FINISHED PAINTING

St Mary Axe, The Strand, London, oil, 36336in (91.5391.5cm).

I decided to leave the painting at this point, mainly due to a return of the rain and the area becoming increasingly busy. I considered I now had enough information (backed by previous sketchbook studies) to finish the painting in the studio. It was useful to have a break before committing to the final stage, allowing for a practical overview. The main concerns were to strengthen areas which looked scrappy and unresolved. This is a usual occurrence, and with patience it is quite easy to resolve. The sky, building, and pavement all needed an increase in detail, which were added in a measured way until it reached a natural conclusion. The result was to create a view which although relatively common, looked unique when the focus of attention was drawn elsewhere