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Christmas Lights in London

Christmas is a truly magical time to be in London. This painting captures the joyful spirit of Oxford Street’s dazzling Christmas lights, inspired by my memories of the festive season in London, England. As one of the city’s most iconic shopping streets, Oxford Street is usually among the first to switch on its Christmas lights, sometimes as early as the 1st or 2nd of November!

My family lived and worked in London for three years, where dark and wet November days were the norm. The city’s early holiday decorations always lifted the mood, bringing warmth and cheer to those heading to work before dawn or returning home in the dim afternoon light.

Painting Process

I began with a monochromatic underpainting in black, gray, and white, a technique known as grisaille, an old yet effective method for establishing values. Once dried, I gradually built up the colors, layer by layer, applying thin glazes to bring depth and vibrancy to the scene.

 

Below is my painting’s progression:

 

 

First, I primed the paper with gesso and sketched out the composition in grayscale to establish tonal values.

 

Next, I applied base colors, carefully layering tones to enhance contrast and luminosity.

 

Finally, I refined the details, capturing the glow and atmosphere of the festive street.

 

 

This process allowed me to recreate the enchanting mood of London’s Christmas season—one that remains a cherished memory.

 

 

 

 

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