City artists on the scene to paint history
Bath artist Charles Minty joined the crowds on the Long Walk in Windsor as they watched the state funeral while awaiting the arrival of the Queen’s coffin for a Committal Service at St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle.
Charles, 41, said he arrived on the Long Walk on Sunday, got a spot at the front by the barriers and had been painting ever since.
Charles was named after the now King, having being born on the wedding day of the then Prince of Wales and Lady Diana Spencer. He finished a portrait of the Queen and had started working on a painting of Windsor Castle from the perspective of the crowds.
He said: “I finished the portrait as it is a tribute to the Queen and wanted to express how I feel through my art. “I enjoy the energy I get from people who watch me paint, so as such a big event it is a way I can use my talent to express gratitude to Her Majesty.”
He added: “I’ve felt very emotional this morning. I was in tears, it was so moving, the atmosphere, the beautiful music playing.”
He added that he was “super tired” after having no sleep for two days.
Another Bath painter has travelled to London from his Somerset home to capture the capital in mourning.
Peter Brown, 55, went London on Friday last week, painting the crowds along The Mall, in the parks and queueing along the Thames to see Her Majesty lying in state.
Peter, known as Pete the Street as he is an expert in painting street scenes, said: “With street scenes it is amazing to spend time on each one, so it’s not like ‘click’ and done.
“I want to really capture the moment and for that you need to take time.”