I was asked to create a special painting for the prestigious annual Berry’s Tennis Event by Martin Wicks, owner of Hazlewood Castle. This is a magnificent 12th-century castle hotel set in spectacular surroundings near York. As the Artist-in-Residence here, I have many
paintings displayed throughout the castle.
I loved this challenge, as it allowed me to combine working en plein air with illustration to create a scene that captured the entire tennis event, including the players, the castle, the audience, and the atmosphere. This is how I created it.
Working outside in the sunshine, I first sketched the outline of the castle before adding the central tree using my signature technique of dipping fallen twigs, moss, and leaves into acrylic paint. A wedding was taking place at the time, which made the occasion even more special as brides passed by while I painted!
The illustrations of the castle, spectators, and tennis players were then completed at The Dove Tree Art Gallery in central Harrogate, close to the theatre. I used gouache, a thick, opaque watercolour paint, to create the detailed figures and architecture.
I returned to Hazlewood Castle several times to add more landscaping and refine the composition. Working until the light faded, I was often visited by the resident peacocks, who seemed very curious about the painting. In fact, you can spot one in the finished artwork watching the tennis players.
The painting features Henri Leconte and Xavier Malisse playing tennis while spectators enjoy drinks and watch the match unfold. After approximately one hundred hours of work, the painting was finally completed.
Limited-edition prints are being auctioned for charity, with one print available on each day of the event. Each print will be signed by Henri Leconte. The original painting is for sale here (link) via my website or at the event.
The event is sponsored annually by Berry's Jewellers, a family-owned jeweller based in Leeds specialising in luxury jewellery and watches.
Spring presents the most amazing spectacle and in a short window early May, the Cherry Blossoms burst forth followed by the Bluebells and sometimes at the same time. I love being outside in the elements capturing these sights.
My background to painting outside stems from early childhood. No matter what the weather - I'll always try and paint outside of my studio to capture the subject matter be it animals, landscapes or as is often the case - a combination!
Beautiful autumn colouring this year inspired me to capture the cherry trees on the stray in Harrogate - slightly windy conditions made the outdoors challenging but well worth the effort - !
Peter Bowerman
Author