RECENT COMMISSIONS Extract from Art In Parliament Published by Jarrold Publishing 1996
The Queen's State Carriage as it emerges from Horse Guards Parade onto Whitehall, bringing the Monarch to the State Opening of Parliament at the Palace of Westminster amidst a flurry of pageantry, is one of a series of five subjects on the collective theme 'Highlights of London', which Jake Sutton was commissioned to paint for the House of Commons. His is a special talent, seizing a single moment and re-creating its splendour with apparent spontaneity in his vibrant, light-filled watercolour compositions. The same vigour clearly flows from The Last Night of the Proms, one of the most successful of the series, and a favourite subject of the artist's - where his exploration of the musicians as they fill the Albert Hall with sound under the direction of the conductor results in a riot of colour visibly pulsating over the watercolour. Sketches made during these events were used as aides-memoire by the artist as he built up the final compositions, which are very much a celebration of the artist's own enjoyment of the occasions.
The other subjects in the series are The Lord Major's Show, The Changing of the Guard and Royal Ascot, the artist also supplying a supporting sketch for each of the five watercolours. Subsequently an additional eight works were acquired, including a second watercolour of Ascot and further sketches in support of the other subjects.
Jake Sutton's work is as colourful as it is diverse. He demonstrates equal mastery of subjects such as musicians and theatre, the world of make-believe in circus and pantomime, horseracing, Henley Regatta, the French Riviera and even the arrival of tall ships in Hamburg.
Malcolm Hay 1996 Curator of Works of Art Palace of Westminster
The Palace of Westminster has kindly given permission for the watercolour of 'Last Night of the Proms' to be made into a limited edition print. The print is available from the Kim Sutton Gallery Prints