Friday 28 December 2012

Drawing of Palace of Westminster & Big Ben

Big Ben London
'Big Ben' and Palace of Westminster

London is an architecturally impressive capital and one of the most iconic views surely has to be this vista over the Thames to the Palace of Westminster (or 'The Houses of Parliament'). My drawing of Westminster Palace & Big Ben is across Westminster Bridge: spanning the river carrying pedestrians and traffic including the famous black cabs and red double decker buses whilst underneath pleasure and working vessels sail by. Westminster Abbey is just visible beyond 'Elizabeth Tower' which carries Big Ben the most famous bell that chimes Greenwich mean time. To the left of the illustration is the imposing and largest 'Victoria Tower' in the South west corner.


Please choose original drawing or hand signed print:

Original drawing of PALACE OF WESTMINSTER (Big Ben), LONDON
Hand signed A4 Print of pen and marker sketch on 90lb watercolour paper £14.99
Original 12" x 9" pen, ink and watercolour on 140lb watercolour paper £195
© All illustrations Robert R Wisdom www.theartofengland.co.uk 2012 

Monday 24 December 2012

Drawing of Coggeshall

Coggeshall Essex
Coggeshall Essex

Drawing of Coggeshall

Happy Christmas to my followers and there's nothing more festive than a drawing of a lit Christmas tree in the heart of timeless English village. I love this spot looking up Stoneham Street from Market Hill in Coggeshall, Essex. There is the famous Baumann's Restaurant for fine dining to the right and an amazing tea room next to the clock tower serving delicious home made cakes to the left.


Please Choose

Original drawing of Coggeshall, Essex
Hand signed and annotated A4 Print of pen and ink drawing on 90lb watercolour paper £14.99
Original 12" x 9" pen and ink drawing on 140lb watercolour paper NOW SOLD
© Robert R Wisdom www.theartofengland.co.uk 2012 

Tuesday 18 December 2012

End of year slideshow!

Happy Christmas!


Here is a slideshow of the illustrations I have drawn this year. There will be many more next year, and hopefully an area local to you. To buy a print or original click on one of the County Tabs above and find your image of choice. If you cannot see it click view all. Take care and catch up soon!


Sunday 16 December 2012

Drawing of Railway Tavern Kelvedon

Kelvedon Essex
Railway Tavern Kelvedon

The drawing depicts the Railway Tavern in the village of Kelvedon, Essex, a popular pub on the banks of the river Blackwater next to an old road bridge that leads up Feering Hill. The Tavern was built in 1876 to serve the the railway. The pub greets you with an open fire in winter, and in summer, the diners eat good honest and delicious British food bathed in sunshine outside on the riverbank where the ducks congregate. If you pop by do say hello to Barry, the landlord, or his wife Sue - they are impeccable hosts, and Barry a fellow Spurs supporter.

In the foreground of my pen and ink drawing is an old 'fingerpost' road sign of the type that were introduced in 1921 and must have escaped being taken down during WWII to stop the Germans making easy progress across East Anglia. It is a reminder of when Kelvedon's busy narrow high street (B1024) was in fact the A12! At the road sign's base are flower beds tended to by local well-wishers and a contribution, in part I am sure, of Kelvedon being voted  'Essex's Best Kept Village' in its class for two years running.


Please Choose illustration
Original drawing of RAILWAY TAVERN, KELVEDON, ESSEX
Hand signed and annotated A4 Print of pen and ink drawing on 90lb watercolour paper £14.99
Original 12" x 9" pen and ink drawing on 140lb watercolour paper £125
© All illustrations Robert R Wisdom www.theartofengland.co.uk 2012 

Monday 10 December 2012

Drawing of Thaxted

Thaxted Essex drawing
Thaxted Essex

So beautiful. In 2000 I very nearly bought a cottage in Orange Street, off of Town Street, Thaxted in Essex. My study looks up the rise of Town Street towards Watling Steet, and from this view you can see why I was drawn to it.

The drawing of Thaxted looks up towards our focal point, Thaxted Guild Hall dating from c.1450, and Parish Church of St.John pointing its slim tower into the heavens. Close by id Thaxted's Windmill, doubtless I will illustrate at some point so watch these pages. Its name is Old English for "place where thatch was got.

