Anne Swankie
Anne is known for her evocative paintings of rainy London scenes, particularly around Piccadilly Circus, where wet pavements reflect the light from the statue of Eros.
Anne Swankie developed an enduring fascination with rainy urban scenes, particularly around Piccadilly Circus, where wet pavements reflect sky light. This theme became central to her work, with many paintings featuring umbrellas near the statue of Eros.
Piccadilly Circus Wet Evening jpeg
Despite art being her favourite school subject, Anne pursued office work for 25 years before making a pivotal career change, enrolling in part-time classes at Richmond Adult College under tutors Jill Storey and Kevin Chapman.
Kings Cross Station jpeg
Her first public exhibition at Pembroke Lodge in Richmond Park proved transformative — when viewers purchased her paintings, she found the encouragement to continue. In 1995, she joined Richmond Art Society, serving as secretary while exhibiting her work and attending lectures.
Temple Bar Red Umbrella jpeg
Recognition expanded when her work was accepted into the Pastel Society annual exhibition at the Mall Galleries and the Society of Women Artists. A pivotal moment came at the Watercolours and Drawings Fair at the Park Lane Hotel, where she met John Iddon, who became her agent and friend, representing her work at London art fairs for two decades.
Anne continues studying life drawing and watercolour with Kevin Chapman, finding the practice continually challenging and rewarding.