Kensington Gardens

17 Friday May 2013

Posted by pat in Art, England, Gardens, London, The Royal Family, Uncategorized

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Kensington Gardens, Kensington Palace

One of my favorite parks in London is Kensington Gardens.

Entering Kensington Gardens from the Notting Hill side. Photo by me.

Entering Kensington Gardens from the Notting Hill side in autumn. Photo by me.

I discovered it last year, and since then I can’t stay away.

Kensington Gardens’ Round Pond. The perfect spot on a summer’s day. Photo by me.

One of London’s Royal Parks, it flows out from behind Kensington Palace…

Kensington Palace. Photo by me

…to join with Hyde Park on its eastern border.

On the western side of London, Kensington Gardens is next to one of the most desirable areas in London– Kensington–known for some of the best shopping in the city.

Kensington High Street, just a few blocks from Kensington Gardens. Photo by me

It is also very near the popular Notting Hill neighborhood and the famous Portobello market.

Sunday afternoon on Portobello Road at the market. Photo by me.

A crowded Sunday afternoon shopping on Portobello Road at the market. Photo by me.

To the south of the park is the famous concert hall, The Royal Albert Hall, best known for holding the annual summer Proms concert since 1941. It is right across from the Albert Memorial Gate entrance to the park and the Albert Memorial on Kensington Road.

Royal Albert Hall viewed from Kensington Gardens. Photo by David Iliff, Creative Commons

The Albert Memorial. Photo Wikimedia Commons by D. Iliff

And of course right inside the gardens on the west side of the park is Kensington Palace, the London home of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (Will & Kate) and Prince Harry.

Kensington Palace from the Sunken Garden in June. Photo by me.

The Sunken Garden outside the palace, on the edge of Kensington Gardens. Photo by me.

Kate has been known to walk Lupo in the park with her security guard at her side.

Kate was seen recently walking Lupo around the Italian Gardens in the park.Creative Commons photo

But so far I have not been fortunate enough to run in to them.

The gates between Kensington Palace and the park. Photo by me.

There are lots of dog walkers in the park, and to be a “commercial dog walkers” you do need a license to “operate” in the royal parks. But these British dogs seem very well-behaved, following all the rules…most of the time.

A dog walker takes a break in KG. Photo by me.

You are very aware of the royal residents who used the park as their backyard. This small cafe is next to The Princess Diana Memorial Playground.

One of several small shelters to stop and sit and enjoy the park. Photo by me.

Word has it that the Princess stopped for coffee at the small shop that now bears her name which is right outside the gates that lead to the palace.

The Diana Cafe where I stopped for lunch on my walk around the park back to my hotel. Photo by me.

But it is the beauty of the park itself that keeps me coming back. It is well used by the locals and visitors. You can feel the friendliness as soon as you enter.

A friend captures the foliage and her friend in a photo, while a group of children practice their “football” (soccer in the US) in the background. Photo by me.

No matter what the season, it just seems like a lovely space to meet a friend and spend an hour or two walking.

A painting of Kensington Gardens by me.

The Art of Bath

04 Thursday Apr 2013

Posted by pat in Art, Art Museums & Exhibitions, Bath, paintings, Uncategorized

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Bath School of Art & Design, F.P. Hay, Fashioon Museum of Bath, Thomas W. Schaller

I spend so much of my time in the studio getting lost in my own work, that sometimes I just want to see what the rest of the world of art is doing. I subscribe to lots of art magazines, and try to visit museums whenever I can. This year, planning the workshop in Bath for September, I thought it might be interesting to see how other artists viewed this particular city.

The beautiful city of Bath. Photo by me.

When I was in the historic English city last autumn, I was entranced with the various galleries and studios. Bath is a city of artists. So I decided to visit the internet and see if I could find some other artistic interpretations of the city.

The New Bridge at Bathwick, Bath, England. 1830 engraving by FP Hay, hand watercoloured on print

One of the most interesting places I came across was the Bath School of Art and Design. Located at the top of Sion Hill ion the outskirts of town, the school provides workshops and studios for many students.

