Blustery Day, Millenium Bridge
© Teresa Kirkpatrick 2010
The River Thames is the beating heart of London. I cross it twice a day on my way to and from the office, glorying in the open skies and wide vistas, whatever the weather. It's a real tonic after the cramped streets and stuffy trains.
Usually I cross the river at the Millenium Bridge. Starting life as a wobbly white elephant, it has become one of the main attractions in the capital. Linking St Paul's to the North with the Tate Modern on the South Bank, it is rarely without visitors from all over the world. For us commuters this can be a mixed blessing; but it's worth fighting one's way through the crowds for those wonderful moments when a tourist gasps out loud with admiration as they grab their camera. I swell with pride at such times; this is "my" city - yes, the one I take for granted on a daily basis LOL.
The bridge is a popular location for photographers & film crews, buskers & beggars; joggers run along it, and in the wet children slide on it. And it was on a wet day that I had that "eureka" moment so essential if I'm going to make a painting; a host of umbrellas bobbing, the wind tugging, rain lashing, and the Tate Modern looming up ahead, lights glowing in the gloom. The Millenium Bridge doesn't wobble any more. It's lovely in the sunshine. And it's wonderful in the rain!
Love it!!! I can feel that wind and rain - reminds me of Ireland : -). One for Open Studios? Yes?
ReplyDeleteOh yes, it's one for Open Studios. I'm hoping to have enough London-related paintings to make that the core of my exhibition. I might not show any non-London paintings at all if I can continue to get my act together!!
ReplyDeleteI think your recent series of London paintings has really shown your talents to their best advantage. This is a wonderfully moody and atmospheric picture - I loved the water and the sky as you were painting it and the elements of the finished composition fit together beautifully.
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