You can almost hear the music of Gustav Holst, a long term resident of "The Manse', Town Street, Thaxted when you dwell close by. His house is in the left middle ground of my drawing. No doubt Gustav drew inspiration from Thaxted's and Essex's beauty.


Please choose original drawing or hand signed print:



Drawing of Town Street, Thaxted, Essex
Hand signed and annotated A4 Print of pen and ink drawing on 90lb watercolour paper £14.99
Original 12" x 9" pen and ink drawing on 140lb watercolour paper £125
© Robert R Wisdom www.theartofengland.co.uk 2012  

Wednesday 5 December 2012

Our first advert!

Pleased to see our first ever advert in print in the Country Gardening and Lifestyle magazine courtesy of a very nice man called Roger Wacey: Thank you Roger it looks great!

Monday 26 November 2012

Drawing of The Essex Rose in Dedham

Dedham Essex drawing
The Essex Rose, Dedham

A lovely village in northeast Essex, Dedham is situated on the River Stour right on the border of Essex and Suffolk in the heart of Constable country.

My drawing of The Essex Rose in Dedham is sketched early afternoon in winter when shadows are already long, but the air is clear and crisp.

We look with Brook Street behind, all the way up the High Street. Centre in my pen and ink illustration is of the bustling 'Essex Rose' Tea Room run by Wilkin & Sons (of Tiptree). To the left in shadow is Dedham Parish Church's tall and imposing tower; only at this time of year can you see through the trees from this viewpoint.

Well worth a visit to illustrate :-)


Please choose original drawing or hand signed print:



Drawing of Dedham High Street, Essex
Hand signed and annotated A4 Print of pen and ink drawing on 90lb watercolour paper £14.99
Original 12" x 9" pen and ink drawing on 140lb watercolour paper £125
The Art of England
© Robert R Wisdom www.theartofengland.co.uk 2012  

Tuesday 20 November 2012

Drawing of The George Hotel Colchester

Colchester Essex drawing
The George Colchester

It was a day to remember. Remembrance Day 2012, and on a Sunday.

My son and countless other cadets, Paras, musicians and brave veterans filled the heart of Colchester, Essex, for a impressive parade and service along the High Street, finishing at the war memorial at the Castle. The sun beamed down on a clear but chilly day.

During the build up and after the service we enjoyed a pint in the George (Hotel), which has long dominated the High Street, and we sat in the 15th century beamed lounge warmed by a crackling fire, with uniformed servicemen both new and old stood at the bar. Perfect and so very British. And so to my drawing.

This scene I have drawn looks up Colchester High Street's gentle hill passing the Town Hall and on into the far distance to the Water Tower. The pleasure of sketching is that artistic license can remove the cars and taxis, but happily on this day, scores of yellow cones had completed this task for me. Save four WWII Willys Jeeps and a justifiably proud population, Colchester High Street was totally bare.

To finish:
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
We will remember them.

Please choose original drawing or hand signed print:


Illustration of The George, Colchester, Essex
Hand signed and annotated A4 Print of pen and ink illustration on 90lb watercolour paper £14.99
Original 12" x 9" pen and ink illustration on 140lb watercolour paper £125
© Robert R Wisdom www.theartofengland.co.uk 2012  

Drawing of Flatford Mill

Flatford Suffolk art drawing
Flatford Mill

Last weekend was my first visit to Flatford to see the scenery that England's very own treasure - John Constable painted. The site still held its charm for the artist - especially in the autumn when the trees are so much more destinctive - some naked - some in their best orange and gold and some holding on to their finest greenery.

This drawing of Flatford Mill is located just at the end of the Haywain and opposite Willy Lott's Cottage. On my day the sun was bright and warm and perfect for capturing the lovely scene casting dark shadows describing the form of the building. There are more to come from this special place and I can't wait to get started on the next.

I must say that I was rather disappointed that the National Trust either instigated, or allowed, an eyesore of a flat roofed modern cafe to bully and spoil the view across the river to Bridge Cottage, and adjacent to the dry dock - both subjects of Constable's famous paintings. It has all the subtlety (and appearance) of a Normandy gun emplacement. They had already built a visitor's centre and car park with toilets out of sight so why not house the toilet-less cafe there? Can there be anywhere worse than plonked in the middle of some of England's best loved vistas.

