Parliament Hill

Description

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.