North London

Gouache on paper • 29.7 × 42 cm (A3)

Stephens Gardens is one of my favourite places in North London — a true hidden gem! It is easy to overlook on Google Maps, but this beautiful garden is full of character. It combines gently rolling hills, flat lawns, a pond and an alpine-style hill, alongside a wonderful collection of mature trees, including towering pine trees. The thoughtful landscape design and peaceful atmosphere make it one of my favourite places to walk. Nearby stands Avenue House, a Grade II listed Victorian mansion. Although the mansion itself doesn't appear in this painting, some of the surrounding buildings caught my attention. I imagine they once served as mews buildings or entrances to the estate. These are among my favourite architectural details in the area. A distinctive tower gives those buildings an almost castle-like appearance. The matching roof colours bring the different structures together, creating a coherent architectural style that makes this corner of North London so memorable. Place in collection: this original gouache painting was the first work in my North London series, a collection of paintings inspired by the urban landscapes, streets, gardens and neighbourhoods that give this part of London its distinctive character. One detail I particularly love is the unusual green colour found on the doors and gates of the nearby buildings. Somewhere between olive green, grey and ultramarine. To me, it almost works like a visual signature, brings a distinctive identity.

Gouache on paper • 21.0 x 29.7 cm (A4)

Parliament Hill is one of the most distinctive spots on Hampstead Heath, offering what is probably the best panoramic view of London. It feels so removed from the pace of the big city. You see all those skyscrapers and scattered buildings where life is bustling—yet from a distance, from a tranquil place where you can walk, pause, and enjoy the nature, sunshine, and bird song. This painting came together very unexpectedly—I had a bit of free time and decided to drive over. It took me some time to settle into the location and figure out how to capture the colors. At first, it looked fairly ordinary, but then I noticed the warmth of the afternoon sun and the red and orange shades in the dark bushes that added so much depth. It suddenly became fascinating! I also faced an interesting challenge: how to make the distant buildings soft and atmospheric to enhance the depth, while keeping them clear enough to be recognizable. Can you spot The Shard, St Paul's Cathedral, and skyscrapers like "The Walkie-Talkie" and "The Gherkin"? I was so happy that people came up to offer compliments while I was painting. Painting en plein air here was a wonderful experience. Thank you, everyone! Place in the collection: Parliament Hill is part of my North London series—a collection of original paintings inspired by the landscapes, parks, streets, and neighborhoods that give this part of London its distinctive identity.