We need to better preserve our heritage for all.


Please choose original drawing or hand signed print:



Flatford Mill, Suffolk illustration
Hand signed and annotated A4 Print of pen and ink illustration on 90lb watercolour paper £14.99
Original 12" x 9" pen and ink illustration on 140lb watercolour paper £125
© Robert R Wisdom www.theartofengland.co.uk 2012   


FYI: The unfortunate siting of the cafe blocking the view 


Thursday 15 November 2012

NEW: Brochure of my art

I plan to release a brochure every now and then featuring large images to better showcase my work in detail. The first one can be flicked through by clicking picture below. Hope you enjoy the sketches and do revisit the blog (or enter your email address below for regular updates) and feedback.



Tuesday 13 November 2012

Drawing of Maldon

Maldon Essex drawing
The Promenade Maldon Essex

Maldon in Essex , famous for it's Sea Salt, attracts countless visitors to its door. The draw of a pretty high street full of independent shops, pubs dotted on every corner, Hythe Quay and Promenade Park together make for an irresistible combination of tourist attractions in one place. And illustration!

Promenade Park hosts all manner of events throughout the year and the Splash Park is a hit with the kids during the hot summer months.

My drawing is of Promenade Park's ornamental lake with its Swans, catching the reflection of St Mary's Church (origins as far back as the Saxons) atop the hill, and the Queen's Head can just been seen to the far right, masts popping skyward, and no doubt full of patrons enjoying the company of friends, whilst seagulls soar, and skippers ready their boats. If you are lucky you might just catch a Thames Barge.

If you've never been, go. You won't be disappointed.


Please choose original drawing or hand signed print:
Promenade Park, Maldon, Essex
Hand signed and annotated A4 Print of pen and ink illustration on 90lb watercolour paper £14.99
Original 12" x 9" pen and ink illustration on 140lb watercolour paper £125
© Robert R Wisdom www.theartofengland.co.uk 2012 

Monday 12 November 2012

Drawing of The Hoste, Burnham Market

Burnham Market Norfolk drawing
The Hoste, Burnham Market

The four star Hoste Arms has long been a social focal point at the heart of the lovely village of Burnham Market in Norfolk.

The front bar I found, is the place to grab a beer, sit down under the sun-bathed parasols, and watch village life gently unfold before you. This pen and wash drawing frames that scene just as I gratefully sampled it. For me is a most exquisite moment of an English summer captured in time.

Its seems a trip to the Hoste Arms is part of any visit to Burnham Market, whether for those on holiday in Norfolk, a local villager for a pint, or just maybe, a traveling artist smitten with finding such a quintessentially English village?

I am down to stay here to see the Christmas illuminations and see it in a whole new light. Cheers.


Please choose original drawing or hand signed print:
 
Hand signed A4 Print of The Hoste, Burnham Market
Pen and marker drawing on Bockingford 190gsm watercolour paper £14.99

Original drawing of The Hoste, Burnham Market
12' x 9" pen and marker drawing on 140lb water colour paper available from:

The Artmonger
21 North Street
Burnham Market
Norfolk
United Kingdom
PE31 8HG
+44 (0)1328 730 370
www.theartmonger.co.uk


All drawings © Robert R Wisdom www.theartofengland.co.uk 2012 

Monday 5 November 2012

Charming Coggeshall - illustration

Coggeshall Essex art drawing
St Peters Coggeshall

The subject for my illustration is the Church of St. Peter ad Vincula (St. Peter in chains) - a beautiful and imposing Church that deceives the eye as far as perception of scale. I always find it grows largers as you approach it. 

It is Nestled in the Essex Village of Coggeshall in its present form since the 1500's it is home to services, and fayres.

The village of Coggeshall is a beautiful place with a handful of narrow streets and brightly painted picture postcard houses and cottages and is a joy to stroll around and happen upon the little independent shops and tea rooms that are dotted here and there. Always worth a visit - and so too Baumann's Brasserie - a fine place to dine while you are there!

My ambition is to someday live here.