From Bath School of Art and Design website, “Inside the Studio”

In No. 4, The Circus, is the schools fashion center, which is very close to the incredible Fashion Museum. The school is an eclectic mix of new and old, “From age-old, artisan printing techniques to cutting edge 3D printing technology…” as their website states. Visiting artists have included Claus Oldenburg and Jim Dine. Fashion & Textiles, Ceramics, photography, graphic design…the list of BA and MA courses of study at the school is varied and interesting. I hope I have a chance to visit next time I return.

I also came across an artist, Thomas W. Schaller, who does hauntingly beautiful watercolors. This one of the Royal Crescent is just stunning. He has emphasized the dramatic dominance of this stately architecture above the park. It really is a gorgeous piece, and seems to capture both the rich architectural history of the city, as well as the ever changeable weather of England.

Royal Crescent-Bath, England, Thomas W. Schaller

Of course, architecture would have to be an important theme in Bath art. Another example is Therese Lessore, who painted “Bath” in 1938-1943. The painting is part of the National Museums Liverpool collection, and can be seen at Walker Art Gallery.

Bath, Therese Lessore, oil on canvas

Shane Feeney is an artist based in Bath. His style is colorful and dramatic, especially in his series on the Bath Abbey inspired by Monet’s Rouen Cathedral series..

Bath Abbey, Shane Feeney

The more I looked, the more I found interesting examples and interpretations of the city. It seems to inspire artists to work in many different styles. Just look at these two paintings. The Holburne and the bridge are literally a short walk from each other, and yet artistically they are worlds apart. It makes me want to return and see for myself.

The Holburne Museum, Bath, Peter Brown

Lesley Olver

T.C.K. The Culture Gap

20 Wednesday Mar 2013

Posted by pat in Bath, England, London, Travel, Uncategorized

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culture, T.C.K.

“Third Culture Kids” is a term used to describe kids who have spent their development years outside their parents’ culture…often they have lived in several countries as they have grown up, and never quite feel part of any one culture. When asked “Where are you from?”, they often hesitate while they contemplate the answer.

Liverpool Street Station, London. Photo by me

Home is where the heart is—and these children often grow up traveling and living in many different places. So their “roots” tend to be people, not places.

The train station in Bath, England. photo by me

I can understand this. I spent my formative years on Long Island and most of my “career” years as a graphic designer going between Washington DC and New York City in the United States. But as I matured, I traveled further and further away from my home shores.

The Chrysler Building, NYC. Is this home? Photo by me.

By the time I met My Beloved Brit, I felt comfortable with experiencing cultures in many foreign countries, so when we decided to move lock stock and barrel to the Caribbean (although still technically American–St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands) for 8 years, it was not nearly as scary as it might sound.

Home in the caribbean on distant shores. Photo by me

Home in the Caribbean, on the distant shores of St. John.

Now, although comfortable back in the US, we do experience wanderlust and never know where we might land in the future.

The Lake District, Grasmere, England. Photo by me.

Thank goodness for Facebook, Twitter and Skype. We have friends and family as far away as Australia, Portugal and The Philippines, and I can’t imagine what our phone bill would be without these forms of cheap global communication.

Pont Alexandre Bridge, Paris. Photo by me

The world is our home, and like the T.C.K. kids, our home is where our friends and families are, wherever that might be.

The Pub

12 Tuesday Mar 2013

Posted by pat in Cornwall, England, entertainment, Food, Music, Uncategorized

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a pint, beer gardens, chips British, fish and chips, pubs

On a windy, rainy, March day, there might be nothing better than a visit to an English pub. It can warm you up and cheer the day.

A pub in Charlestown, Cornwall. Photo by me

Most likely there is a fire in a corner of the room somewhere…at the very least, a heated discussion at the bar about the latest football match (our soccer).

A country pub in Castle Combe. Photo by me

A pub is one of my favorite places to eat. They usually have a huge menu with lots of choices, both healthy and otherwise, and if nothing else, I can get a warm jacket potato (baked potato) with baked beans and cole slaw. These pubs are cozy and usually “Cheap and Cheerful”, as the British say…a social gathering place as well as a place to eat or grab a drink.

