top of page

Inland Waterways, Engineering & Industrial Heritage Paintings

Paintings celebrating Inland Waterways, Engineering & Industrial Heritage by Janice Lyall

Paintings include Historic Gloucester Docks, Herefordshire & Gloucestershire Canal, the River Severn.

Gloucester Heritage Trade Centre of the West Gloucester's geographical position helped it become the Trade Centre of the West. It was the lowest river crossing with plentiful canal systems, had excellent rail, tram and road links and was nestled in the more temperate valley below the Cotswold Hills. Mixed media painting by Janice Lyall	Moored Up, for the Night Historic Gloucester Docks periodically hosts a Tall Ships Festival, adored by its citizens. After the daytime crowds have dispersed, there is a calmness and serenity in the warm evening air. Acrylic painting by Janice Lyall	'Tall Ship in Gloucester Docks' 'Rugged ropes lie still, No wind bearing upon sails, At rest for the night' #haiku poem Acrylic painting by Janice Lyall
Approaching Llanthony Bridge by Janice Lyall The Gloucester to Sharpness canal is also home to a plethora of narrow boats, which can often be seen tied up against the canal sides. Today these are predominantly pleasure boats, unlike the boats of the past which used to be laden with cargo. Acrylic painting by Janice Lyall	Baker's Quay New Life Still Awaits The last time I painted Baker's Quay in Gloucester Docks, I was impressed by its shape and colour. Sadly, the damage to Baker's Quay is even more extensive. However, not all is lost. It still retains its dramatic waterside presence and awaits a remarkable rebirth. Acrylic Painting by Janice Lyall	Gloucester Docks under a Starry Sky The old Victorian warehouses, once full of supplies from ships are sometimes used as the spectacular backdrops for period films. Acrylic painting by Janice Lyall
'Sunset outside the studio' 'Colour reaches out, Towards the sun as it sets, Leaving dark shadows' #haiku poem Acrylic painting by Janice Lyall	From North Warehouse by Janice Lyall There is a commanding view of the dock basin from the North Warehouse, which is an excellent lookout for seeing ships enter the dock after their passage along the Sharpness to Gloucester Canal. Watercolour painting by Janice Lyall	'Working Docks' 'Rust, steel, anchors With chains hammered together, Wrought by industry' #haiku poem Acrylic painting by Janice Lyall
Baker's Quay and Lightship in need of restoration There are great plans to re-develop Baker's Quay, which will give new life to the thriving area of Gloucester Docks. The lightship is up for sale - who will be the next owner? Watercolour painting by Janice Lyall	Gloucester Heritage in flames Gloucester citizens were deeply upset to witness the destruction of some of the finest, Victorian dock buildings in the country. I wonder what they would have looked like when the docks were just built. Acrylic painting by Janice Lyall	Sun rising over Llanthony Bridge The early morning at Gloucester Docks has always been a time of preparation for the journey ahead. It is a time to breathe in deep, stretch up to the sky, exhale, then check the cargo and set off.. Acrylic painting by Janice Lyall
Baker's Quay awaiting re-development Baker's Quay in Gloucester Docks abandoned for over 20 years stands hopeful along the quayside, awaiting re-development Watercolour painting by Janice Lyall	A Colourful River Crossing This small footbridge over the River Severn was the only access to Llanthony Lock House and all provisions, including electricity, water and heavy items of furniture had to be carried across it. Water in the pipes froze in winter, so water had to be manually carried in ice and snow! Watercolour painting on cardboard by Janice Lyall	Llanthony Lock House Footbridge There is no road access to Llanthony Lock House. The pathway is via this footbridge across the river Severn, then over a second footbridge across the lock. The route is both idyllic and tranquil on a sunny day when the flowers are in bloom. The H&G Canal Trust are carefully restoring Llanthony Lock House in preparation for the lock itself to be re-instigated. Acrylic painting by Janice Lyall