Please Choose
Illustration of St Peter ad Vincula, Coggeshall, Essex
Hand signed and annotated A4 Print of pen and ink illustration on 90lb watercolour paper £14.99
Original 12" x 9" pen and ink illustration on 140lb watercolour paper £125
© Robert R Wisdom www.theartofengland.co.uk 2012 

Drawing of Tiptree WIlkins & Sons Jam Factory

Tiptree Essex drawing
Tiptree

Wilkin & Sons Ltd - of 'Tiptree' jam fame - are situated on the main road of the village of Tiptree adjacent to Factory corner. Her Majesty The Queen recently passed through the hallowed gates topped with her royal warrant in 2010 to mark Wilkin & Sons' 125 anniversary. I have had the good pleasure of presenting an illustration to, and meeting, Peter Wilkin - the great grandson of the founder and a complete English gentleman if you ever met one.

From my house some half a mile away (as the wind blows) the scent of sweet Jam from the tall chimneys is carried on any North Easterly breezes and is a pleasant aroma that always surprises when returning home or setting out for the day. The factory hooter can also be heard marking the important times during the jam making day.

For me there is something of the Roald Dahl's fictional Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory about these main gates and I can't recall seeing any workers enter or leave by these gates. The wonderfully ornamental ironwork twists and turns and its manufacture is a skill from a bygone age, as are their famous jams and preserves.

This drawing is set as the low Autumnal sunshine beams through the ironwork gates, much as the glint of gold always beams from of a box of opened treasure at the movies.


Please choose original drawing or hand signed print:

Wilkin & Sons Ltd, Factory Hill, Tiptree, Essex
Hand signed A4 Print of pen and marker sketch on Bockingford 190gsm watercolour paper £14.99
Original 12' x 9" pen and marker sketch on 140lb water colour paper £125
© Robert R Wisdom www.theartofengland.co.uk 2012  

Tuesday 30 October 2012

Prittlewell - First Pen & Ink


Prittlewell Southend Essex
Prittlewell Essex

Fresh from Billericay School I studied at Southend-on-Sea College of Art & Technology in Carnarvon Road.

My first drawing teacher was a lovely white bearded illustrator by the name of Reg Gray. He was a sweet natured man, quiet and patient. His ability to draw creatures, naming bones and muscle groups that held them together and make them function amazed me. Every flick of his pencil seemed to have purpose and description. Brilliant. His knowledge of living creatures knew no bounds. Since the advent of the internet many years later I have discovered that he illustrated some of the comics and books that I enjoyed so much, but I never knew at the time which is a shame.

It was on a outdoors drawing expedition of Reg's that I sketched this picture at the tender age of 17 years old. It was probably the first time I drew a building with dip pen and ink looking through my sketchbook. St Mary's, Prittlewell, was a 5 minute walk from the college and I can tell from my sketch it was a sunny day. I remember being pleased with the result and pen and ink became a favourite technique.

Thanks Reg for any ability or technique that rubbed off on me, wherever you are. Respect.



Please Choose
St Mary's Prittlewell, Essex
Hand signed A4 Print of pen sketch on Bockingford 190gsm watercolour paper £14.99
© Robert R Wisdom www.theartofengland.co.uk 2012 

Monday 29 October 2012

Drawing of Beccles

Beccles Suffolk drawing art
Drawing of Beccles

Beccles is a lovely market town on the River Waveney in Suffolk.

I had moored up here and visited the town by foot. Perched on a hill Beccles is most interesting and picturesque with its independent shops and twisty streets. This drawing of Beccles I sketched is of Blyburgate which I have since learnt is part derived (gate) taken from the Old Norse for 'street'. So its seems the Vikings have visited this part of England and left their mark.

To the left is the local Pet Stores and the Marmalade Tree shop is a little further up the hill, which eventually leads up toward the Church - my focal point for this drawing.

It was during this visit that I proposed to my now wife during a golden sunset at the marina, surrounded by a brood of rather puzzled ducks. Beccles will always be in our hearts.

Please choose original drawing or hand signed print:
Illustration of Blyburgate, Beccles, Suffolk.
Hand signed and annotated A4 Print of pen and ink illustration on 90lb watercolour paper £14.99
Original 12" x 9" pen and ink illustration on 140lb watercolour paper £125
© Robert R Wisdom www.theartofengland.co.uk 2012 

Drawing of Lavenham Market Square

Lavenham Suffolk drawing
Lavenham Suffolk

My wife and I visited Lavenham, Suffolk a couple of years back and stayed in an excellent Guest house called Highfield House, run by a very charming couple. Its a great place to ramble and every street corner greets you with a Medieval building or pretty scene for an drawing of Levenham.

