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Monthly Archives: July 2013

10 Downing Street and The White House

16 Tuesday Jul 2013

Posted by pat in History, London, Uncategorized

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10 Downing Street, Prime Minister, The White House, Washington DC

10 Downing Street has been the “locale” of British Prime Ministers since 1735, over 50 years before construction began on The White House.

Winston Churchill emerges from 10 Downing Street flashing a V for Victory

Winston Churchill emerges from 10 Downing Street flashing a V for Victory

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It’s instantly recognizable black door has shielded some of the most important decisions made in the last 275 years…the First and Second World Wars, the ending of The Empire, the building of the British nuclear bomb, handling the economic crisis of the Great Depression…just to name a few.

2010_Official_Downing_Street_pic

The White House, on the other hand, has only been on its current location since construction began in 1792, and was first occupied by President John Adams.  The total cost to build was $232,372, and until after the Civil War it was the largest house in the United States. (The British burned it August 24, 1814, during the War of 1812, but did not destroy it. We’ve forgiven them since then.)

The White House

The White House

 

Both 10 Downing Street and The White House are the official residences, and also house the offices of The Prime Minister and The President, respectively. Both also are used to host countless receptions for both national and overseas guests.

Prime Minister Winston Churchill along with Roosevelt's Joint Chiefs of Staff outside The White House May 24, 1943. Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library

Prime Minister Winston Churchill along with Roosevelt’s Joint Chiefs of Staff outside The White House May 24, 1943. Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library

The 55,000 square foot White House is 168 feet long by 85 feet wide (152 feet with its porticos), and is on 18 acres of land, with 132 rooms.

President and Mrs. Lyndon B. Johnson walk through White House Cross hall with guest of honor, Prime Minister Harold Wilson, June 1967

President and Mrs. Lyndon B. Johnson walk through White House Cross hall with guest of honor, Prime Minister Harold Wilson, June 1967

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10 Downing Street is much bigger than it appears from outside. In the late 18th century, the house on Downing Street was joined to a more spacious and formidable building located behind it. And over the decades it has also taken over most of 11 and 12 Downing Street. It is hard to find out exactly how many square feet or how many rooms there might be, but everyone concurs that it is a labyrinth of hallways, reception rooms and office space. William Pitt the Younger, who last lived in the house in 1806, referred to it as “My vast, awkward house”.

Margaret Thatcher and Nancy Reagen in the recption area at 10 Downing Street

Margaret Thatcher and Nancy Reagan in the reception area at 10 Downing Street

The White House, of course, is white. 10 Downing Street is black. When it was refurbished in the early 60s, it was discovered it was not black at all, but that pollution had resulted in the black appearance over the yellow brick. To keep the familiar appearance, the newly cleaned yellow bricks were painted black to match their previous color.

President Ronald Reagan and First Lady Nancy Reagan chat with Prince Charles and Princess Diana in the East sitting Hall, November 9, 1985. Ronald W. Reagan Presidential Library

President Ronald Reagan and First Lady Nancy Reagan chat with Prince Charles and Princess Diana in the East Sitting Hall, November 9, 1985. Ronald W. Reagan Presidential Library

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10 Downing Street’s Cabinet Office has its own official mouser, Larry the Cat. Larry was recruited from Battersea Dogs & Cats Home “on recommendation of his mousing skills”. On the 10 Downing Street website it is concluded that since joining the staff, he has made a significant impact.

Larry the Cat

Larry the Cat

 

I wonder how he would get along with Beau…

250px-Bo_official_portrait

London’s Serpentine Gallery unveils new structure in Kensington Gardens

09 Tuesday Jul 2013

Posted by pat in Art, England, London

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Fujimoto, Kensington Gardens, Serpentine Gallery

I found this article in The Daily Mail announcing the latest temporary pavilion for London’s Serpentine Gallery created by Japanese architect Sou Fujimoto.  See the whole article here!

Cloud-like: Sou Fujimoto stands upon his giant creation at the Serpentine Gallery, the latest temporary installation for the gallery's pavilion

Cloud-like: Sou Fujimoto stands upon his giant creation at the Serpentine Gallery, the latest temporary installation for the gallery’s pavilion

A Walk in Central Park

01 Monday Jul 2013

Posted by pat in Art, paintings, sketching, Uncategorized

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Central Park, New York

I finally finished “Summer Afternoon in Central Park”, another painting in my Cities Series. The 30 x 24 canvas went through many stages before I was finally satisfied with the results.

It started with a bright undertone of pinks and lavender.

A warm glow of pink under it all.

A warm glow of rose madder pigment under it all.

I slowly built up the cathedral-like canopy of the trees.  It was important for me to show the magnificent height of the huge, old trees without losing the city dwellers below. You enter this alley of trees and feel instantly at peace.  I love this part of the park. It is in the area called “The Mall” and the trees are incredible.

Image 2

The stone pedestal and plant in the foreground anchors the scene

The park is always busy, but somehow the trees and green space make it seem calm and renewing. The trees are American Elm trees, and are unbelievably magnificent. This is one of the the largest and last remaining stands of these trees in North America.

Image 3

I wanted to fill in the tree trunks without losing the delicacy

The sunlight coming through the branches almost makes it look like stained glass.

Image 4

More green

When you walk down the wide promenade, you focus on the sky.  I wanted the painting to make you look up even though all the activity is on the path.

Image 5

Central Park benches and lampposts are unique.

I love Central Park.  From the first moment I was allowed to go in to NYC by myself or with friends my age, I found my way to the park.  And then in my 40s, I had a small studio apartment right off the park on Central Park West, an easy escape into tranquility that I took full advantage of.

I think this picture captures that peace…

Finally

Finally, the painting is finished

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