Portsmouth Haiku

In September, my Illustration course was set a task to get to know Portsmouth and our course-mates better. We were each given a location, mine being Gunwarf Quays, where we had to create a piece of art reflecting what we each saw and then create a haiku poem along side one of our images.

My watercolour piece reflects the tranquil part of Gunwarf in contrast to the busy shopping centre, I aimed to capture the part that I found most interesting so chose to paint the harbour. I did multiple sketches in my sketchbook of other things I saw around Gunwarf, such as a cannon and Spinnaker tower, I also took photos which I referred back to when creating my watercolour. This is a medium which I believe can be used to create a calm atmosphere, especially since I chose to use lighter, more neutral colours. Although the outlet village is the central focus of Gunwarf Quays, I found that the landscape, including the sea and Gosport in the distance was my favourite part.

My haiku reads: 'Shimmering harbour'

'Boats sway on the blue water'

'A peaceful surround'

The shimmering harbour refers to the clear water that made the boats sway steadily, hence creating a calm and peaceful surround. However, during my research into the history of the site of Gunwarf I found that the place had not always been so peaceful. The site was once an Ordnance Yard and has also been barracks for the Royal Marine Artillery. Many of the old structures still exist, such as the Old Customs House pub and restaurant which is the oldest building on the Gunwarf site.