Description

Wet Rush Hour captures a stormy night in the heart of Birmingham. The tall Radisson Blu Hotel glowed purple, towering above the Pagoda roundabout. Meanwhile, a bus and a white car edged slowly to a halt at the junction. The distant skyline faded into a foggy violet haze, while the wet road below shimmered with reflected light.

Inspiration for Wet Rush Hour

For Wet Rush Hour, I took my inspiration from the chaos of that evening. Despite the weather, I positioned myself close to the roundabout where the Radisson Blu meets the Pagoda. The rain was relentless. Cars almost aquaplaned, tyres squealing as they tried to grip the slick road.

At the same time, I struggled to keep my expensive camera safe while dodging the traffic. The noise, danger, and sheer energy of the moment compelled me to paint it.

Techniques and Media Used

I wanted the surface to feel as fluid as the storm itself. For this reason, I worked with rollers and expressive brush marks to keep the oil paint loose. In doing so, I echoed the blurred lights, lashing rain, and unpredictable atmosphere of that night.

The spontaneity of the marks gave the painting its energy, just as the weather dictated the mood.

• Title: Wet Rush Hour
• Artist: Julie Swinsco
• Medium: Oil on board
• Frame: Black wooden tray frame
• Size (including frame): 34 × 47 cm
• Authenticity: Hand-signed, Certificate of Authenticity included

This original Birmingham oil cityscape reflects the raw power of a stormy night, alive with colour, movement, and atmosphere.