Capturing the Vibrancy of Pre-COVID London in My Red Abstract Oil Painting
- Kay Hare
- Feb 22
- 3 min read
The city of London before the COVID-19 pandemic was a place pulsing with energy. Streets filled with professionals, the hum of commerce, and the relentless rhythm of business created a unique atmosphere. I sought to capture this dynamic spirit in my latest oil painting, a large abstract work measuring 120 by 100 cm. This piece channels the strength and endurance of London’s financial heartbeat through bold reds, sharp edges, and subtle numeric details inspired by stock market data.
The Inspiration Behind the Painting
London’s financial district was thriving before the pandemic. The city’s pulse was driven by thousands of people commuting to offices, engaging in face-to-face meetings, and the constant flow of money through stock markets and businesses. This environment created a unique energy — a blend of urgency, strength, and endurance.
I wanted to translate this energy into a visual form. The painting’s dominant red colour symbolises strength and endurance, qualities that defined the city’s workforce and economy at the time. Red also evokes a sense of urgency and passion, reflecting the fast-paced city life.
The sharp edges in the composition represent the precision and, at times, the harsh realities of financial markets. Beneath these shapes, I embedded numbers reminiscent of stock prices and market indices, grounding the abstract forms in the tangible world of commerce.
The Process of Creating the Painting
Creating a large oil painting of this scale required careful planning and layering. I began with a rough sketch to outline the composition, focusing on the balance between sharp geometric shapes and fluid areas of color. The numbers were added in thin layers, almost hidden beneath the surface, to create a sense of depth and complexity.
The red tones were built up gradually, mixing different shades to achieve vibrancy without overwhelming the viewer. I used a palette knife to create sharp edges and texture, giving the painting a tactile quality that invites closer inspection.
This layering technique mirrors the layers of activity in the city itself — beneath the visible surface of streets and buildings lies a complex network of transactions, decisions, and human interactions.
What the Painting Represents
This painting is more than just an abstract work; it is a visual narrative of a specific moment in time. It captures:
The energy of a city at its economic peak
The rhythm of daily life driven by deadlines and meetings
The strength and endurance of individuals powering the financial engine
The underlying data that drives decisions and markets
By combining abstract forms with numeric elements, the painting invites viewers to reflect on the relationship between human activity and the numbers that quantify it.
How Viewers Can Connect With the Work
Abstract art often leaves room for personal interpretation. For those familiar with London’s pre-pandemic business environment, this painting may evoke memories of crowded streets, the buzz of office life, or the tension of market fluctuations.
For others, the bold red and sharp shapes can communicate universal themes of power, resilience, and complexity. The embedded numbers add a layer of intrigue, encouraging viewers to look deeper and consider the invisible forces shaping our world.
Bringing the Painting Into Your Space
Due to its size and bold colour palette, this painting makes a strong statement in any room. It works well in spaces that benefit from energy and focus, such as:
Creative studios
Modern living rooms
Office spaces that welcome inspiration
Red tones can complement neutral decor or contrast with cooler colours to add visual interest.
Final Thoughts on Capturing a Moment in Time
This painting is a tribute to a vibrant period in London’s history, a time when the city’s energy was palpable, and the business world thrived face-to-face. Through colour, form, and hidden details, I aimed to preserve that spirit on canvas.
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