There are plenty of things about childhood that we don’t miss one bit, but looking at these paintings by UK-based artist Leigh Mulley (who has a self-proclaimed passion for “the extraordinary scenery of seaside resorts, funfairs, souvenir shops”), we can’t help but wish that we were kids again — and that it was the first day of summer. Using a richly-hued palette to create detailed, realistic versions of everything from plastic squirt guns and ice cream trucks to gobstoppers and bumper cars, she has magically captured everything that made those salad days so much fun.
“I love watching people’s reactions to something vaguely or intensely familiar,” Mulley recently explained to Dazed when asked about her interesting choice of subject matter. “There’s a spark of warmth and comfort. I had my own gallery space for a while, and I was amazed that so many people are afraid to enter a gallery or look at artwork. Presenting the familiar definitely removes barriers.” If you’re in the mood to enjoy some nostalgia-induced warm fuzzies, click through a slideshow featuring a selection of her paintings after the jump.
Leigh Mulley, Soft Ice Cream. Acrylic on canvas. 30cm x 24cm. Sold.
Leigh Mulley, Green/Red Pistol. Acrylic on canvas. 70cm x 60cm. Available.
Leigh Mulley, Funfair Stall. Acrylic on canvas. 60cm x 90cm. Sold.
Leigh Mulley, Dodgem. Acrylic on canvas. 90cm x 60cm. Sold.
Leigh Mulley, Waltzer. Acrylic on canvas. 80cm x 60cm. Sold.
Leigh Mulley, Kerplunk 2. Acrylic on canvas. 70cm x 90cm. Sold.
Leigh Mulley, Two Lollies. Oil. 70cm x 90cm. Sold.
Leigh Mulley, Trainers. Acrylic on canvas. 70cm x 70cm. Sold.
Leigh Mulley, Nobbly. Acrylic on canvas. 51cm x 77cm. Sold.
Leigh Mulley, Gobstoppers 2. Acrylic on canvas. 95cm x 65cm. Sold.
Leigh Mulley, Dinghies. Acrylic on canvas. 100cm x 80cm. Available.
Leigh Mulley, Three Fancies. Mixed media. 120cm x 170cm. Sold.