I was particularly taken in by the wall in the Swan Public House, which had scribblings and signatures of allied airmen stationed locally, penned during the Second World War. Some of those brave men of the RAF and USAAF 487 Bombardment Group wouldn't have come back after making their mark even more touching. We remember them - especially with Remembrance day looming.

Fitting perhaps that this illustration captures a memorial in it's foreground.

We enjoyed some of Suffolk's best brew outside the Angel Hotel - Aspall Cider - bathed in a little sunshine in the market square of this quintessential English village. Bliss.

Well worth a visit - time stood still.


Please choose
Illustration of Angel Inn, Market Square, Lavenham, Suffolk.
Hand signed and annotated A4 Print of pen and ink illustration on 90lb watercolour paper £14.99
Original 12" x 9" pen and ink illustration on 140lb watercolour paper £125
© Robert R Wisdom www.theartofengland.co.uk 2012 

Thursday 25 October 2012

Kings Head Chigwell Illustration

Kings Head Chigwell painting
Kings Head Chigwell


This scene I illustrated, is possibly the most famous 'Ye Olde Kings Head' ever. 

Or as I like to call it 'The Old Kings Head' in Chigwell, Essex which is said by many to be none other than the inspiration for the Maypole Inn in Charles Dickens' Barnaby Rudge.

Whether that's true (or fiction if you'll forgive the pun), it has stood relatively unchanged for hundreds of years and stands as a constant landmark in Chigwell. It now can boast an (even more?) famous owner who lives close by - our very own Lord Sugar. Beat that Charles.

Pictured at Christmas time it is one of my favourite quintessentially English Pubs.

The original black and white pen illustration for sale on request. Please enquire!


Please Choose

Ye Olde Kings Head, High Road Chigwell,  Essex.
Hand signed and annotated A4 Print of pen and ink illustration on cartridge paper £14.99
Original black and white pen illustration (approx A3) £125
© Robert R Wisdom www.theartofengland.co.uk 2012 

Tuesday 23 October 2012

Twitter

Just to let you know you can follow us now on Twitter!

 

Friday 19 October 2012

Drawing of St Mary Magdalen, Billericay

Billericay Essex drawing
Billericay Essex

The church of St Mary Magdalen is the 18th century church that dominates the heart of Billericay's High Street. The first time I drew this I was a student at The Billericay School. In 1970 the BBC's Songs of Praise was to be filmed within the churches walls, and my Art teacher (either Mrs King or Mr Brown) suggested that if I drew the church, they would see to it that it was hung in the church office and I would see it on TV along with countless other millions of viewers.

I set about my masterpiece with enthusiasm and from memory it was quite an accomplished piece for my age but it never once made it as far as the cathode ray tube, and I never saw it again.

This drawing is a revisit to the scene many years later. Chapel Street's ever-present cottages disappearing to the left and the High Street and Billericay's shops to the right. The war memorial proudly displays the fallen from the wars the local townsfolk have lost son's to, contributing to all our freedoms.

I think its a pity (aesthetically speaking) that this focal point now is encased in safety railings. Sign of the times.

Please Choose

St Mary Magdalen Church, High Street, Billericay, Essex.
Hand signed A4 Print of pen and marker sketch on Bockingford 190gsm watercolour paper £14.99
© Robert R Wisdom www.theartofengland.co.uk 2012 

Tuesday 9 October 2012

White Hart Billericay illustration

Billericay Essex
White Hart Billericay

The White Hart in Billericay High Street, or "The New White Hart (NWH) in its present guise.

The Post Office sits behind where, as a child, I used to buy my 'First Day Covers' knowing they would be valuable one day. They're not but the memories are.

Nice to see live music now livens the pub up and its a focal point for lively socialising just as any good pub should be.



Please Choose

The White Hart, (now NWH) 138 High Street, Billericay, Essex.
Hand signed A4 Print of pen and marker sketch on Bockingford 190gsm watercolour paper £14.99
© Robert R Wisdom www.theartofengland.co.uk 2012 

The Three Horseshoes Billericay illustration

Billericay Essex
Three Horseshoes Billericay

This is a most attractive Grade II listed building in Billericay High Street. It was originally the Three Horseshoes Public House I have found out, then a private residence and now a firm of solicitors.

