Earlier in the year, I was asked to paint a client’s home in Richmond upon Thames, London.
I was rather looking forward to it, as I have visited Richmond a number of times over the years—not only for painting (see below), but also for days and nights out. Interestingly, on previous visits I generally kept to the high street and the river, essentially the parts that best serve tourism. This particular job would be slightly different, however, as I would be exploring the more residential areas of Richmond.
Before my visit, I looked into the history of the area and, whilst doing so, discovered that it is home to a number of well-known people, including Sir David Attenborough, Tom Hardy and Richard E. Grant, along with quite a few rock stars. This is hardly surprising, really, as this part of London is extraordinarily affluent. Not only does it boast beautiful parks and many excellent restaurants, but it is also just 40 minutes from central London. That is a very attractive combination indeed!
My destination was Mount Ararat Road, just a few minutes’ walk from the railway station, with only a gentle climb up the hill—certainly not much of a “mount”, thankfully. Along the way, I passed a street lined with wonderful homes. I was pleased to see there was plenty of variety in the architecture too.
My subject for the day was a white, three-storey semi-detached property, beautifully complemented by a splendid wisteria. The wisteria was draped around the lower storey and framed by what I took to be olive trees (although I am no expert), which set the house off wonderfully.
For this painting, I chose to complete the initial drawing on site before finishing the final piece back in the studio. As it was a fine spring afternoon, I took my time, settled opposite the house, and got to work in my sketchbook with my travel tin of watercolours. I can always work from photographs if necessary, but I find it far more enjoyable to spend time in front of the subject.
It makes for a pleasant day out, and you often meet locals who can share interesting stories about the area.
My initial drawing on the day
Once the initial sketchbook watercolour was complete, I took a walk by the river and stopped for a drink at The White Cross, the subject of a previous commission where I had a rather uncomfortable experience in a hired rowing boat.
In conclusion, work always provides a good excuse to visit Richmond upon Thames, and this commission was no exception. I highly recommend a visit!
If this has given you an idea for a commission for yourself then please do get in touch.
Other paintings of Richmond Upon Thames
A painting of The White Cross pub on the river Thames
This painting is available as a limited edition print here
One summer, I was commissioned to paint the White Cross riverside pub in Richmond upon Thames.
It is a stout and impressive London brick building, constructed in the early 19th century as a watering hole for locals, and those taking the pleasure steamers up and down the river between London and Hampton Court.
There is still a jetty out front, so I assume it serves much the same purpose today as it did all those year ago.
The name derives from the old Franciscan Friary which used to be situated on the same site. The Friary is long gone now as it was dissolved by Henry VIII in 1534
