From Google Maps to Watercolor Painting: The Hero's Journey

Recently, I had the pleasure of illustrating The Hero of Maida Vale--not a knight in shining armor, but a beloved London pub! The watercolor painting was commissioned by a client in the U.S., who wanted a special gift to celebrate her brother's recent engagement.

Since no personal photos were available, I turned to my trusty sidekick: Google Maps street view. It always feels like a bit of detective work, with all the zooming and squinting and scrutinizing all the different angles to try and capture every charming detail.

Even though the reference images were virtual, my hope is the painting captured all the heart, history and happiness of this special moment. Who says a passport is always required to travel the world and paint it in your pajamas?

To commission a custom watercolor illustration, visit jennypaintsbyhand.com/gallery-of-work