The "High" Street in Burnham has several pubs up and down. Many have their favorite, or "local". Photo by me

The “High” Street in Burnham has several pubs up and down. Many Brits have their particular favorites, or “local”. Photo by me

And there is almost always someone you know if it’s your “local”. Rather like Cheers, UK style.

Southwold is a brewery town (Adnams Brewery-we did the tour), and has many, many pubs at the edge of the sea in eastern England. Photo by me.

I remember growing up in New York and there was an American version of the English pub in every town, or town center.

The pub at the Broadway Hotel in the Cotswolds…a modern twist on a classic Inn. Photo by me

The front room would have the bar and most likely a dart board. The back — the family dining room, often with great inexpensive Italian food.

A pub in Bath, with a great restaurant upstairs. Photo by me

A city pub in Bath,England with a great restaurant upstairs. Photo by me

It’s much the same in England, although the front room bar serves the pint of beer warm, the dining/family area most likely serves fish and chips and gammon (ham) and chips (fries), and there almost alway is a karaoke night.

A friendly pub lunch stop while touring Norfolk area of England between country estate house tours. Photo by me.

A friendly pub lunch stop we made while touring Norfolk area of England between country estate house tours. Photo by me.

If weather permits, there is also usually a beer garden with tables and space for the children to run around.

There is usually space outside to sit. We are always amazed to see people outside on a chilly grey day. Photo by me

There is usually space outside to sit. Hunstanton, Norfolk, England. Photo by me

We are always amazed to see people outside on a chilly grey day sitting in the garden.

A pub on the water in Fowey, Cornwall with great fish and chips. Photo by me

A pub on the water in Fowey, Cornwall with great fish and chips. And mushy peas! Photo by me

One pub I remember even had a room upstairs with a bouncy castle. This definitely is a family affair in England.

A pub in the Lake District on our way to Scotland. Photo by me

The interesting thing is that the social dynamics are very similar to what I remember from New York.

In Essex, our last stop to meet friends before heading to Heathrow. Photo by me

One night sitting in a pub waiting for dinner to come with My Beloved Brit and cousins in Cornwall on the Southwest coast, we watched as the ladies came in and stood at one end of the room, and the men came in and stood at the other.

The White Hart in Burnham. A popular place to meet. Photo by me

By the time we finished dinner, and a few pints later, the two sides had begun to talk to each other, and it might just prove to be an eventful night.

A London pub at Happy Hour. Photo by me

Of course we elders were gone way too early to really see all the excitement. When the music started, it was time to make our exit.

Kensington Gardens and an afternoon stroll

27 Wednesday Feb 2013

Posted by pat in Art, England, Gardens, London, paintings, sketching

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Kensington Gardens, Kensington Palace, parks

There is nothing quite like a stroll in a park with a couple of good friends, especially on a magically sunny day in London’s Kensington Gardens.

In to Kensington Gardens on a lovely fall day. Photo by me

When I was there last autumn, I couldn’t resist a cup of tea in the nearby Kensington Palace tea shop, and then out in to the park.

The entrance to Kensington Palace where there is a special little tea shop. Photo by me

There were people strolling and biking, but these three women caught my attention. They could just as easily be me and my friends in Central Park. There is something so universal about the scene.

Just outside the palace gates, friends move down the path. Photo by me

So when I started to paint the scene, I wanted the trees to become almost a halo around the three figures, setting them apart from the world around them. And I cropped it so that the women were the center of our attention.

The three figures become front and center with cropping.

As I layered the golden branches, the recollection of mood took over, and the painting definitely took on an aura that was true.

Tones are worked on.

And detail was added that I knew would actually be part of a underpainting. This is the tricky part.

Bolder strokes are added that I want to show through the haze.

It is always quite scary to then brush over the image to create a mood, and decide how much to cover in the haze and where to remove the overlay of color. This is why I love oils. They are forgiving in the layering process. If it doesn’t work out, you can always add more layers.

A soft layer of gold is added overall except over the figures.

Finally, detail is added, some of the haze is gently removed, and I have accomplished the mood I originally hoped for.

The final canvas.

The friends are lost in their own world but encased in the glow of the autumn leaves. The perfect day with friends.

