Friday 26 August 2011

Looking at the River Thames

This lovely view on the River Thames was in my post box last week. Alison did the sketch from the balcony of her kajak club house. I believe it is a view near Richmond Hill, a gorgeous piece of landscape with a history in art.

Once Alison mentioned in her weblog that William Turner had been sketching in the area and some photographs of today showed an almost unchanged still and peaceful place.

Looking at a big flowing river like the River Thames can bring us in connection with the flow of the eternal forces of nature no matter what turmoil might be around or within us.

Thank you Alison for this beautiful card which made my mind take a rest from the busy everyday routine to contemplate in peace.

12 comments:

Felicity Grace said...

Lovely view, so peaceful!I love all the colours along the bank, all so subtly blended!

Alison Staite said...

Thanks Felicity! I love this part of the River on clear still days, the depth of the reflections and all the colours within. Definitely peaceful :o)

Making A Mark said...

Where exactly is your kayak club house Alison? I'm looking at the river and trying to work it out.

It all looks very peaceful. :)

Alison Staite said...

Hi Katherine, This isn't sketched from the club house. It's just round the bend. I mentioned to Martin on the card that we stand on the club balcony drinking tea... while watching the river go by. He probably assumed i sketched this from there as well :o) This was actually done from the tow path right at the bottom of the hill. The canoe club is about 120 meters or so to the right of this, as you start walking toward Richmond town bridge.

Alison Staite said...

Forgot to say, the real view has a small line of boats leading up to the island. I left them out!

Making A Mark said...

Got it - I know where this is now!

I understand about the boats! :)

Robyn Sinclair said...

Beautiful delicate touch you have with watercolour, Alison. That paper really suits you too. How I'd love to walk along the bank.

Bridget Hunter said...

I'm getting to know London more and more from these lovely cards - parts I never knew existed.

Pat said...

Yep, peaceful and lovely. Everyone has said it already. I do like learning more about where you sketch and row.

Cathy Gatland said...

How lovely to paint where Turner did - as everyone has said, such a peaceful scene, would love to sit and stare at those reflections.

Desiree's Designs said...

So peaceful and I also love the reflections. Wonderful!

Africantapestry and Myfrenchkitchen said...

What a gentle take on such an impressive piece of landscape..beautifully rendered refelctions and color!
Ronelle