Prittlewell - First Pen & Ink

Prittlewell Essex

Fresh from Billericay School I studied at Southend-on-Sea College of Art & Technology in Carnarvon Road.

My first drawing teacher was a lovely white bearded illustrator by the name of Reg Gray. He was a sweet natured man, quiet and patient. His ability to draw creatures, naming bones and muscle groups that held them together and make them function amazed me. Every flick of his pencil seemed to have purpose and description. Brilliant. His knowledge of living creatures knew no bounds. Since the advent of the internet many years later I have discovered that he illustrated some of the comics and books that I enjoyed so much, but I never knew at the time which is a shame.

It was on a outdoors drawing expedition of Reg's that I sketched this picture at the tender age of 17 years old. It was probably the first time I drew a building with dip pen and ink looking through my sketchbook. St Mary's, Prittlewell, was a 5 minute walk from the college and I can tell from my sketch it was a sunny day. I remember being pleased with the result and pen and ink became a favourite technique.

Thanks Reg for any ability or technique that rubbed off on me, wherever you are. Respect.

Please Choose

A4 Print (hand signed) £14.99 GBP

St Mary's Prittlewell, Essex
Hand signed A4 Print of pen sketch on Bockingford 190gsm watercolour paper £14.99
© Robert R Wisdom www.theartofengland.co.uk 2012 

Drawing of Beccles

Drawing of Beccles

Beccles is a lovely market town on the River Waveney in Suffolk.

I had moored up here and visited the town by foot. Perched on a hill Beccles is most interesting and picturesque with its independent shops and twisty streets. This drawing of Beccles I sketched is of Blyburgate which I have since learnt is part derived (gate) taken from the Old Norse for 'street'. So its seems the Vikings have visited this part of England and left their mark.

To the left is the local Pet Stores and the Marmalade Tree shop is a little further up the hill, which eventually leads up toward the Church - my focal point for this drawing.

It was during this visit that I proposed to my now wife during a golden sunset at the marina, surrounded by a brood of rather puzzled ducks. Beccles will always be in our hearts.

Please choose original drawing or hand signed print: A4 Print (hand signed) £14.99 GBP Original 12" x 9" sketch £125.00 GBP

Illustration of Blyburgate, Beccles, Suffolk.
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 Lavenham Market Square

Lavenham Suffolk

My wife and I visited Lavenham, Suffolk a couple of years back and stayed in an excellent Guest house called Highfield House, run by a very charming couple. Its a great place to ramble and every street corner greets you with a Medieval building or pretty scene for an drawing of Levenham.

I was particularly taken in by the wall in the Swan Public House, which had scribblings and signatures of allied airmen stationed locally, penned during the Second World War. Some of those brave men of the RAF and USAAF 487 Bombardment Group wouldn't have come back after making their mark even more touching. We remember them - especially with Remembrance day looming.

Fitting perhaps that this illustration captures a memorial in it's foreground.

We enjoyed some of Suffolk's best brew outside the Angel Hotel - Aspall Cider - bathed in a little sunshine in the market square of this quintessential English village. Bliss.

Well worth a visit - time stood still.

Please choose A4 Print (hand signed) £14.99 GBP Original 12" x 9" sketch £125.00 GBP

Illustration of Angel Inn, Market Square, Lavenham, Suffolk.
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 

Kings Head Chigwell Illustration

Kings Head Chigwell

This scene I illustrated, is possibly the most famous 'Ye Olde Kings Head' ever. 

Or as I like to call it 'The Old Kings Head' in Chigwell, Essex which is said by many to be none other than the inspiration for the Maypole Inn in Charles Dickens' Barnaby Rudge.

Whether that's true (or fiction if you'll forgive the pun), it has stood relatively unchanged for hundreds of years and stands as a constant landmark in Chigwell. It now can boast an (even more?) famous owner who lives close by - our very own Lord Sugar. Beat that Charles.

Pictured at Christmas time it is one of my favourite quintessentially English Pubs.

The original black and white pen illustration for sale on request. Please enquire!

Please Choose

A4 Print (hand signed) £14.99 GBP

Ye Olde Kings Head, High Road Chigwell,  Essex.
Hand signed and annotated A4 Print of pen and ink illustration on cartridge paper £14.99
Original black and white pen illustration (approx A3) £125
© Robert R Wisdom www.theartofengland.co.uk 2012 

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