Serpentine girls in the sun

Two girls sit chatting by the Serpentine in bright sunshine on a hotter than expected day. After a while one of them puts up an umbrella. It was not raining. In Britain we will happily sit under an umbrella provided by a pub or a restaurant but we are not in the habit of carrying our own parasols.

A sunny day in September

A sunny day in September feels like a bonus after a warm summer. The Serpentine is a pleasant hub for locals and visitors to enjoy being outdoors. Whether the activity is vigorous such as cross country running in school uniform or involves seating and coffee, prayers by the bridle path or religious activity on pedalos this large but contained stretch of water attracts all.

Art homework

Pearl does her art homework.

Railway bridge between Battersea and Wandsworth bridge

I am keen to draw helicopters taking off and landing at Battersea Heliport. Noticing that there is now an open view from the road behind Homebase I set off with Debbie Loftus for a sketching session. Cycled down on a windy and slightly drizzly morning we noted a good view of a stationary chopper on the tarmac.  However the noise protecting auditory screens only permit visibility when the viewer is in motion. As soon as you stand still the view disappears. This is most inconvenient for the passing artist. We had to move down river and make do with bridge repairs.

Listening to Agatha Christie

Even when the temperature hits 90 degrees and the swimming pool calls Pearl and Pascale can always make time for a chapter of Poirot. Huddled on the sofa sharing headphones followed by a quick discussion regarding possible suspects, accompanied by a mug of hot chocolate. In combination for me- this is the Costa del Sol. 

Weather Permitted

This year Great Britain has had a particularly good summer - the weather has permitted. Outdoor drawing is an activity suitable to this kind of climate, these were made in Rock and Padstow. The act of drawing in public places often attracts comments from passers by, many of whom also seem to paint themselves.  I felt that my presence fitted into the holidaymakers appreciation of the scenery especially those who photographed me on my bench as I painted, having first strategically placed their relatives behind me.