OPEN WATER SWIMMERS
This series is based on my regular walks and when swimming at the local West Reservoir. I have enjoyed sketching people going about their business and messing about, in and out of the water. From Triatheletes to paddlers and splashers.The challenge is to capture human behaviour, in all its glory, in paint. I love exploring life through bright colours. With the added bonus of painting water and reflections.
Gazing
Reminiscent of the twenties, these two seemed to be staring beyond the horizon. The water was shimmering and hazing in the heat and brightness of the sun
Acrylic on canvas 30 x 40 cm
Orange
A hot summers day and the women gossiping it seemed worthy of cranking up the colours to the max.
Acrylic on canvas 30cm x 40cm
Knickers
I found it endearing watching someone struggling to dress in a modest way, hopping around, whilst people around her were totally oblivious.
Acrylic on canvas 40 cm x 40cm
Swim caps
Always a struggle getting the obligatory Swim cap on before getting in.
Acrylic on canvas panel
40 x 60 cm
Queuing
So British, the forming of an orderly line on the ramp, even when everyone was dying to get in the refreshing water.
Acrylic on canvas panel 40cm x 60 cm.
Neoprene
Despite the winter conditions, the freezing cold water, I loved the way people still follow their passion.
Acrylic on canvas panel 42 cm x 60 cm
Ready to swim
Obligatory Swim caps and orange floats clipped on
Acrylic on Canvas 30cm x 40 cm
Hesitant
This man was feeling very unsure about approaching the cold water. I loved watching him dithering on the ramp. I was mesmerised by the light and colour dancing on the water.
Acrylic on canvas panel.42 cm x 60 cm
Cormorant
Pontoon into the Reservoir watched on by a Cormorant
Acrylic on canvas panel 60cm x 40cm
Watch
Comings and goings on the pontoon at West Reservoir
Detail from a larger painting
Prints available
Gossip
After the swim , there’s always time for a coffee and a natter
Detail from a larger painting
Prints available
Goggles
Fiddling with the goggles after a cold swim
Acrylic on canvas panel 60cm x 40cm
Focus
Striking a pose from the Thirties. This couple seemed focused into the distance.
Acrylic on canvas 50 x 50cm
Cows in water
We were just about to swim and the cows beat us to the water.
Acrylic on canvas panel 40 x 60cm
On the concourse
In lockdown eveyone had to be outside for changing, chatting and generally hanging out.
Acrylic on canvas 1m x 50cm
Solo
A lone swimmer peruses the view from the pontoon before the swim
Acrylic 50 x 50cm
The Scream!
Reminiscent of a painting by Munch these two screamed in shock by the cold.
Acrylic 50 x 50cm
Splash!
My friends took the plunge into the River
Acrylic 50 x 50cm
Into the swim!
These determined ladies off for their dawn swim in the Sea
Acrylic on Board 60 x 84cm
Horizon
Inspiration from a photo taken in the 1930’s by the photographer Hoyningen-Heune.
