It was an honour to be one of a number of local artists commissioned by Friends of York Walls to produce an original artwork of the iconic Postern Tower in 2024. My piece, which will hang in the Tower itself, was painted en plein air (outside on location) over seven afternoon sessions and a few months.
Despite being an architect’s daughter, I don’t usually paint buildings, but I fell in love with the colours in the stone as the sun passed over the tower and walls. I painted it as I would a natural landscape, keeping my hand free and exploring and exaggerating the palette.
The selected painting is approximately A2 in size in acrylic, charcoal and pastel pencil on heavy acid free paper and was professionally framed in an oak frame behind ArtGlass.
The first painting in acrylic and charcoal was painted on a grey day. The colours flickered in the even light and the creamy peach and lilac colours in the stone started to emerge.
Detail
The second painting was done on a brighter day in late afternon when the shadows were strong.
Detail.
The third painting was, again, painted late afternoon when the shadows were strong. Light from behind lit the small arch through the wall, washing it with yellow.
Detail.
On display with other artist’s work in the Friends of York Walls meeting.