21.8.21

There are two nuclear power stations nearby. Over the years I have enjoyed sketching them, and yesterday discovered a new vantage point, more perfect than any other. The construction for the Heysham II reactor started in 1979 and was ready for use in 1988. It is intended to run until 2030. The construction is fascinating and resembles a huge modernist sculpture or even giant pieces of Lego. There are many blocks in different colours that interlock and form something wholly pleasing aesthetically. I painted this in a small sketchbook and only had time to complete two-thirds as the tide was coming in. It may sound crazy to be so enthused by a nuclear reactor but this is the effect of looking at everything from a purely visual perspective. This small watercolour put me in mind of Paul Klee. I'm almost as fired up as that nuclear reactor and excited about revisiting that spot again