Here is a view balcony on Bedford's embankment. The spring sunshine illuminates the view downstream to the suspension bridge - just visible, if you know what to look for. You can stand - or sit - in the semi-circle and take in the view: activity at the rowing club on the opposite bank, people on town bridge or the congregating flocks of swans, geese, terns and pigeons. I have some further work to do on the water and the trees, but, I hope it's a faithful view downstream across the flatlands. It takes the Great Ouse 72 miles to fall 112 feet to its mouth at King's Lynn. Amazing to think of coal coming south, round the coast from Newcastle and up the river by barge 200 years ago. I'm working of series of river paintings for exhibition at Bedford Pavilion cafe in April. |