Speed painting in London this weekend, for the annual Pintar Rapido painting festival! I joined the hundreds of artists out in London creating a painting in a day, for an exibition in Chelsea’s wonderful Old Town Hall today (12-5pm, Sun 17 July).
I was trialling a new plein-air set-up (built from a lightweight tripod, sketching board and sheet of plywood. You can just about see my painting, of Sloane Square, in progress.
This was painting under pressure! I’m normally trying to finish a watercolour before the sun moves round (or my friends get bored of waiting for me and order starters), but knowing the piece needs to be completed and framed for an exhibition that evening certainly quickens up your brush strokes.
This was my initial sketch, a quick tonal/colour study, and the finished painting. From my vantage point on the north side of Sloane Square, I could see at least three other painters – the competition!
The exhibition itself was probably the best Pintar Rapido yet. A brilliant range of works, professional and amateur , and a good atmosphere in the stunning hall of Chelsea Old Town Hall. My painting has gone to a good home, too. Bring on Pintar Rapido 2017! In the meantime, there’s always Pintar Rapido Amsterdam…
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Jonathan Bray Art 