Paul Kenton
P
aul Kenton's stunning collection of four new artworks is testament to his enduring love affair with London. Spanning itsmagical spectrum
very happy picture," said Paul. "It has a feel of both dusk and dawn andmixes old and newbuildings to reflect the city's wonderful architectural and cultural diversity and 24-hour lifestyle." Themagnificent sunset in 'WestminsterMoods' epitomises Paul's ability to depict both the stillness and high action that can typify London in a single image. The softly glowing colours look set to envelop the city in a comforting blanket of night but, at the same time, buses are racing across the bridge towards their waiting passengers. Withwater a strongmotif in his work, the river is central to all the pieces. "The Thames is the lifeline of London and everything has grown up around it," said Paul. "My paintings are about using this extraordinary river to reflect the buzz andmovement that's above it, the stillness and depth below the surface and its calming influence."
of moods andmovement – fromhigh speed to tranquil – the pictures capture a citywhere iconic buildings steeped in history, themajestic Thames and the frenetic energy of modern life interweave into a romantic, vibrant, hypnotic city that never loses its allure. "I have a real soft spot for London and it's a continuing theme for me," said Paul. "The skyline is always changing, which is whymy paintings change too. Every time I come here I see something new. I spend four or five days wandering aroundwith my sketchbook and camera fromearly in themorning until late at night so that I amcompletely emotionally immersed. I think it's the onlyway to get a true sense of place." Paul also continually experiments with new techniques, and is currently doing a lot of work inwatercolours. In 'Thames Curves' , for example, he uses watery acrylic paint, which he builds up layer upon layer. With a view fromThe Shard and buildings in the far distance just visible through a bank of light mist, Tower Bridge proudly spans the river in its important role as a link between north and south. The vivid red lines curling and spinning across the buildings arewhat Paul calls his 'movement lines', illustrating the energetic pace of the city. 'Light It Up London' captures the nights when the bright lights create an incredible depth of reflection in the river – the quiet window in time before the revellers come out for the evening. The strong contrast between light and dark also has the effect of the light changing in the painting as you look at it throughout the day. 'Distant Reflections' has a dreamy quality and a sense of distance encapsulating London's ever-evolving skyline. "This is a
GALLERY The collection is available as signed boxed canvases in limited editions of 150. Viewonline at castlegalleries.com
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