would often be seen in places frequented by families on a day out, such as parks or town centres. The heads were not fully operational, but used for simple data processing. Often small viewing areas were built on top of the head, with access through it for passage to viewing platform. It's unknown how much of a body was attached to the heads in the ground.

Plein air painting 77

On the outskirts of Southampton and heading towards Eastleigh is Mansbridge Reservoir, a tucked away location that apparently is neglected by the council. Locals instead spend the time keeping this small lake clear of rubbish and keep the vegetation in order. It appeared to be popular with dog owners as they walked around its circumference. While painting I heard a tremendous crash that sounded like a small bomb going off. Apparently, according to locals passing, a large tree had just collapsed and fell to the ground!

Painted in early October 2022 on primed cardboard cut to 12" x 9.5", using oils.

 Head painting exercise - 'The Vikings' 03

A further selection of portrait paintings featuring various characters from the 'Vikings' TV series. Each on is painted in oils on cardboard, sized at 12" x 9.5". They were done between late 2022 and early 2023. The characters are Queen Kwenthrith, King Ecbert,  Aethelwulf,  Bjorn Lothbrok.

Plein air painting 75

This railway crossing, named as Mount Pleasant crossing, is to be found at Northam, Southampton. It is of brick/ steel construction and dates from 1894. It was built by the LSWR and other local rail structures use the same visual clues, in particular the lattice metal work. Unfortunately the bridge is in quite a poor looking condition with rusting paintwork and plants growing out of the brickwork. This is the UKs busiest level crossing and has four tracks running through it. 
Painted one early Sunday morning in early October 2022 on mounting board sized at 12" x 9.5", and done in oils.

Plein air painting 76

Some vegetation in a shady spot as seen on Southampton Common during a sunny afternoon in early October. Painted in oils on cardboard, sized at 12" x 9.5", 2022.

Plein air painting 74

Pictured is one of the main streets in the city of Southampton, known as Above Bar St, because it is north of the Bargate which was the main route through the high walls in to the main town centuries ago.
On the left can be seen a recent development consisting of bars, a theatre and the John Hansard Gallery. The view is looking down south into the city, while on the right hand side are university buildings. The road going right serves the City art gallery, library and Sea City Museum. The scooters typify modern personal transport.
Painted in late September 2022 on a sunny early morning. Its done in oils on mounting board sized at 12" x 9.5".