Early Morning Mist Telford's Bridge It is always a delight to look south eastwards when passing Telford's Bridge on the A40. When the early morning mist is rising and the sun is just breaking through...its exhilarating! Acrylic painting by Janice Lyall	Gloucester Docks Festival Time On a still night, the water in Gloucester Docks appears as a mirror which is beautifully lit up on a clear night during the Tall Ships' Festivals Acrylic painting by Janice Lyall	Gloucester Docks, Past, Present and Future copyright.JPG The docks at Gloucester have had a magnificent past linking the River Severn to the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal, the Herefordshire and Gloucestershire Canal, railways and road systems. Watercolour painting by Janice Lyall
The Homecoming The arrival of the Tall Ships to Gloucester Docks is a spectacular site, witnessed by hundreds of well wishers standing on the quayside. Acrylic painting by Janice Lyall	Dragon Boat Racing at Gloucester Doc The beat of the drum provides the rhythm to the team. Does the team understand its members well enough to set a sustainable pace working together? Can the team increase its beat as in the 'Hall of the Mountain Kings'? Even on a cold rainy day, its a very colourful event not to be missed. Acrylic painting by Janice Lyall	Gloucester Heritage West Gate and Bridge Gloucester has had a succession of bridges at both sides of Alney Island. The stone bridges led into West Gate, which provided fortification against many foe through the centuries. Positioned alongside the former castle, it must have been quite a sight! Watercolour painting by Janice Lyall
Uncovering the Bridge at Oxenhall - Copyright.JPG Stretches of the Herefordshire and Gloucestershire Canal are still to be found beneath a covering of vegetation. Volunteers are busy restoring the canal to enable future generations to enjoy them. Acrylic painting by Janice Lyall	Gloucester Heritage Telfords Bridge Thomas Telford built his bridges to last. This bridge no longer takes the A40 traffic, but hosts crowds of people eager to see the high Severn Bore. Acrylic painting by Janice Lyall	Sun beating down on Llanthony Lock House Llanthony Lock House is busily being restored by the incredibly friendly and active team of canal trust volunteers. The last lock house keeper who loved tending the garden, would be most impressed. Acrylic painting by Janice Lyall
Oxenhall Tunnel Imagine being a narrow boat worker navigating the 1.24 miles of Oxenhall Tunnel. How exhausted would you be from lying on your back and using your legs to walk the walls, as your only means of forward motion? No head torches, just candle light. Acrylic painting by Janice Lyall	Gloucester Heritage a lower River Severn crossing Gloucester was the lowest river crossing until this magnificent Severn Bridge was built. A feat of civil engineering and determination to span the distance. Oil pastel painting by Janice Lyall	The Colours of H&GCT 'Bosley' is a canal boat moored on the Herefordshire and Gloucestershire canal basin at Over, Gloucestershire - the home of the H&G Canal Trust Acrylic Painting by Janice Lyall
Still playing its part at Purton Along the banks of the River Severn near Purton are numerous wrecks of trows which were purposely beached with the aim of reducing soil erosion. In their hey day, there would have been a constant stream of them navigating the river and Gloucester to Sharpness canal Acrylic painting by Janice Lyall	Oxenhall Lock The area surrounding the recently restored lock at Oxenhall is lovingly tended by canal trust volunteers, much to the appreciation of young amateur naturalists. A beautiful spot with some wonderful walks nearby Acrylic painting by Janice Lyall	'Autumn Colour' by Janice Lyall Autumn - a symphony in the woods. it begins with the subtle change of colour in one species, followed by the light dropping of leaves, reaching a crescendo. New light is seen between the branches that creak in the winds. The rhythm of change. Acrylic painting by Janice Lyall
'Three Trees' 'Three trees bent over, Their dark reflections rippling' Spreading out in waves' #haiku poem Oil painting by Janice Lyall	'Icy Bend' 'Dark, thick ice crackles, Across its frozen surface, Water moves beneath' #haiku poem Oil painting by Janice Lyall	Spring Along the Towpath by Janice Canals undergoing restoration are a haven for wildlife and fauna. This section of the Herefordshire & Gloucestershire canal has glorious waterlilies stretching across it. Acrylic painting by Janice Lyall
'Ironbridge' Acrylic Painting by Janice Lyall to celebrate Industrial Heritage & Thomas Telford	Over Basin Late Summer The colours of late summer appear to buzz vibrantly beside the canal basin, as the warm heat rises into the blue sky. A great day for strolling along watching for damsel flies and grasshoppers. Acrylic painting by Janice Lyall	Gloster Hurricane The Gloster Hurriance built by the Gloster Aircraft Company. An acrylic painting by Janice Lyall