I love the dormers in the roof - something special about them and as a child always fantasised about having a bedroom in one. In fact my father ran his studio in the dormer space further down the High Street in Hill House, then in its basement space a few years later.

Now there's another illustration begging to be done?


Please Choose

139 High Street, Billericay, Essex.
Hand signed A4 Print of pen and marker sketch on Bockingford 190gsm watercolour paper £14.99
© Robert R Wisdom www.theartofengland.co.uk 2012 

Monday 8 October 2012

The Red Lion Billericay illustration

Billericay Essex
Red Lion Billericay

Now here's a pub that's pretty much at the heart of Billericay's High Street. I think everyone that has ever visited a pub in Billericay has been in this one at some time. Especially on a Saturday after a visit to New Lodge has ended in a home win for Billericay Town FC.

The name of an Inn in Billericay called the 'Red Lion' goes way back to the 13th and 14th centuries where it was frequented by Pilgrims. My illustration is at dusk when the pub starts to fill on a Friday night!

Must pop back there myself soon.



Please Choose

The Red Lion, 113 High Street, Billericay, Essex.
Hand signed A4 Print of pen and marker sketch on Bockingford 190gsm watercolour paper £14.99
© Robert R Wisdom www.theartofengland.co.uk 2012 

N. Shelley's of Billericay illustration

Billericay Essex
N Shelleys Billericay

For as long as I can remember N. Shelleys has been trading in Billericay High Street. They have been going for 85 years now, part of the fabric (if you forgive the pun) of Billericay's High Street, and it's alway a comfort to see some of the older shops still alive and kicking.

It was sad years back to see Cottis' family bakers, Kitts hardware store and more recently Woolworths, with its original wooden varnished doors with brass fingerplates, disappear. And Essex Playthings of course - any child of the 70's will remember the toy shop brimming with Action Men and Airfix kits and ran by two lovely old ladies.

In this illustration is the Reading Rooms which dates back to 1886. The archway leading under N. Shelley lead to an engineer who used to service old classic cars.


Please Choose
N. Shelley and Reading Rooms, High Street, Billericay, Essex.
Hand signed A4 Print of pen and marker sketch on Bockingford 190gsm watercolour paper £14.99
© Robert R Wisdom www.theartofengland.co.uk 2012 

Saturday 6 October 2012

Tiptree Windmill illustration

Tiptree Essex
Tiptree

It snowed heavily overnight and I went for an early morning stroll to witness the magic white transformation.

The blanket of snow had covered the modern road surfaces, drains, markings and for just a moment I felt transported back in time when roads were just plain tracks and formal pavements were reserved for the cities.

The Tiptree Windmill ('Messing Maypole Mill') has dominated the view into Tiptree from Kelvedon since 1775 and is one of Tiptree's iconic landmarks. It only stopped milling as late as 1962 but as with all windmills is as charismatic as ever. Here is an illustration that captures its timelessness.


Please Choose

Hand signed A4 Print of pen and marker sketch on Bockingford 190gsm watercolour paper £14.99
Original 12' x 9" pen and marker sketch on 140lb water colour paper SOLD
© Robert R Wisdom www.theartofengland.co.uk 2012 

Friday 5 October 2012

Drawing of The Chequers Billericay

illustration of Chequers Billericay
The Chequers Billericay
 

The Chequers in Billericay, Essex, the town of my birth. My good friend rented Chequers Cottage, seen down the side of this picture at the rear of the pub for a year or two, selling art, frames and collectors cards and shared the space with a lovely lady that sold amber jewellery.

This original drawing of The Chequers Billericay was one of several of Billericay High Street - I had a frantic spell 20 years ago sketching and the drawings and illustrations are very nostalgic for me and capture the essence of Billericay as I saw it. This particular scene is at Billericay's heart. It has seen a lot of events in its history - special for me were the Billericay Town F.C. F.A. Vase victorious homecomings of the late 1970's.

More drawings to come so do follow my pages.


Please Choose
Chequers, 44 High Street, Billericay, Essex.
Hand signed A4 Print of pen and marker sketch on Bockingford 190gsm watercolour paper £14.99
© Robert R Wisdom www.theartofengland.co.uk 2012