The 28th Lock
The 28th Lock (2)
The last lock on the Grand Canal where it joins the River Barrow at Athy, the 28th Lock was built in 1792. Arthur Guinness was instrumental in having the canal extended to Athy, from where he received his supplies of malted barley. There was no wheeled transport in Ireland at this time and his expanding brewery needed this extension to connect him directly to St. James’s Gate, the front door of his brewery in Dublin.
After I completed the painting (on top) I felt the treatment was a bit harsh. The second painting was completed the following day with a softer approach. I was interested in the late morning light when the sun was high and the last wisps of fog were burning away. I was also going to have more colour, in celebration of spring, as my recent paintings, when seen as a group, have the gloom of winter all over them.
When separated, each of these 2 paintings is OK. When seen together, one seems to illustrate the limitations of the other.
I videoed both painting processes and will post them in a few days. See you then.
PictureS 
These are interesting together Liam. Lots of flicking back and forth between them has left me liking the crispness and tonal contrast of the first. I enjoy that in your paintings and am trying to achieve it too(!) I also like the strong statement in both of that post right in the centre front.
Thank you Phillippa. My discontent with my paintings arises because of my admiration for the work of other painters, especially the soft painterly stuff. I think this is a good way to be, it keeps me searching.
Yes, the search is important because it potentially takes us beyond the usual approach. However, I find it quite difficult to break out!
..and thank you so much Liam for your star and your comments. I am very honoured to hear from you! Philippa