Gloster Meteor A Gloster Meteor climbing high into the sky, built by the Gloster Aircraft Company. An acrylic painting by Janice Lyall	The 'Bends' on the Severn Pilots navigating by the River Severn will recognise this part of the river with it's treacherous sand banks and shallows glistening in the sun. Acrylic painting by Janice Lyall	H&G Canal Early Mist Rising In the ethereal mist of an Autumn morning, when the air is still and the low sun highlights cobwebs and thin twigs on trees, it is easy to imagine watersprites and dragons. Acrylic painting by Janice Lyall
Gloucester Heritage the wide River Severn The River Severn widens significantly below Gloucester, which was the lowest crossing point until last century. When the river is between tides, it seems tranquil and reflects the drama of the skies above. Watercolour painting by Janice Lyall	A Gathering of Trees along the Canal Line Avenues of trees, originally planted to provide shade for the harnessed horses, can often be seen along the original route of tow paths. They seem to tower so high, where canal sides were banked. Watercolour and soft pastel painting by Janice Lyall	Spring at Wharf House In springtime, fresh life bursts forth alongside the Over canal basin. The Ox eye daisies never fail to put a smile on the faces of even the most hardened canal volunteers. To young children, they are the daisies of giants. Acrylic painting by Janice Lyall
Fertile banks of the River Severn The Severn Vale is fertile and traditionally good for farming, providing the floods don't last too long! The river banks are bursting with life. Pastel painting by Janice Lyall	The current moves swiftly along the River Severn The fast and treacherous currents in the River Severn can often look misleading. They run deep and as the tide changes, they race in faster than any express train. Pastel Painting by Janice Lyall	H&G Canal Late Afternoon The failing light in the late afternoon when looking away from the sunset, gives a subdued drama over the canal which is rich in contrast between darks and lights. Acrylic painting by Janice Lyall
Approaching Malswick The spotlight is on the next phase of the canal restoration. This is my imaginary view of a partially restored canal to reflect Herefordshire & Gloucestershire Canal Trust restoration project. Acrylic painting by conservation artist Janice Lyall.	The Impressionist Line of Canal On flat land, canals sometimes appear as second horizons. Its often the avenue of trees that give them away. This is my impressionist interpretation of the canal line to support the restoration project of the Herefordshire and Gloucestershire Canal Trust. An acrylic painting by conservation artist Janice Lyall	The 'Turneresque' Line of Canal The canal landscape is as dramatic as the weather and sky. The flat lines of the canal landscape emphasise the vastness of the sky. Just couldn't resist my interpretation of a Turner sky Acrylic painting by Janice Lyall
The Race Upstream The journey of elvers racing upstream of the River Severn, helped along by the Severn Bore. Acrylic painting by conservation artist Janice Lyall	Elvers swept along on the Tide On a moonlit evening during the Spring high tides, on the banks of the Severn, elver fishermen wait with their nets ready, in great anticipation of the elvers being swept upstream. Mixed media painting by Janice Lyall	First Colours of Morning above the Canal Very early in the morning, when the sun first breaks through the veil of mist rising above the water surface, there is just a hint of colour. Its an uplifting moment and there is still an entire day ahead! Charcoal and pastel painting by Janice Lyall
Growing Strong Beside the Canal The canal watersides are rich in wildflowers. Each week a different flower takes pride of place to outshine the others. I love to catch them as they burst into bloom Mixed media painting by Janice Lyall	Springtime at Over Basin Springtime is the colour of yellow beside the canal. The yellow irises are so vibrant as they forecast the summer ahead. Acrylic painting by Janice Lyall	Mid Afternoon Thaw Just before the sun sets in winter, before the temperature drops, the drip, drips of the thaw can be heard in the stillness Acrylic painting by Janice Lyall

bottom of page