City Parks: London, Paris & New York

06 Wednesday Feb 2013

Posted by pat in Art, Art Museums & Exhibitions, England, entertainment, Gardens, London, paintings, sketching, Travel, Uncategorized

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Central Park, New York City, Paris, St James's, The Tuileries

I have always loved large cities. And traveling has just increased that love and fascination. What is it about these magnificent cities that lure me back again and again?

A Paris street. Photo by me

I think there is something incredibly special about spending a day in a major city–visiting museums,

maybe a movie or a show…

Times Square in New York City, featuring a movie, a play or just people watching. Photo by me.

or a bit of leisurely window shopping…

Window shopping in Paris. Photo by me.

A shop windows near St. James Palace in London, photo by me

A shop windows near St. James’s Palace in London, photo by me.

And then when you have just about had enough (but never quite), and your feet cannot carry you another block, you find a corner of a cozy park to settle down in with a cup of coffee or a cold drink.

A quiet corner of Central Park, NYC, in summer. Photo by me.

Central Park in summer, with a jazz musician playing under the bridge. Photo by me.

I think it is part of what makes a great city, well, great. A green oasis in the center of the bustle and noise. They have their own excitement and energy…

Central Park in summer, photo by me.

But also moments of peace and tranquility.

Sailing boats in Central Park, NYC. Photo by me.

Of course, I grew up near New York City on Long Island, and spent many happy hours in Central Park. And in the decades I worked in Washington, DC as a graphic designer, I also had a small studio apartment in NYC right across the street from Central Park. I could walk out the door of the building, cross the heavy traffic of Central Park West and I was in that very special place…a city park.

One of Central Park’s Broad Avenues. Photo by me

I have many images of Central Park that I have been looking at and sketching as part of the “Cities” series of paintings I have been working on this year. One of the things I have noticed working on this series is how similar the great parks are. Although each region has its own personality, the parks also have common elements–the broad walking paths, gorgeous ancient trees, people playing games…socializing…walking, and cool swaths of rolling lawn. And of course a water feature.

St. James Park, London. Photo by me.

In London, I think my favorite park is St. James’s Park.

The London park’s incredible flowers. Is it the abundance of rain? Photo by me.

Right down the street from Buckingham Palace you can always find a garden or a group of ducks on the edge of the lake that help to rejuvenate you.

One of St. James’s noisiest residents. Photo by me.

Kensington Gardens, a Royal Park, is one of my new favorites in London, just between Hyde Park and Kensington Palace. On my last trip to London in November it was golden, and I managed to take lots of pictures.

Kensington Park, London. Photo by me.

Luckily a painting was born. I look at this, and see any of the parks I have visited in large cities. This is just the beginning, but although it is Kensington, it could be a scene in New York or Paris.

The beginning of a painting of Kensington Park. Oil sketch by me

The three women are connecting with each other as they stroll through the lanes. You can hear children playing the background, maybe a dog barking, but mostly it is a quiet space where the women stroll in their own special world. The beauty of parks in a big city is it offers the residents a place to come together before retreating back to their small, or large, living spaces behind locked doors.

It reminds me of the painting I did of Bath, England a few years ago. The two women are alone under the trees walking and talking.

“The Voyeur”, painting by me.

In Paris, my favorite park is definitely, without a doubt, the Tuileries. It is a spectacular park. And is so “Parisian”.

The Tuileries in Paris. Photo by me.

All the elements of the other parks are there. The social games…

My version of the scene…

The water feature…

The edge of the Tuileries with the Louvre in the background. Photo by me.

The grand trees and broad avenues …

A lovely road through the park. Photo by me.

In Paris, everything is so neatly trimmed unlike the wild abandon of the English parks…

Kensington’s ducks being fed. Photo by me.

Or the naturally sculpted woods of Central Park…

Central Park’s rolling lawns. Photo by me.

But each has its own special magic. I can’t imagine if I really had to pick a favorite, which it would be.

Good night, dear cities. Sleep well. Your parks will wake up early in the morning.

Paris from my hotel window. Just beyond the rooftops, is The Tuileries. Photo by me.

