Inspiration: Greenwich View

Photo by Rick Smee

I have always loved the breath-taking architecture of Historic Greenwich and particularly the Old Royal Naval College, the grounds of which I walk or cycle through daily on the way to my studio.  To date it has been the source of inspiration for two of my artworks.

I also love seeing the majestic Naval College in its entirety from across the Thames and have spent a lot of time drawing it from both near and far, capturing details of all sizes in every iteration of my work.  My latest artwork, Layers of London: Greenwich View, features my favourite view of the building drawn from my very favourite spot, right in the centre of the Naval College grounds.  To capture this view, I have taken a leap into three dimensions, combining my hand printed artwork with paper-cutting techniques to create a brand new kind of three-dimensional screen-print.  

Each piece in this limited edition is constructed from three separate prints, with 11 layers of screen-printed colour printed separately by hand and carefully registered to match.  I then cut carefully around the prints before assembling them into a layered scene, casing it in an acid-free mount box, which is professionally framed.

Crowd fund

I launched this new artwork during the pandemic as part of a successful crowdfund campaign which was backed by my wonderful clients and friends and also the Mayor of London’s ‘Back to Business’ fund. The crowdfunder is now closed, but you can see more of the creative process in this video I made for the crowdfund.

High Street of the future

I recently worked with AND_London on an commission, helping them share their vision what a modern designed high street might look like. For this project I took on a bit more of the role of designer and town planner drawing a high street that ‘could be’ rather than one that already existed. I was asked to include several things, but had some freedom to design elements and place them in the composition. what a dream job!

When out and about I became a spotter of interesting street furniture, planters and lamp-posts. Looking at new developments I came across and seeing what they did well and browsing shopfronts for innovative facades.

Can you spot all of these elements that I included?

• Bi-fold doors and windows

• Alfresco dining areas on wide pavements

• Large windows for shops

• Green spaces and plants

• Bike lanes / delivery

• large shop signage

• Street lighting

• Statement seating

I love drawing shops so I also got to fill up all the buildings with different shops, cafes and services and lots of small details. It is exciting to think that this drawing might help inspire people who can turn it into reality.