These Quirky Cup Lid Paintings Showcase North East Landmarks
Sunderland artist Anna Longville's cute cup lid paintings were a lockdown idea, and now they're selling at makers' markets across the region
Tell us about yourself.
I recently graduated with a degree in Illustration from York St John University and I’m originally from and still based in Sunderland. I create characterful watercolour and ink illustrations, predominantly of landmarks local to the North East, as well as unique cup lid paintings. Growing up, I always loved school and learning, but I particularly loved art, and I think it was something I was naturally good at. While I loved other subjects in school, I always knew I’d be pursuing a career in art in the future and from a young age I knew I wanted to study Illustration.
Where does your inspiration come from?
Much of the work I create focuses on historic North East landmarks, which I hope demonstrates how beautiful the North East is and how rich our history is too. When I was younger my family had a caravan near the beautiful town of Thirsk and we would spend a lot of time visiting heritage sites – I think these visits allowed me to grow an appreciation for historic places and buildings. I also love the idea that historic buildings have stood the test of time and remained recognisable while so much surrounding them has changed over so many years. This appreciation is what has driven me to create paintings focused on North East heritage sites and showcase some hidden gems we have here that go unnoticed.
What can you tell us about your cup lid paintings?
Alongside my watercolour and ink paintings, another main part of my practice are my popular cup lid paintings. These paintings were initially inspired by living by the sea and were first created to represent the daily walks that I would take on the beach during lockdown when the cafés were only open for takeaway drinks. The very first cup lid painting came about in 2021 when I was trying to think of ideas for a university project and was experimenting with unusual materials. After the first painting I went on to create more, which only helped to develop my skills at painting on a smaller scale. After seeing that no one else had done anything like them I started selling them at markets and in shops like the National Glass Centre, Sunderland Museum and The Word. What is so special about these paintings is that each one is completely unique as I never try and recreate a painting to be the exact same as a previous creation.
Although the paintings represent my daily walks by the sea, they also send an important message which draws attention to recycling and repurposing. The unusual gouache paintings take an everyday object that is usually thrown away without a second thought and transform it into something beautiful, giving it an entirely different purpose and longer life. At the start of my cup lid painting journey, I painted on a range of different lids, but now I have found that white lids that have a flat circle shape on top work best as they give the effect of looking through a porthole to the location, however these can be hard to find. Some cafés that have seen me collect the used lids have offered to give me more which is wonderful as it still gives the lids a much longer life. I believe what makes the paintings so eye-catching is that the vibrant paintings are mounted and framed on white paper in a white frame, so the contrast is really striking.
What do you hope to achieve through your paintings?
With my work, I hope I am bringing attention to the beauty of the North East. I think a lot of us forget to just stop and look at what surrounds us. Before going away to York for university I took living by the sea for granted but when I went away, I realised how much I missed it, so I hope through my work I’m reminding people how pretty the North East is. In addition to showcasing the beauty of the region, I hope that my paintings also help bring awareness to the protection and preservation of our historic sites. I think it’s interesting that a building can help us identify a place and become a symbol for a location. I think my work builds on this idea, strengthening how important landmarks and historic sites are for a place.
What advice would you give budding artists?
It might sound cliché, but practice really does make perfect. When I haven’t painted in a while, and I pick up a paintbrush, a piece is never as good as when I compare it to something that I’ve done in a busy painting period. Also, find something that you’re passionate about and channel that into your work – it makes it a lot more enjoyable.
An item you couldn’t live without?
In terms of art, I couldn’t live without my fine liner. This medium just brings all my paintings to life and adds that last finishing touch and definition. It completes a piece. A personal item I couldn’t live without would be a pair of slipper socks. I love being cosy and comfy especially when painting.
Hopes and plans for the future?
Currently I’m working hard at growing my business while also working a part-time job. I regularly attend local markets and sell greetings cards, prints and original paintings. I also undertake commissions which I love as it’s rewarding to work with a client to bring their vision to life. In the future I would love to work full time for myself and even attend my first Living North Fair! I would also love to work on projects that focus on protection and preservation of historic sites, not just in the North East but across the whole of the UK.
Roker Pier: I live a short walk away from the lighthouse, so it always reminds me of home.
Herd Groyne: It has always stood out to me because of how simple its design is and how vibrant a colour it is.
Cragside: It is the history and story behind it that I am most fascinated by.
Souter Lighthouse: Even on a grey rainy day, Souter seems to brighten it up.
Marsden Rock: I think it is one of the North East’s most recognisable and cherished natural landmarks.
Meet Anna Longville at Living North's Christmas Fair at Newcastle Racecourse 24th–27th October 2024. Early-bird discounted tickets are available to buy here now.
See more of Anna’s art at annalongville.com.
