Sunday, September 6, 2009

Hammersmith Bridge


The last time I spent any time in London was almost two years ago! Time goes by so quickly.

It was in the colder month of November. It was quite a shock coming from our really lovely sunny Summer weather to hit the streets of London at close to 5 deg C. But no matter what the weather, London is a place that I really do enjoy.

And by total coincidence, last month's challenge on the Google Earth site , The Virtual Paintout run by wonderful artist, Bill Guffey, was ... London! So my immediate reaction was to google where I went when I was last there, and one of the nicest sites was riding on the number 9 bus over the Hammersmith Bridge.

It is an incredible bridge - yes I know Tower Bridge is the one that is associated with London and beheadings and all that! but the little known Hammersmith Bridge has such lovely markings and old fashioned lights and all the little English quirks that we've come to expect.

Next time you're in London, take the no. 9 bus just for a trip to Hammersmith Bridge.

28 comments:

Marian Fortunati said...

What a fun idea, Liz!!
And you did such a great job. The perspective must have been difficult but it came out really well.

Charlene Brown said...

Thank you for introducing us to Hammersmith Bridge -- it really is a gem! The Virtual Paintout is at its best with entries like this - beautifully done by someone who really likes a location, especially when it's one that most of us don't know about.

Shelley Ross said...

Very well done painting. The perspective is spot on. I like the angle that you chose. And very delicate handling of cross hatch fence and the shadows.

Maree Clarkson said...

A lovely sketch Liz, makes me want to pack my bags and take the trip! Well done.

Annette Albert said...

Hi I run a local community site called W14london.ning.com it covers W14 and SW6. I love your picture of Hammersmith Bridge and your write up. Could you post it on to our website. Perhaps someone might be interested in buying a print.

I know we all will be pleased to see the picture and your comments re our area. Best wishes Annette Albert

Autumn Leaves said...

You did a beautiful job on this bridge. Your perspective is wonderful!

Arti said...

Great painting, Liz, pity I missed Hammersmith Bridge on my last trip!

Barbara Pask said...

Very nice Liz, the perspective looks just right and your water is lovely.

Art with Liz said...

Hi Marian, it is great if you can find your way round Google Earth! I'm getting better and it's always nicer painting something you know. Many thanks.


I hope you visit the bridge sometime Charlene.It really is nice - much nicer than my painting I think!

Art with Liz said...

Hello Shelley, thank you for visiting and for the lovely comment. I've seen your work, but you don't have a followers box yet. Would be great to keep abreast of your really exceptional painting.


Aaah Maree, let's stay in Africa right now, just when it's warming up! Thank you!

Art with Liz said...

I am really flattered Annette by your lovely comment and as soon as I can figure out what to do, I will send you a thumbnail for your site - with absolute pleasure!


Thank you Autumn Leaves - didn't you also do one for this blog? I must check it out again.

Art with Liz said...

Gosh Arti, there is so much to see in London, but next time make Hammersmith Bridge a must. Take your painting kit with you!


Thank you so much Barbara - I must admit the water was a bit of a challenge!

artbykarieann said...

What a great painting, it really does seem aas though I'm sat on the bus! Hammersmith Bridge is quite well known due to the traffic narl ups each morning, it's usually on the travel news and you should avoid it in the mmorning rush hour!

Dean H. said...

Very well done, Liz. Great perspective, and I love the cast shadows upon the bridge!

Marie Theron said...

Lovely work, you seem so hard working and dedicated, Liz. And thank you for visiting me and following! And you were also my 500th new South African visitor!

Cathy Gatland said...

My sister and I were in London, trying to get to Covent Garden, and ended up in Hammersmith... but we missed this bridge, sadly! It's a lovely painting Liz, with the swooping perspectives to the archway - next time I'll go there on purpose and find it!

Shelley Ross said...

Hi Liz - Thank you for your comments on my paintings. I've now added the Follow widget! Thanks for the tip. BTW my husband is from SA and I've visited there a couple of times. From Capetown to Kruger Park and many places in between.

Michelle said...

Oh wow, Liz...this is such a great painting! Fascinating perspective. Google maps is so much fun and Bill definitely came up with a great idea!

Art with Liz said...

Hi Karie-Ann - I don't think the snarl ups on Hammersmith bridge would affect you, living that idyllic life in the country! Thanks for the nice compliment.


Hello there Deano. I did enjoy this one and thank you!

Art with Liz said...

I'm glad I found you Marie and will be visiting often. Thanks for returning the compliment!


Hi Cathy - Hammersmith is no comparison the the bridge! To me that's the bus terminus. It is a really nice bridge - thanks for the kind words.

Art with Liz said...

Hello Shelley - I'm glad you put up the follow me widget. A hubby from SA hey! Jawellnofine! Thanks for the visit.


Thanks so much Michelle!!! I so do agree that this is such a great challenge blog. It has taught me how to negotiate Google Earth maps! Great fun.

Art with Liz said...

Aaah Nancy, I agree England has a charm all of its own and as a tourist you get such great opportunities to explore. Thank you.

Saundra Lane Galloway said...

Liz...I'm a bit behind on all my visits to my blogs I follow...Just lovely my friend!

Gary Keimig said...

nicely done. Perspective is always such a fun thing to do. Ahh! You have done well with it.

Suzi-k said...

Hi Liz, thanks for the visit. I have been enjoying scrolling through some of your recent posts, you definitely have a way with dogs, that pitbull is a very sensitive portrait! I have tried a bit of plein air too, not easy. I think it is because in a photo, the camera has already done the work of converting the image from 3d to 2d, and also it has fixed boundaries so your eye can't wander off and include stuff in the composition that shouldn't be there. But i do enjoy trying to work fast and capture the unique light in a real life situation.

Judybec said...

WOW -- what a view. love your painting!
Catherine Irene is so precious too!!!

Art with Liz said...

Hi Saundra, I know you've been travelling around the country over there so thanks for taking the time to visit!


Thank you so much Gary.

Art with Liz said...

Hi Suzi-k, always nice to find another Sefefrican on the blogs!


Thank you so much Judy - I kind of like Catherine Irene as well!