It is always a pleasure to visit the Royal Institute Of Painters In Watercolours Annual Exhibition at The Galleries at Pall Mall. Situated within this lovely building merely a few hundred yards away from the constant bustle of Trafalgar Square. A retreat from the masses and a relaxing environment for art lovers. In the centre of the first galley a guest portrait artist gave demonstrations of technique and style along with advice and tips to the attentive visitor. An eager lineup of portrait sitters awaited their turn for posing. His work was impressive and he showed an air of calmness as he used broad brush strokes across the watercolour paper. His patient wife, obviously a fellow artist herself, was close by to refill paint, water, paper towels as were needed. The striking portraits. completed around thirty minutes after they were started, became a personal treasured souvenir for the lucky subject.
The quality of painting within the exhibition was, as one would expect, impressive and difficult to judge overall – the majority simply outstanding. I had a number that caught my eye for one reason or another, and not of one subject I would like to add. There were many excellent portraits, landscapes, cityscapes, seascapes to whet the appetite for everyone. Many were my favourites. I saw paintings from individuals I have been introduced to in the past. It was a wonderful morning that three or so hours of my life passed by without any effort or disappointment. They even provided a small cafe serving high quality hot teas and coffees, accompanied by an array of delicious pastries…what more could one wish?! After spending the majority of my painting life in California, I now had wished I had exhibited more of my work in my hometown. This was indeed the incentive. I would recommend all visitors or residents who love Art coming to London to visit this wonderful and often overlooked building of Galleries specializing in all aspects of the art world.
And finally, the quiet and the rough!
It was hard to choose the paintings that could be included within this post as most were so incredibly detailed and full of atmosphere but I hope that they represent the majority of marvellous talent that we have in this world and that was on display at this exhibition.