Express Essence

The Daily Express Building's iconic architecture is older than it looks. Originally built in the 1930s, this one in Manchester is the third to be built in this style. For years full of printing gear in action creating the next copy of the paper. When the presses were active, they were something to behold when seen through the glass front. I passed them daily and from the top deck of a bus, the view was impressive.

Creation
The picture is painted on watercolour paper. I start off with a detailed pencil drawing. I then draw over the lines with masking fluid before painting it with a watercolour wash which gets covered with clingfilm. Once this is removed the picture is further developed using acrylic inks which are left to dry before the masking is removed to reveal the final picture.