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MediaPainting
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Artist's StatementRadek is an architect and an artist located in Cambridge. For 2023 he's expanding his series of watercolour paintings in the “Cambridge Fantastic” theme. He's trying to convey an idea of a city environment free of pollution and traffic jams, where people can use all the vertical space to walk, cycle, use ‘flying’ rowboats or even air-punt and in general enjoy their lives literally on all available levels. If you look hard enough you may find some famous characters hidden within his art. There are some Monty Python iconic characters there, Sir Isaac Newton accompanied by Charles Darwin, Stephen Hawking and Pink Floyd's performing above the streets of Cambridge.
Art StyleIllustrative
Art SubjectsCityscape
Art Materialswatercolour
Radek Walachnia | Cambridge Fantastic's Portfolios
Fragment of King’s Parade
Fine art print based on watercolour painting of King’s Parade in Cambridge with Great St Mary’s Church in the background.
King’s Parade is one of the most iconic streets in the historic city of Cambridge, England. It is renowned for its stunning architecture, lively atmosphere, and rich cultural heritage. This art print depicts a fragment of King’s Parade, showcasing several of the street’s most notable buildings.
The print is a mix of reality and fantasy. The surreal and fantastical elements add an imaginative twist to the traditional cityscape, with flying punts and bicycles, people having picnics and playing on rooftops, and an empty street level that seems to suggest all the action is happening above. The painting’s depiction of life and business taking place on higher levels is a reflection of the street’s history. In the past, many of the buildings on King’s Parade were used as colleges and academic institutions. Today, many of them house shops, cafes, and restaurants, which often occupy upper levels to take advantage of the views of the street.
Overall, this fine art print of King’s Parade in Cambridge is a unique and imaginative interpretation of this historic street, combining reality and fantasy in a delightful way. It captures the spirit and vibrancy of King’s Parade, with its stunning architecture, lively atmosphere, and rich cultural heritage.
List of shops and businesses:
Nr 22 – Ryder & Amies, tailors & robe makers
Nr 21 – Benets, cafe
Nr 19 – Parade, gift shop
Nr 18 – University of Cambridge Museums Shop
Nr 17 – Caffe Nero
Nr 16 – Troon
Nr 15 – Noa Noa
Nr 14 – Byard Art
Nr 13 – King’s College Visitor Centre
Narrow Boat Over King’s College
The art print depicts a surreal scene where a narrow boat appears to fly gracefully over the lush meadows of The Backs, an idyllic area situated to the east of Queen’s Road in Cambridge. Despite the absence of any river, the boat seems to be moored soon at the Cambridge University grounds. On the boat, a group of people can be seen enjoying a beautiful summer day, sipping champagne and having a small picnic. A faithful dog sits at the front of the boat, looking towards the stunning Cambridge skyline in the distance, which features the recognizable King’s College Chapel in all its glory.
The elongated proportions of the art print emphasize the subject of long, narrow canal boats, adding to the whimsical and magical atmosphere of the scene. The vivid colours and intricate details make it easy for the viewer to lose themselves in this enchanting moment, which celebrates the beauty of Cambridge and the everyday wonder that surrounds us.
I hope this painting will move viewer’s imagination by bringing together elements of nature, leisure, and architecture to create a unique and captivating piece.
This art print would make a wonderful gift for anyone who appreciates the beauty of Cambridge and the charm of narrow boats and canal boats. It is a unique and memorable way to capture the magic of a summer day spent enjoying the scenery and the company of loved ones. If you have friends or family members who are fans of boating or canal life, this art print would be a perfect addition to their home decor.
Discover more:
- narrow boat
- canal boat
- long boat
- King’s College Chapel
- a fragment of Gibb’s Building
Maids Causeway House
Watercolour painting of building on Maids Causeway in Cambridge.
The watercolour painting depicts a stunning Georgian era residential building located on Maids Causeway in Cambridge. The artwork showcases a vibrant and colourful “house portrait” that perfectly captures the essence of this period building.
One notable feature of the painting is the clever use of colour, which beautifully captures the golden hour effect. The painting portrays half of the building in shadow, adding a layer of depth and intrigue to the overall composition. The careful use of colours creates a serene and inviting atmosphere, making the painting an ideal addition to any art lover’s collection.
In addition to the stunning building, the painting also features two interesting characters, a troll and a witch, flanking the building. These unique figures add an element of whimsy and magic to the painting, perfectly complementing the overall theme of the artwork. Interestingly, the inspiration for the characters came from the client’s brief, adding a personalized touch to this commissioned artwork.
Round Church in Cambridge (Christmas Edition)
Christmas edition print of The Round Church In Cambridge. It’s not seen very often with thick layer of snow and cosy light inside. Have yourself a Merry little Cambridge Christmas.
The Round Church in Cambridge, also known as the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, is a 12th-century church located in the heart of the city. It is one of the few surviving round churches in England and is a Grade I listed building. The church is renowned for its unique circular architecture, which was inspired by the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. The Round Church has been a place of worship for over 800 years and is the second oldest building in Cambridge. The interior of the church features an impressive stone vaulted ceiling and an ornately decorated altar. The church is open to visitors and is a popular tourist attraction, offering a glimpse into Cambridge’s history.
The Flying Pig Pub
Print based on watercolour of “The Flying Pig Pub” in Cambridge is an imaginative depiction of the beloved pub.
The painting features the pub building suspended under a massive pig-shaped balloon, as Syd Barrett and David Gilmour have a conversation on top of the balloon about the cover of “The Dark Side of the Moon”. The painting also features the landlords of the pub standing at the doors, as if they were watching the scene unfold.
The painting captures the whimsical spirit of the pub, and is a tribute to the pub’s history and the people who have made it such a beloved institution. The painting also serves as a reminder that the pub was always a place of fun, friendship, great music nights and will live on in many people’s memories.
This painting serves as a reminder of the Flying Pig Pub – as the pub is closed now – and it could even be partially demolished by developers.
Discover more:
- original Pink Floyd member Syd Barrett is said to have met future Floyd guitarist David Gilmour there in the 1950s
- famous Pink Floyd’s balloon named “Algie” that was present on the “Animals” album cover
- David Gilmour holding the prism – referring to “The Dark side of the Moon” album
- managers of the pub (Justine and Matt) standing on deconstructed steps leading to the pub
- pub was named “The Flying Pig” by landlord Mick Clelford in the 1980s as he was a pilot and nicknamed “The Pig” (hence the propeller over the main doors)
Jesus College Gatehouse
Print based on original watercolour painting of Jesus College Gatehouse in Cambridge.
(College Master sending ‘Okukor’ home)
Discover more:
- Jesus College Gatehouse seen from the ‘Chimney’ – the term is derived from the Middle French word cheminée, for “little path” or “little way”
- combined choirs of the Jesus College Choir and the Chapel Choir performing on the rooftops
- four Jesus College permanent collection sculptures (1.Barry Flanagan – Bronze Horse 2.Richard Bray – Maple Three Piece 3.Cornelia Parker – Moon Landing 4.Barry Flanagan – The Cricketer)
- ‘Okukor’ – a bronze cockerel statue (held by Jesus College, Cambridge, from 1905 to 2021) flying off on the balloon back to Nigeria (balloon in Nigerian national colours)
- Jesus College rowboats gliding through the clouds (recognisable black and red college colours)
- Finch – one of the two college cats siting on the wall
- and last but not least – a small character of Sonita Alleyne on the top of the gate – the first black master of an Oxbridge college