“Trees crowd thickly and darkly to the water’s edge, the moss is succulent and green… the mouth of the creek… there is something of a mystery about it, even now, something of an enchantment.”
“Frenchman’s Creek” Daphne du Maurier
I am a contemporary landscape artist who celebrates the enchantment and spell of the famous Helford River. Living and working in this unique Cornish location, I am inspired by its clear waters, the soft light, and distinctive trees. Working in oil and cold wax, I use rich and muted colours to conjure up its enduring and enigmatic atmosphere.
I have always been inspired by landscape artists who love light and atmosphere, such as Peter Lanyon, Cezanne, Monet, and Turner. After graduating with a First from the Slade School of Art, I worked for several years in user experience design before reigniting my art through painting seascapes while sailing around the west coast of Scotland. In 2020, I fulfilled my dream and moved to live by the sea, where I built my own art studio near the water.
My passion is this unique Helford coastline, which contrasts sharply with the wide sandy beaches of North Cornwall. Here, the water is serene and clear, and the rocky coves with their pebbled shores are draped with Monterey pine trees that stand out against the sky. This languid landscape, which has inspired so many writers and artists, is reflected in my work as I capture its subtle hues and textures at all times of the day and year. My paintings are luminous and expressive, full of emotion and depth. Working in my studio, I build up the layers of richly pigmented paint and wax over time, creating a history of marks in the layers with drips, solvent wiping, and scratches, evoking a sense of movement and atmosphere.
I am inspired by early morning walks with my rescue dog on the Helford beaches and from swimming in the cold water, especially at sunrise. The colours of dawn, especially the tangerines and blush pinks, are my signature palette. My goal is to convey the essence and emotion of the places I paint and to share my love of this unique landscape and the sheer joy of painting with the viewers. I like to capture hidden scenes, find the extraordinary in the ordinary. This might be accentuating the colours in the shadows, in the sky, adding bright pops against murky layers. I like idea of the magnificence of the mundane, and that all you need to do is stop and look to find that. Beauty in the small things.
yesnaby
the fairway
mawnan smith
TR11 5LR
[javascript protected email address]
07791618065
Coming through Mawnan Smith, follow signs for Budock Vean Hotel. Turn into the dead end private road "The Fairway" on the left immediately before the hotel and I am first house on the right. There is plenty of on street parking. Alternatively, the number 35 bus from Falmouth stops at the crossroads 100m from our turning.
On-site parking
Toilet facilities
Family friendly
Open all year round by appointment