{"id":150014,"date":"2025-10-28T18:20:14","date_gmt":"2025-10-28T18:20:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/150014\/"},"modified":"2025-10-28T18:20:14","modified_gmt":"2025-10-28T18:20:14","slug":"tarka-kings-renders-intimate-portraits-of-a-morning-routine-in-graphite-and-colored-pencil-colossal","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/150014\/","title":{"rendered":"Tarka Kings Renders Intimate Portraits of a Morning Routine in Graphite and Colored Pencil \u2014 Colossal"},"content":{"rendered":"

Along Britain\u2019s sea coasts, an iconic summertime scene unfolds in outdoor pools known as lidos, where the swimming area is often built right into the beach. Some are more developed with fresh water, chlorinated like indoor pools, while others may be less formal, with the tides pushing saltwater over low walls.<\/p>\n

The tradition is closely related to another beloved pastime, \u201cwild swimming<\/a>,\u201d where enthusiasts take a dip in lakes, rivers, and seashores. It\u2019s often social, further benefiting people\u2019s mental and physical wellbeing, and wild swimming clubs have become increasingly popular. For British artist Tarka Kings<\/a>, the routine of these timeless recreational attractions lays the groundwork for a series of intimate drawings.<\/p>\n

\"a\u201cSwans\u201d (2024), graphite and colored pencil on gesso panel, 26 x 26 centimeters. Photo by Matthew Hollow<\/p>\n

Mornings at the Lido, the artist\u2019s recent solo exhibition at Offer Waterman<\/a>, highlights Kings\u2019 use of graphite and colored pencil to create quiet, pensive, and relatable compositions. From getting dressed in a changing room to sitting at a cafe along the Serpentine lake in London\u2019s Hyde Park, which features its own lido, King observes everyday yet transitional moments between interior and exterior, action and stillness, and community and solitude.<\/p>\n

Since 2008, Kings has worked almost exclusively with graphite and colored pencil. Her pieces pull from experience, with the addition of models and photographic references, as the artist swims almost daily and looks over the River Thames from her studio. \u201cKings\u2019 relationship with water, and its dynamic within the city of London, is an integral part of her work,\u201d the gallery says.<\/p>\n

Follow updates on the artist\u2019s Instagram<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"aDetail of \u201cThe Changing Room III\u201d<\/p>\n

\"a\u201cBath Mat II\u201d (2024), graphite and colored pencil on gesso panel, 41 x 51 centimeters. Photo by Matthew Hollow<\/p>\n

\"a\u201cBy the Lake\u201d (2025), graphite and colored pencil on Arches paper, 67 x 102 centimeters. Photo by Matthew Hollow<\/p>\n

\"a\u201cRed Flag\u201d (2025), graphite and colored pencil on Arches paper, 66 x 95 centimeters. Photo by Prudence Cuming Associates<\/p>\n

\"a\u201cThe Changing Room IV\u201d (2025), graphite and colored pencil on Arches paper, 34.5 x 28.5 centimeters. Photo by Matthew Hollow<\/p>\n

\"aDetail of \u201cSwans\u201d<\/p>\n

Do stories and artists like this matter to you?<\/strong> Become a Colossal Member<\/a> now, and support independent arts publishing.<\/p>\n