Painting, according to Prince Charles, is so relaxing that it 'transports me into another dimension.' The news comes as The Garrison Chapel in Chelsea, west London, hosts the largest exhibition of his work to date, with 79 of his watercolors – the first full exhibition of his work in the medium – on display. The paintings depict scenes from the south of France and Tanzania, as well as Scottish landscapes such as the Huna Mill at John O'Groats and Glen Callater near Balmoral.
Charles says in a display panel that the hobby "refreshes parts of the soul that other activities can't reach."
'You become increasingly aware of things that may have previously escaped your attention – the quality of light and shade, tone and texture, and the shape of buildings,' he adds.
'It all requires intense concentration, and as a result, it's one of the most relaxing and therapeutic exercises I've ever done.'
'In fact, I find that it transports me into another dimension, which literally refreshes parts of the soul that other activities cannot reach.'
'I gave up photography entirely because I found it unsatisfying.'
'I felt an overwhelming desire to express what I saw using the medium of watercolour.'
'I quickly realized how difficult it is to paint well in such a spontaneous medium.'
'When I look back at those first sketches I did, I am astounded at how bad they are.'
'I am under no illusion that my sketches represent great art or a burgeoning talent,' he adds.
The exhibit in the Prince's Foundation Chapel space kicked off before Christmas and will be on view until February 14, 2022.
Selena Mattei