Whimsy 

This work began with ‘South Parade Pier’ followed by ‘Brighton Pier’. Working on these two first paintings Simon returned to one of his favourite subjects, the seaside pier. This time approaching it from a whimsical point of view and starting from an ink sketch made years earlier on the beach.

Developing the style further, Simon looked at the wider landscape around Portsmouth and its relationship with the surrounding countryside in the painting ‘Portsmouth and Beyond’.

‘Home Game-Portsmouth’ is a look at Fratton Park and it’s part in the community and relationship with its surroundings. The stadium is packed with fans, colour and activity seen on match days when ‘Pompey’ play at home. Outside the stadium and amongst the rows of terrace houses, football is played in the parks to the sound of the roaring chants and cheers from the devoted ‘Pompey’ fans.