Original Watercolours by Tim Wilmot

Albufeira Old Town on the Algrave, 3

Landscape Watercolour 15" x 11" of Albufeira, Portugal, on Bockingford Rough Paper 140 lbs.

Midday in the Old Town part of Albufeira on the Algarve and the shops are starting to close for the siesta. I can remember there was lots of detail in the view in front of me and it was a temptation to paint more detail - the church on the hill and merchandise on the point of sale racks outside of shops - but golden rule for watercolour is try to simplify. I think I could have made those background greens a little lighter and bluer to push them back further. Anyway, next time. If I make a 'mistake' on a watercolour, I rarely try to correct it (e.g. wash it out). I would prefer to disguise it in some way, or better still, do another painting and choose a different subject!

 

Old Town Limassol, Cyprus

Watercolour 15" x 11" on Saunders Waterford Rough paper 300 gms

Old Town Limassol on the Greek side of Cyprus, has a typical Greek feeling about it despite some of the Turkish in it's historical past (and the Venetians and the English have had their influence also). I think what rescued this painting for me was the shadow of the external electrical box or whatever, on the old building in the centre. Sometimes adding a little detail even though you think you might ruin the fresh look of the picture, can just pull it back, especially a little shadow or highlight.

 

Alexandria Street 5, Egypt

Watercolour 15" x 11" on Bockingford NOT paper 300 gms

The many street markets in Alexandria have agreat buzz about them with many different products on offer - all the normal mediterranean veg, herbs & spices, and plenty of fish and shellfish. The nice thing is that unless you're in a tourist area you won't get the high pressure sales from the vendors if you approach too close. But it's about as far from the aisles of Tescos as you can imagine.  I went a bit looser with this painting which I think turned out okay to catch the essence of the scene.

 

 

Alvaro Castagnet Course Painting #5 - Whitby

Watercolour 11" x 15" on Saunders Waterford Rough Paper 300 gms

Our painting trip to Whitby brough the sun and the day trippers out.  The sight of our party of 14 painters all grouped together doing 'Plein Air' certainly attracted on lookers peering over your shoulders and normally positive comments for all of us.  I thought the street scene here with the bunting helping the perspective, made a good composition.  Just had to get the Fish and Chip sign in as there's plenty of them about in Whitby!

 

Albufeira Old Town 2

Watercolour 15" x 11" on Bockingford paper NOT 140lbs

Albufeira old town is a very relaxed resort on the Algarve and has a lovely central square decorated with trees and colourful shrubs surrounded by street cafés and restaurants for a quiet meal or a cool drink. The streets leading off the square are a shoppers delight with clothes shops, leather goods (fantastic handbags!), gift shops, street stalls and of course, all the practical shops for daily necessities. There are also many more restaurants and bars in between the shops so there is never a shortage of places to eat and drink!

Borough Market, London

Watercolour 15" x 11" on Bockingford paper 140lbs

Borough Market in Southwark, London. One of the largest food markets in London and a hive of activity at lunchtime with tourists and office workers.  Borough Market's gourmet food market consists of up to 70 stalls and stands. Producers from all over the country bring a range of fresh produce to the market, including fish, meats, vegetables, ciders, cheeses, breads, coffees, cakes and patisseries.

Sıraselviler Caddesi, Istanbul

Watercolour 15" x 11" on Bockingford paper 140lbs

Sıraselviler Caddesi, Istanbul, leading down from Taksim Square.  It's a busy shopping street with many up market shops and small malls.  Also from Taksim square there's a lovely old red tram that takes you down this street to the older part of the city.

 

Castle Street, Conwy, North Wales

Watercolour 15" x 11" on Bockingford paper 300g

Castle Street in the walled medieval town of Conwy, of course looking up to the Castle.  On the left, the 'Fishermans Cafe' and probably the best fish and chips in North Wales.  Up the top of the road, the 700-year old castle dominates the mouth of the River Conwy and indeed the town.

 

Fish Market Uskudar, Istanbul

Watercolour 15" x 11" on Bockingford paper 300g

Just as you get off the ferry at Uskudar on the asian side of Istanbul is a wonderful fish market (Balikcilar Carsisi in Turkish) located in a dark tunnel going through the middle of a large building.  You could almost miss it as you walk by, but your eyes are caught by some brightly lit stalls showing the fresh catch of the day.  The main challenge with this painting was the curved ribs of the roof support and the decision to either not bother with the detail or concentrate on the perspective. I think I sat on the fence on that one.

 

Church Street Inverness, Scotland #watercolour

Watercolour 15" x 11" on Bockingford paper 300g

Inverness, capital of the Scottish Highlands and quite a lively ex market town now with many nice cafes and restaurants within a square mile of the centre of town. Inverness has been dubbed as Britain's "Flower Capital " because it has won the Beautiful Britain in Bloom title no less than 10 times!