<![CDATA[Jon Britten so far

I began 2022 with a commitment to painting out doors (previous attempts were always short lived) and looking back over the year it’s been a really productive time.

Painting outdoors can be a perilous endeavour for a number of reasons: From changeable weather and light conditions to transporting wet oil paintings, it’s a minor miracle to me that there have been no major accidents, no ruined paintings or a palette ending up face down on the ground! I had a few near misses though (I’m attaching it to the easel from now on).

Though a number of paintings sold during the year some of my personal favourites are still available. I’ve included some images below but all of my plein air paintings can otherwise be found here: New work

Highbury Fields, Oil on Canvas, 45/20cm, Jan 2022

I started locally with Highbury Fields and really flourished there in the summer. This is one I made in January. I’d had the canvas knocking about for a while and it was the perfect format. I remembered greatly enjoying the process, didn’t find it too challenging and benefitted from earlier efforts of the same view. I’m currently revisiting Highbury Fields for some larger scale works.

Ridley Road Market, Oil on canvas, 25/30cm, July 2022.

In May I began attending a meet up for artists @londonpleinairgroup who like to paint out but was so disappointed in July when I missed out on Shoreditch. I was really well prepared but then misplaced my glasses! I gave up but didn’t give up on the day and made a late but very local visit to Ridley Road Market in Dalston. I’d been there the day before and it had struck me as a worthy location. The Market officials (as well as locals) took an interest and said they’d not seen anyone painting the location before: And Hackney being so full of artists as it is!

Green Park Flower Garden / Sept 2022 / 10x16'' (no longer available)

Septembers paint out with the LPG. With the Queen’s passing we decided to continue with Green Park as planned. I happened upon the Flower Garden, set up and attempted to capture the moment. It was a solemn affair but I was taken with the light, life and movement. With the time constraint also I was pushed to manipulate the paint in new ways.

Boats at rest 2, Oil on Linen, 25/35cm, August 2022,

Bodenham Church, Sept 2022, Oil on board, 30.5/40.5cm

I was inspired by painters painting in different parts of the UK and am blessed to have accommodating parents in both Dorset and Herefordshire. I don’t drive and traveling on public transport was a bit of a challenge. I had to build special boxes for the transportation of wet oil paintings but it was well worth the effort. The quiet of the Herefordshire countryside was a nice contrast to the madness of Lyme Regis in late Summer. The weather was so good, both times.

London Fields, Towards the Lido, Oil on canvas, 20.5/30.5cm

In November I painted in London Fields (Hackney). I’ve often passed by and appreciated the granduer of it’s trees against a lively urban backdrop. It was beautiful in Autumn. I had a couple of opportunities to try and nail those colours! I hope to revisit.

Hoping for a productive but less chaotic 2023!

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