I’ve been aware of Mary Traynor’s work for a number of years but only recently picked up a copy of her book about Cardiff.
It includes a chapter dedicated to Castell Coch with a couple of paintings by Mary.
“Mary Traynor was born in China in 1934 and studied at Goldsmith’s, Birmingham College of Art & Crafts and Birmingham Repertory Theatre. Mary then went on to work in the theatre and took up illustration when she relocated to Cardiff.
“Mary is a full time professional artist who exhibits regularly and works in watercolor, line and oils from sketches made on site of a wide rang of buildings.”
The exterior painting can be viewed on Mary’s website. Prints are also available to purchase.
Creating Cardiff
Creating Cardiff: An artist’s exploration of the capital is a fascinating book that was published in 2020. Mary’s stunning artwork, along with a collection of historic images, tell the story of our city.
Mary notes that all her artwork in the book was sketched on site. She explains, “It was a real challenge to paint Castell Coch as the three dimensional building it is and I found it only possible to sketch it by clawing my way up the almost vertical hillside above and anchoring myself to a tree.”
“It was a real challenge to paint Castell Coch as the three dimensional building it is and I found it only possible to sketch it by clawing my way up the almost vertical hillside above and anchoring myself to a tree.”
The other illustration of Castell Coch is a view of the Keep Tower from across the courtyard. It’s a brilliantly detailed painting that captures the texture of the wood, stone and tiles.
Hopefully the book is still available in local bookshops but if not, you can purchase it online.
Mary Traynor of Cardiff Collection
Mary donated a collection of her sketchbooks to the Glamorgan Archives.
“In June 2014 Glamorgan Archives received a very interesting and unique deposit from Mary Traynor, a Cardiff based artist who, since the late 1960s, has tried to capture buildings in Cardiff and the surrounding area which are at threat of demolition. The collection contains her sketchbooks and loose works, some of which had previously been framed and on display.”
This illustration of Castell Coch was published on their blog in 2019.
Sources
- artistmarytraynor.com
- Glamorgan Archives – Castell Coch, Tongwynlais
- Mary Traynor of Cardiff Collection
