The Art of England - Drawings and Prints

Monday 26 November 2012

Drawing of The Essex Rose in Dedham

The Essex Rose, Dedham

A lovely village in northeast Essex, Dedham is situated on the River Stour right on the border of Essex and Suffolk in the heart of Constable country.

My drawing of The Essex Rose in Dedham is sketched early afternoon in winter when shadows are already long, but the air is clear and crisp.

We look with Brook Street behind, all the way up the High Street. Centre in my pen and ink illustration is of the bustling 'Essex Rose' Tea Room run by Wilkin & Sons (of Tiptree). To the left in shadow is Dedham Parish Church's tall and imposing tower; only at this time of year can you see through the trees from this viewpoint.

Well worth a visit to illustrate :-)

Drawing of Dedham High Street, Essex

Hand signed and annotated A4 Print of pen and ink drawing on 90lb watercolour paper £14.99
Original 12" x 9" pen and ink drawing on 140lb watercolour paper £125
The Art of England
© Robert R Wisdom www.theartofengland.co.uk 2012

Tuesday 20 November 2012

Drawing of The George Hotel Colchester

The George Colchester

It was a day to remember. Remembrance Day 2012, and on a Sunday.

My son and countless other cadets, Paras, musicians and brave veterans filled the heart of Colchester, Essex, for a impressive parade and service along the High Street, finishing at the war memorial at the Castle. The sun beamed down on a clear but chilly day.

During the build up and after the service we enjoyed a pint in the George (Hotel), which has long dominated the High Street, and we sat in the 15th century beamed lounge warmed by a crackling fire, with uniformed servicemen both new and old stood at the bar. Perfect and so very British. And so to my drawing.

This scene I have drawn looks up Colchester High Street's gentle hill passing the Town Hall and on into the far distance to the Water Tower. The pleasure of sketching is that artistic license can remove the cars and taxis, but happily on this day, scores of yellow cones had completed this task for me. Save four WWII Willys Jeeps and a justifiably proud population, Colchester High Street was totally bare.

To finish:

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning,

We will remember them.

Illustration of The George, Colchester, Essex

Hand signed and annotated A4 Print of pen and ink illustration on 90lb watercolour paper £14.99
Original 12" x 9" pen and ink illustration on 140lb watercolour paper £125
© Robert R Wisdom www.theartofengland.co.uk 2012

Drawing of Flatford Mill

Flatford Mill

Last weekend was my first visit to Flatford to see the scenery that England's very own treasure - John Constable painted. The site still held its charm for the artist - especially in the autumn when the trees are so much more destinctive - some naked - some in their best orange and gold and some holding on to their finest greenery.

This drawing of Flatford Mill is located just at the end of the Haywain and opposite Willy Lott's Cottage. On my day the sun was bright and warm and perfect for capturing the lovely scene casting dark shadows describing the form of the building. There are more to come from this special place and I can't wait to get started on the next.

I must say that I was rather disappointed that the National Trust either instigated, or allowed, an eyesore of a flat roofed modern cafe to bully and spoil the view across the river to Bridge Cottage, and adjacent to the dry dock - both subjects of Constable's famous paintings. It has all the subtlety (and appearance) of a Normandy gun emplacement. They had already built a visitor's centre and car park with toilets out of sight so why not house the toilet-less cafe there? Can there be anywhere worse than plonked in the middle of some of England's best loved vistas.

We need to better preserve our heritage for all.

Flatford Mill, Suffolk illustration

FYI: The unfortunate siting of the cafe blocking the view

Thursday 15 November 2012

NEW: Brochure of my art

I plan to release a brochure every now and then featuring large images to better showcase my work in detail. The first one can be flicked through by clicking picture below. Hope you enjoy the sketches and do revisit the blog (or enter your email address below for regular updates) and feedback.

Tuesday 13 November 2012

Drawing of Maldon

The Promenade Maldon Essex

Maldon in Essex , famous for it's Sea Salt, attracts countless visitors to its door. The draw of a pretty high street full of independent shops, pubs dotted on every corner, Hythe Quay and Promenade Park together make for an irresistible combination of tourist attractions in one place. And illustration!

Promenade Park hosts all manner of events throughout the year and the Splash Park is a hit with the kids during the hot summer months.

My drawing is of Promenade Park's ornamental lake with its Swans, catching the reflection of St Mary's Church (origins as far back as the Saxons) atop the hill, and the Queen's Head can just been seen to the far right, masts popping skyward, and no doubt full of patrons enjoying the company of friends, whilst seagulls soar, and skippers ready their boats. If you are lucky you might just catch a Thames Barge.

If you've never been, go. You won't be disappointed.

Promenade Park, Maldon, Essex
Hand signed and annotated A4 Print of pen and ink illustration on 90lb watercolour paper £14.99
Original 12" x 9" pen and ink illustration on 140lb watercolour paper £125
© Robert R Wisdom www.theartofengland.co.uk 2012

Pages