London Archives - Nicola Ann Art

May 06

by Nicola in London, Nature, The United Kingdom 0 comments tags: Bluebells, Hampstead, Hampstead Heath, London, Spring

Late bluebell bloomers in hampstead heath

I captured the bluebells too early this season. Because of the cooler spring this year, they bloomed later than usual and didn’t appear as prolific throughout Hampstead Heath. DID YOU KNOW? The United Kingdom has more than half of the word’s bluebells. IN THE LANGUAGE OF FLOWERS The bluebell is a symbol of humility, constancy, gratitude and everlasting love. It is said that if you turn a bluebell flower inside-out without tearing it, you will win the one you love, and if you wear a wreath of bluebells you will only be able to speak the truth. Read more at the Woodland Trust: here.

Feb 20

by Nicola in Cities, Cycling, London, The United Kingdom, Uncategorized 0 comments tags: Battersea, Camden, Electric cycling, Hampstead, Houses of Parliament, Leave the Herd Behind, Lime, London

Electric Cycling in lockdown

‘What’s different to do in Lockdown? Other than varying our walks through Hampstead and its surroundings.’ ‘I know, let’s try out electric cycling? An Uber JUMP bike, is it?’ ‘Hey, there’s two right there…’ Such exhilarating fun! We had to do it again a few weeks later.

Feb 10

by Nicola in London, Nature 0 comments tags: Hampstead, Hampstead Heath, London, snow

Snowy Hampstead Heath

Sun, snow, blue sky and running free in Hampstead Heath. Photographs captured by iPhone 8 whilst in Lockdown.

Jan 16

by Nicola in Beach, Cities, London 0 comments tags: Bermondsey, London, Nicola Ann Art, Nicola Beykirch, River Thames, Tower Bridge

London’s “Riviera”

Mind the hissing swans at Tower Beach… Photographs captured by iPhone 8 whilst in Lockdown.

Jun 06

by Nicola in London, The United Kingdom 0 comments tags: Berkeley Square, COVID-19, Crawling, Lockdown, London, Nicola Ann Art, Nicola Beykirch, Sophie Ryder

London easing out of lockdown…

It still felt as though the city was abandoned; a ghost town, never seen before in my lifetime. Mmm… The sound of silence. I could count the total number of people passed, social-distancing, of course, on both hands. From Regent’s Park, we headed to Great Portland Street, Oxford Circus, Marble Arch, Hyde Park, Mayfair, Maddox Gallery and Berkeley Square where I marvelled at “Crawling” by Sophie Ryder. ‘To me it encompasses so many emotions. The lady is strong and confident and she is moving along which makes one wonder “where is she going?” ‘She is a bronze that I scaled up from the maquette by eye from very small, straight to very large, which is a very difficult process as normally its done in several more stages than that. ‘I worked on it for a long time, 16 hours a day back in 1999. The first attempt collapsed on top of me in one big crash! I was a bit bruised and battered but learnt then that my structures needed to be better thought out. I had wasted a couple of months of work but gained years of experience. ‘Sculpture should adapt to its surroundings and be good from every […]

Mar 29

by Nicola in London, Nature, The United Kingdom 0 comments tags: Blue Bells, Hampstead, Hampstead Heath, London, nature, Nicola Ann Art, Nicola Beykirch

blue bells blooming early Hampstead Heath

The blue bells blooming early this year, due to the balmy weather, in Hampstead Heath during lockdown. A treat to see them each day, as long as they lasted, while ‘participating in one form of daily exercise outdoors’, as instructed by Boris. “Moments of solitude with Mother Nature is sunshine to a soul.” — Anthony Douglas Williams

Sep 20

by Nicola in Art 6 comments tags: Amazing Affordable Art, Art For Sale, Limited Edition Prints, London, Original Artwork, Prints For Sale, The United Kingdom

