I cycle the North Devon coast regularly and passing this wind blown tree at the top of Down Lane near Woolacombe recalled an old pen and ink drawing I did years ago. Not much has changed except the gate the overgrowth and instead of grazing sheep corn is now grown; I always liked the sheep’s wool hanging off the barbed wire in the ink drawing. The trees are still almost identical this is perhaps due to the strong coastal winds keeping their growth in check.
I’m returning to paint and narrative with this composition of the late Syd Barrett one of the founding members of the band Pink Floyd. I’ve wanted to paint him for sometime when this image appeared on the net it was just the thing I was looking for. I think this is an image from his later life when poor mental health had taken its toll. It must have been a terrible ordeal of regret to see his original band grow and become successful!
I am now going to leave this composition to let it settle in my mind before finishing it. I’ve added some text via photoshop to play with an idea but just to add, this is not a complete painting by no means! Al
Now there’s a look in your eyes
Like black holes in the sky,
Shine on you crazy diamond.
You were caught in the crossfire of childhood and stardom
Blown on the steel breeze,
Come on you target for faraway laughter
Come on you stranger, you legend, you martyr and shine.
Some pen and ink doodles from this year’s Glastonbury Festival; all were drawn in Tom’s Bar and on the hallowed ground of Tom’s Field. Tom’s Field is where an old grey mare called Tom was kept and where all of us workers now eat, drink and are entertained during the festival. Quite a magical and cathartic place! Al
An acrylic painting of Three Combes Foot near Robber’s Bridge on Exmoor. I discovered a beech tree on the internet and thought it reminiscent of the famous Sycamore Gap in Northumberland. What I hadn’t realised it is actually a group of trees planted in a circle amid an ancient dry stone wall cattle enclosure. Within the shaded, inner sanctum, you experience a magical feeling of serenity, for me one of the secret highlights to be discovered on Exmoor. Al
After an enjoyable visit to the quiet Buck’s Mills in North Devon I have decided on this composition. This view is from the stony beach at half tide, I especially liked the exposed and reflective rock pools there. Al
Today I’ve spent time sketching at Buck’s Mills on the North Devon Coast. Such a peaceful place to make five minute pen sketches sitting in the warmth of the sun. I love this time of year when the flowers are in full colour and there’s a sprinkling of Cow Parsley everywhere. The sketches will hopefully be used in a forthcoming painting. Al
My first painting since August last year! This is of Greencliff near Abbotsham on the North Devon coast. It was a warm sunny day and whilst walking came across this view after squeezing through a gap in the bracken; it is here where I get my Bideford Black pigment. I can surely feel the gap in my painting fluency due to the lay off in painting but I’m confident this will return over the next few pictures. A little encouragement this painting has now found a new home! Al
A night spent at the Sandy Cove Hotel. As you can see a wonderful stretch of the North Devon coastline where kayaking and paddle boarding is a must. In these pictures you can see the village of Combe Martin with some of the highest cliffs in England including Little Hangman and in behind Great Hangman. In fact Great Hangman has the highest cliff face in England at 800 high, with a summit at 1,043 feet, making it the highest point on the South West Coast Path.
Framed and in a new home. An old pastel sketch of people enjoying the surf at Saunton Sands as the tide goes out! I love how the water leaves that glasslike appearance on the sand. The reflections are often breathtaking!
My wife and I often search for Seaglass on trips to our local beaches in North Devon and sometimes we fine heart shaped glass! This is a special jar of the hearts we’ve found so far! ♥️
Al Brown Artist. 