Jane Austen and Bath

04 Monday Feb 2013

Posted by pat in Bath, England, History, Travel

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Jane Austen, literature, Pride and Prejudice

Last week marked the 200th anniversary of the first publication of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. Two centuries later, it is still going strong.

Bath, England–home to Jane Austin two centuries ago. Photo by me

Attached is an excellent story about Jane and Bath, England, and the celebration.

(And for information about our art workshop in Bath in September, click the word “workshop” at the top of this page.)

The Red Phone Box

18 Friday Jan 2013

Posted by pat in England, London

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Phone Box, telephone

More and more, public phones seem to be disappearing in the United States as well as in the UK. But it still cheers me to turn a corner and see a red phone box on a London Street…

Across from Hyde Park in London. Photo by me.

…or near a country road.

Photo by me in Castle Combe

They still pop up in the odd spot when you least expect them. They are so cheerful and reassuring, in some way. Tradition. I hope they never totally go away.

The Victoria and Albert Museum

15 Tuesday Jan 2013

Posted by pat in Art, Art Museums & Exhibitions, England, London, paintings, sketching

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Constable, fashion, Victoria & Albert Museum

The Victoria and Albert has been on my list for years of places that I wanted to visit. Finally, on my last trip to London, I made it. It was worth the wait.

The Victoria and Albert Museum, down the road from Harrods in London. Photo by me

I loved the fashion wing with the different era’s beautiful clothes lovingly displayed.

The historic costume wing Photo by me

Boas and embroideries from the 20s. Photo by me

Ball gowns. Photo by me

Women who lunch Photo by me

Color. Photo by me

Modern times. Photo by me

Ending with an ethereal figure floating above the space. Photo by me

After such fashionable beauty, I tackled the museum, exploring the vast halls. It is massive.

The VA from the inner courtyard. Photo by me

The entry hall. Photo by me

The entrance to the gift shop. Photo by me

It was incredibly large, and the hallways went on forever. Even with my map I had to stop to ask the guards directions several times. I was looking for a room filled with Constable water-color sketches. It was a maze.

Down dark hallways…Photo by me

…past huge storerooms of great treasures. Photo by me

…past the guardians. Photo by me

…no time to rest. Photo by me

…an angel trumpeted the way. Photo by me

Finally I found them in a very dim room under glass. I couldn’t use any flash and it was hard to photograph them, but take my word…they were exquisite.

And finally I was there. Photo by me

A room filled with small Constable gems. Photo by me

My day was complete. Back out on the wet streets of London, I was totally at peace. Constable can do that for you.

The walk back home. Photo by me

Thames Sailing Barges

09 Wednesday Jan 2013

Posted by pat in England, History, Sailing, United Kingdom

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Maldon, Thames Sailing Barges

Last summer, we spent a lovely afternoon in Maldon looking at the Thames sailing barges moored there in regal splendor. They are sculptural and historic, and were used to transport supplies up and down the coast. Now you can charter them for the day, but some still work.

The Thames sailing barges line the seawall of Maldon in Essex. Photo by me.

Each had its own style, colors and beautiful woodwork. The patterns of the masts against the sky were graphic and strong.

Masts. Photo by me

I love that England is an island, and so much of the country centers on boats and especially sailing. The great naval power and all that. I grew up on Long Island in New York, so maybe I just feel at home surrounded by water.

Photo by me

But what is so interesting in Great Britain, is that each section of the country seems to have its own design of boat and navigational style. Being married to My Beloved Brit, an avid sailor, I have my own personal tour guide when we visit these ports. And he is always willing to spend the time walking along the docks and explaining the idiosyncrasies of each boat to me.

photo by me

The Barge Trust has lovingly labelled all these historic barges with details of their history. MBB could have spent hours here just looking.

Photo by me.

But my favorite sign had to be this one…

photo by me

You have been warned.

accentBritain

~ a romance with art and all things British

Category Archives: England

Kensington Gardens

The Art of Bath

T.C.K. The Culture Gap

The Pub

Kensington Gardens and an afternoon stroll

City Parks: London, Paris & New York

Jane Austen and Bath

The Red Phone Box

The Victoria and Albert Museum

Thames Sailing Barges