I came across this picture of Cardiff Docks by the American artist Lionel Walden (1861-1933)the other day and am much impressed. I love realism in paint, especially when as bright as this, er... dank, scene happens to be. It is real life, full of action and contains a steam train! What more could anyone ask for I wonder? Cardiff Docks themselves have declined with the years, although still in use much of the area has been regenerated and the 'Tiger Bay' reputation is not what it once was. Waldens pictures are worth a look!
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The relections give this painting a luminosity that truly bring this painting to life. Want this. Besides I love choo choos!
ReplyDeleteA most excellent picture.Something of the Grimshaw in the wonderful handling of the moody lighting and reflections. I'd never heard of Lionel Walden. I wonder if he's related to Saffron?
ReplyDeleteMy grandfather was an engineer on the Great Western Railway, at first in Swansea, then based at the locomotive works in Swindon. I don't know when the picture was. He sailed on square-riggers out of those docks, before he quit the sea. Coal from Cardiff to Uruguay, salt-beef to San Francisco, California ? Not sure the cargo, to Valparaiso, guano to Australia, and grain back to Bristol.
Maybe he's on that ship at the quay.
Maybe he's on the footplate, wiping an oily rag over the gauges.
Evocative!
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Wow, what a painting!
ReplyDeleteWasn't he the bloke who Mark Allen beat in the UK snooker championship semi final. He's good with a cue and pretty damn fine with a brush as well.
ReplyDeleteSoub, Very like Grimshaw, in fact I thought it was his at first.
ReplyDeleteRDG, yup.
Fish, Yup.
Martyn, No he wasn't!!! :)
leaz, indeed.
ReplyDeleteNot for the first time I've discovered a painting here that I like.
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