Big Ben by Maxine Martin London. The iconic tower, the iconic parliament. The iconic red buses, the iconic toll of Big Ben over them. People from all corners of our round world dream of coming to this city and bathe in its history and its endless rain showers. This is now being threatened. Much like other parts of our country and other places in the world; by completely senseless acts of individuals who cannot be comprehended. London is strong because it is so diverse. People feel welcome here. No one stares at you whatever you are wearing or whatever your skin colour. Yes, people are scared but they are also helping each other, are kind to each other and try to do what they can. As Winston Churchill said: 'You have enemies? Good. That means you've stood up for something, sometime in your life.' London has been photographed, painted, drawn, modelled and cut out of things but it will quite possibly never stop inspiring artists. It was home to foreigners from all around the world for centuries, artists and art lovers alike. Some left, some stayed, some made big difference, some only had a tiny impact. But they all made it what it is. Whether you have ever lived in London or just visited it, be inspired by beautiful art of and from London. It is a city in love with the arts. And if you are perhaps only planning to, do come. Londoners might seem stand-offish, but they care.
This week’s painting in focus is therefore this impression of London by Maxine. Maxine is inspired by beauty and impressionism is how she tries to communicate that. It’s quite possible that if you stand on the bank of Thames when the tide is out, squinting into the sun while light dances on the water, you can almost see Monet painting the haze over Houses of Parliament.