Nicola Ann Art; A Life Worth Creating

NICOLA ANN ART. AMAZING. AFFORDABLE. ART Art lifts the soul. I believe that something so vital shouldn’t be reserved for the rich and famous. Nicola Ann Art uses modern thinking and technology to bring beautiful, original pieces to everyone who loves creative flair in their home and workspace. Let your wild imagination run and allow your artwork choice to reflect your unique personality and style. Do you need help finding Amazing Affordable Art you love? Do you seek an original, a print or even a commissioned piece? Do not hesitate to Contact Nicola Ann Art at any time. NICOLA ANN ART’ MASSIVE ACTION Nicola Ann Art is about creating purpose through art. I am in the process of applying for funding and sponsorship, to offer Art classes (free of charge) to challenged communities in London. These classes are open to all age and ethnic groups (maximum of ten per class), to encourage expression in positive ways. Art becomes an outlet, a way to connect with like-minded people and feel a part of something; mightily motivational. By approaching local businesses, libraries and medical centres, I hope they’ll feel inspired enough to display the artwork, helping the creators feel powerfully purposeful. Imagine […]

Jan 22

by Nicola in Architecture, Back2Blighty, Cities, London, The United Kingdom, Uncategorized 2 comments tags: Back2Blighty, BeanOn Photography, Canary Wharf, London, Piccadilly Circus, The Shard, The United Kingdom, Tower Bridge, Tower of London, Trafalgar Square

London Calling

The entire day spent photographing around London (two days before I left for South Africa) and I didn’t manage to shoot all on my list. I’d run out of time. Perhaps it’s a sign for me to return, use that return ticket of mine and enjoy the UK’s summer. But only the summer… At Canary Wharf my friend asked a security guard, one of many security guards spotted strolling around the wharf, about photographing the shopping centre. Apparently, all in the name of terrorism, we needed a permit to take photos inside and outside of the mall. Obtained from the management of the shopping centre, we had to apply online – advised in order to avoid a hefty fine up to £100k, depending if they could prove we were using the shots for promotional purposes. “You have pro equipment and look like pros,” he said. Out in the open, I spotted a security guard standing outside a building I wanted to photograph, and so I asked him if it was okay; as long as I wasn’t going to be filming, and we were not hanging around taking millions of photos. Just as I’d finished setting up and leaned forward […]

London’s South Bank and more

My experimentation with long exposure, night and HDR photography took place recently over 2 days and a night along London’s South Bank and more. I shan’t be repeating the night photography stint, lasting from 10pm until 2am, in a hurry. I’m surprised I still have my fingers and toes attached. I’d even donned three layers of clothing on every major part of my body and it felt as if I was wandering around naked, while the temperature played around 4 degrees. I just don’t believe my body functions optimally in the cold, perhaps. One problem that nearly drove me to fling my camera in to the River Thames was trying to get Elizabeth Tower supporting Big Ben in focus. Albeit doing everything by the book. Tripod, focus set to infinity etc. And still no such luck. Return I shall to practice, but only in the summer. Why I didn’t capture the night shots during the summer months is beyond even me. I don’t believe any of the photographs requires an introduction… I loved the different looks by night and by day, and how lights at night can transform the dullest of dull structures, such as the […]

Aug 20

by Nicola in Art, Back2Blighty, Exhibition, The United Kingdom 0 comments tags: Back2Blighty, BeanOn Photography, Competition, London, Photography competition, Photography Exhibition, Royal Geographical Society, The United Kingdom, Travel Photographer Of The Year

Competitive travel photographer?

Ever fancy yourself as a competitive travel photographer? Well, the 2016 competition for the Travel Photographer Of The Year is now accepting entries. To see what you’re up against, take a trip to the Royal Geographical Society in London to view the first showing of this year’s winners. Close to Hyde Park on the corner of Kensington Gore and Exhibition Road, you will find the gallery. Make sure you visit before the 5th September 2015 and when the weather is good. The main exhibition is free; however, if you desire to pick the judges minds you can do so at a cost. I enjoyed the sun on my back while viewing the stunning photography on large stands out in the open. The glaciers with the setting sun and colours of the sky reflecting, glistening off the frozen water especially drew my eye. Now I crave to photograph the Northern Lights; watch this space! The categories include: Tribes; Earth, Air, Fire, Water; Spirit Of Adventure, Destinations; One Moment; Monochromal; Wild & Vibrant; Travelogue; Travel Shorts. #iPhonePhotography