Around My House: London Watercolors
I’m sad to say that summer here has come to an end, and with that, my short lived summer series, Around My House, is coming to an end too. So I thought I’d share the watercolors that hang in our living room and the story that goes along with them.
Back when I was expecting our first child (my now 22 year old son!), my husband and I found a very good deal for a trip to London. We figured it might be the last chance to easily take such a big trip for a while (TRUE.) My husband had lived just outside of London while he was in the Air Force, and he was anxious to return. So, since it was early in my pregnancy, off we went for a week, with my doctor’s blessing (he had a doctor friend in London) and a free air upgrade to first class because of my pregnancy–woohoo!
On the outskirts of Hyde Park in London, people were selling artwork along the sidewalk. Much of it was prints, but one artist in a big overcoat and a black beret was selling original watercolors of London scenes. We bought 2 of them, framed them, and have been enjoying them on our living room wall ever since. They’ve been the best souvenirs, as we’ve enjoyed them every day. (They are on their second round of frames.)
This one above is Piccadilly Circus. The soft, foggy quality draws me in, and the paintings just feel like London to me, evoking all of those memories from the trip.
I was so sorry that I had not taken a picture of the artist, so several years later, I called the phone number on the back of the painting. I reached the artist’s brother, and told him about my regret, and he said he’d relay the message. Not long after that, I received a nice letter and two photos of the artist—one photo of him in his beret back in the day, and another more current one. I was thrilled to receive them, and I think the artist was happy that we were enjoying his artwork so much. The photo below is exactly how he looked that day and in the same place, too.
And here we are, two travelers on an adventure in London, 22 years ago, in front of our hotel. We had such a great time.
I enjoyed sharing these memories with you!
