After the Rain

After the Rain catching the sunlight reflecting on puddles.

The sun shines brilliantly in the sky, as it emerges from behind a heavy purple cloud. Sunlight reflects on the wet surfaces left by the recent heavy rainfall. White sparkles on the road. Large puddles reflect on the pavement, where the paving stones break up the surface.

The top of the Victoria Embankment wall glitters with light and the barest hint of reflection defined the outlines of street lights and distant buildings.

The Sun's brightness breaks up into rays that fan out from it's glowing heart. Framed with trees whose thinning leaves are made semi transparent with light. Glowing green with the remaining colour of autumn.

Four friends are on a walk together. Two women and two men on a journey by the Thames and enjoying the break in the weather. Their footsteps light and their conversations flowing. We can't hear, we can only guess what they may be. Talk of love, or the day's events perhaps.

Long Shadows extend down from the figures, creating a dramatic effect amid the sunlight reflecting on puddles. The painting is dark and light with very little in between. Looking at the darks, the initial perception is of black, but within seconds the rich deep colours emerge. The dark blues and purples of the sky. Deep greens of the trees and the browns and greens of the paving, walls and distant buildings. We may even be able to hear the sound of footsteps splashing in the puddles, if we apply some imagination. It feels like it should be quiet, but we are at the heart of the city of London. There is traffic nearby on London Bridge and on the Thames, boats pass hidden behind the embankment wall.

At the top of that the sound of conversation hear in passing. Gone and possibly forgotton. Or, maybe, remembered as one of those special moments that imprint themselves on our memory forever. To be recalled at will and discussed at length over a hot drink, at the end of a long day.

Stolen moments, and stolen conversations.