Painting the Angel of the North

Posted by Joanne Wishart on July 30, 2024

My avid art followers will know I’m increasingly becoming inspired to create paintings of the most iconic places and landmarks in the North East, and the Angel of the North is no doubt top of the list when it comes to painting the North East's finest features.

In this blog I’ll be sharing my latest painting inspired by the Antony Gormley sculpture in Gateshead, giving insights into my creative process from sketchbook to painting, through to canvas art.

Angel of the North a symbolic landmark

So why is the Angel of the North such an iconic landmark and so important to the people of the North East? Let's delve deeper into its creation and history.

The Angel of the North, a striking steel sculpture located in Gateshead, England, was designed by renowned artist Antony Gormley and completed in 1998. Standing 20 metres tall with a wingspan of 54 metres, it is one of the largest and most recognizable sculptures in the UK. The artwork was commissioned as part of an effort to regenerate the area and celebrate its industrial heritage, particularly the coal mining industry that once thrived there. Despite initial controversy and scepticism which I remember vividly at the time, the Angel of the North has become a beloved landmark, symbolising resilience and renewal, and attracting millions of visitors each year. Personally when I see it on the horizon from the A1 motorway it’s the moment you realise you are home after a long car journey!

Picturing the Angel of the North

The starting point of all of my paintings is about finding the perfect viewpoint to paint. Sketchbook and camera in hand I begin with a visit to the Angel of the North sculpture. The sky is blue and the summer months show a flourish of wildflowers in the foreground which add a soft contrast to the heavy sculpture standing proud on the hill. With my viewpoint found, let the creativity begin!

My sketchbook is the place I first create my composition for the painting, capturing the scene of that day. The light, the placement, the texture, the movement are all things I’m looking for in the research for my painting. It’s not about perfection, it’s about capturing the moment.

Secondary is my iphone camera where I snap and video the scene, for referencing those little details back in the studio. Often I share videos of my creative explorations on my TIKTOK and YouTube channels so pop over and give me a follow if you want to see a little bit more.

Angel of the North Canvas Prints

Shop Angel of the North in Bloom Print

My original painting of the Angel of the North is available for you to enjoy in your home as either a paper print or a canvas art print (add link). The Angel of the North canvas art print makes the perfect memento of the North East in all of its glory and would look great as a statement piece of art in your home. This rendition of a perfect summer's day, with blue skies and wildflowers blowing in the breeze, sets the perfect scene for the Angel of the North to look at her best.

You can choose to have this picture hung as a wrap around box canvas art or as a framed picture. Like I mentioned earlier in the blog, the image of the Angel signifies to me and many others that feeling of being home, belonging and being proud of our heritage here in the North East.

If you are looking for a stand out piece of art which just speaks of the North East I hope I have delivered it here! I just love to explore, paint and share my work with fellow lovers of the North East and I’d love you all to visit my art gallery one day where you can see the complete showcase of my work.

Share the Angel of the North as a wonderful gift

A thoughtful gift or small memento of the region is a kind way to give someone a little piece of the North East. In our art gallery we are delighted to stock a range of Angel of the North giftware, including cushions, coasters, jewellery and ceramic hanging decorations. There's something for every pocket whether it's a big or small gift you are looking for.