Kit decided to do a public unveiling because the series has proved so popular, and he thinks this is the best so far. Also, as the painting is a private commission, this means it will soon be going to the clients house in Shipton Gorge, so catch it while you can!

Cafe Royal #1 (2002/3)

The first Cafe Royal painting shows us the well known 'truckers' cafe in an entirely new light. The ugly 50's building becomes a romantic motif of warmth and refreshment on a cold winters evening. Here the Cafe is seen on a rainy day, it's quite busy, so it must be around the time when people are going home from work, and the lights from the windows and the passing cars reflects in the wet road. Perhaps in a tribute to Van Gogh's "Night Cafe", the muted blues and greys of the sky and road are complemented by the bright yellows and oranges from the cafe and the cars lights.

Cafe Royal #2 (2004)

The second Cafe has echoes of Edward's Hoppers "Night Hawks", but is starker and no people are visible, with the focus now purely on the building itself. The Cafe still looks welcoming, drawing the viewer in from the dark, lonely streets. There is an air of anticipation in the air, as if a story is unfolding, and the long, panoramic shape of the canvas adds a 'cinematic' effect, as if we are watching a 'still' image from a movie...

Cafe Royal #3 (2005)

The third Cafe is more subdued in tone. Once again the streets are empty, but now the cafe is deserted as well, with just a scatteing of light showing from the vending machines inside. The streets have a rather urban feel, and the road is dark and drab. Even the blue sky overhead is looking less benign, perhaps it's about to turn stormy? Only this time we'll have nowehere go to to escape the rain...

Cafe Royal #4 (2006/7) (Curtains!)

So what does the forth in the series will look like? Apparently it's darker still and even more dramatic...