Expressive Seascapes Part I
It's fair to say that I am most well known for my expressive seascapes. I spend a large proportion of my time studying the sea in its many moods and at this time of year it is all action and fury.
The first stage of the journey to a complete study on canvas is witnessing the activity. And one particularly blustery day, a group of us venture out to Perranuthnoe Sands where the tide is high and perching on a rock to sketch poses a risk. But the threat of water ingress under the clothing retreats with the tide and soon I am sketching away with gusto.
The first stage of the journey to a complete study on canvas is witnessing the activity. And one particularly blustery day, a group of us venture out to Perranuthnoe Sands where the tide is high and perching on a rock to sketch poses a risk. But the threat of water ingress under the clothing retreats with the tide and soon I am sketching away with gusto.
I work as fast as possible to capture the movement of the waves, and the clouds in the sky.
Each sketch take about 3 or 4 minutes and then I apply water colour using the sea and a sprayer for water.
I want to harness my immediate response to the environment so only allow a little time for each composition.
The sea is roaring, I'm covered in spray and feeling exhilarated. I must convey that energy.
I work as fast as possible to capture the movement of the waves, and the clouds in the sky.
Each sketch take about 3 or 4 minutes and then I apply water colour using the sea and a sprayer for water.
I want to harness my immediate response to the environment so only allow a little time for each composition.
The sea is roaring, I'm covered in spray and feeling exhilarated. I must convey that energy.
During sketching time I make notes – scrawling words rapidly across the sketches.
Photography is important too as I want the light source to be accurate.
The whole process takes just over an hour and it’s pretty cold out there so we all troop back home for a hot cup of coffee.
The input from friends and family is important and we're all excited.
AT HOME
Back in the studio I surround myself with the information of the morning and while the occasion is still with me I lay down the gesso primer.
I love the rough quality of the canvas and throw myself into translating wave energy onto canvas.
Photography is important too as I want the light source to be accurate.
The whole process takes just over an hour and it’s pretty cold out there so we all troop back home for a hot cup of coffee.
The input from friends and family is important and we're all excited.
AT HOME
Back in the studio I surround myself with the information of the morning and while the occasion is still with me I lay down the gesso primer.
I love the rough quality of the canvas and throw myself into translating wave energy onto canvas.
Working from the shoulder I apply huge swathes of paint in imitation of the wave that broke at Perranuthnoe. I paint without thinking. This has to be an almost instinctive process and I really don't want to control the results.
It’s a messy business as hands go in to the mix as well.
For these energetic works I need to create an area of calm so remembering that lowering grey sky with its flashes of pure gold I smooth the sky into a calm, meditative ground where the eye can take a rest.
It’s a messy business as hands go in to the mix as well.
For these energetic works I need to create an area of calm so remembering that lowering grey sky with its flashes of pure gold I smooth the sky into a calm, meditative ground where the eye can take a rest.
There's plenty of texture in the foreground but I want to prep for a little more drama so add runs of strong acrylic inks.
Most of these runs will be covered with oils but I can leave a hint of directional ink.
Now it’s off to the drying room before I can apply the oil paint. A study of this size can take up to six weeks to complete. But it's a relief to know that at least the emotions are now on canvas. There's definitely something to work on here..
The moments on the shore are recaptured and there's plenty of material in my books for more paintings..
I remember this:
Camerman Ian was almost engulfed by a wave.
Poppy, the dog, scrambled across rocks away from the water.
A crazy fisherman was spinning for bass thigh-high in water.
The gulls flashed past in the westerly wind.
The water was a boiling mass of white.
A rare flash of sunshine dazzled us.
There is promise as well as the sound of fury of our sea.