A T M O S P H E R I C C O L L E C T I O N
I N S P I R A T I O N A N D P R O C E S S
I love being on a beach in bad weather. Or even better, just before the bad weather when the sky is looking ominous and the waves are starting to pick up with the approaching wind. I think that mixed sense of both excitement and doom is fabulous. You know you are going to see some spectacular displays from the ocean, but also are likely to get soaked to the bone and need a hot bath when you get home!
The Atmospheric Collection is a series of 5 pieces that aim to capture this pre-storm, moody energy. Using a base palette of Prussian Blue, the deep colours create a feeling of foreboding but also of delight.
C H A P E L P O R T H
The collection is mainly inspired by these reference photos I took at Chapel Porth in June 2022. It was one of those days where the rain was in the air and the clouds are hanging low. Of course, I have used artistic licence and deepened the blues and emphasised the greys in the clouds.
Chapel Porth is on the North Coast of Cornwall, near to St Agnes. When the tide is in it is a fairly small rocky beach, but when the tide goes out it reveals an expanse of golden sand, with rockpools and small caves to explore, and perched above on the very top of the huge granite cliffs is the beautiful and iconic Wheal Coates.
T H E C O L L E C T I O N
There are 5 pieces in this collection, all designed to complement the next whilst remaining individual. I have used a limited palette for this collection to keep it cohesive.
Atmospheric, Oil on Canvas Board, 20.3 x 25.4 cm/8 x 10 inches
Drifting, Oil on Canvas Board, 50.8 x 40.6 cm/20 x 16 inches
Transcendence, Oil on Canvas Board, 30 x 40 cm/12 x 16 inches
Juxtaposition, Oil on Stretched Canvas, 30 cm/12 inches diameter
Cohesion, Oil on Canvas Board, 20.3 x 25.4 cm/10 x 8 inches
P R O C E S S
In contrary to the stormy feel of these pieces, they were actually painted during the Summer heatwave of 2022. Several of them were painted outside, under a large umbrella for shade. When painting my seascapes I always like to start with the sky. Once I have that anchored in place I get a clearer view of what needs to happen with the water and shoreline. I paint my seascapes fairly intuitively. I use photos for inspiration but rarely paint exactly what I see on them. I like the freedom this gives me to just paint what I feel and enjoy the process. If you are interested in my painting process there are lots of timelapse videos over on my Instagram that are available to watch.
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