A painting of Kynance Cove from a few days ago. We had walked from the Lizard Village to Housel Cove, then on past the Lizard Point to Kynance. The day had been very sunny but quite cold for this time of year, but once here we witnessed a massive hailstorm, we had a mug of tea and waited out the storm. Most people present left immediately and after half an hour the sun came out and this scene was captured on my Huawei phone.
A wonderful day of walking around the amazing Lizard Peninsula. A pleasurable walk from the Lizard carpark down to Housel Cove, then along the South West Coast Path via Lizard Point to Kynance Cove. Arriving at Kynance we were assaulted by a massive hailstorm which lasted over half an hour. Once the blue sky finally arrived you could see the storm on the horizon like an atomic bomb blast! Whilst the storm was overhead most people had left the beach, when the sun returned we had the beach to ourselves a rarity here that’s for sure. Here I always marvel at the coast’s clear turquoise water and rugged outcrops of granite stone. We returned back along the coast path spotting bobbing seals and paddle boarders making the most of the warm sunshine, then to Housel and finally the carpark. More inspiration here for future paintings! Al
The picture below shows how the sand ebbs and flows throughout the seasons. The above image was taken a few days ago May 2021 the lower image taken in the Summer 2020.
A painting inspired by The Lizard Peninsula. This is of the secret beach at Housel Bay a perfect place to go swimming. In fact I’ll be walking there later this week, don’t forget to say hi!
A small acrylic on panel of a section of the South West Coast Path between Heddon’s Mouth and Lee Abbey, 370 x 610mm acrylic on panel. You can see the dot of the Abbey in the distance of this painting in the sunshine. I’ve tried to portray the cool shadows against the warm Spring sunshine and am trying to simplify my brushwork somewhat. We’re looking forward to visiting Hunter’s Inn again when it opens for a few drinks. Al
The finished item, Watermouth Cove acrylic on recycled canvas 36 x 36″.
Well another foray out towards Watermouth and Broadsands although Broadsands Beach was closed due to the walk down pathway giving way. Today we remembered our flask of tea so decided to drive along the coast to Combe Martin. I must say I’ve never seen the tide out so far and there were a few women cold water swimming in the harbour. My wife and I decided to stay on our rock and drink our tea!
An enjoyable walk from the top of Hartland across the cliffs via the South West Coast Path to Blackpool Beach. The spring icy breeze was in our faces but the sights were wonderful. Now back at home we’ve decided to watch The Night Watchman again because one of the filming locations. The white cottage at Blackpool Beach. By the way loved that tree as we left Stoke Village this afternoon! Below is a painting I completed a few years ago of this very place. On the left the original acrylic on canvas on the right the print. Prints available on enquiry! Al
To get off my usual way of working today I’ve decided to be a little more spontaneous and place a time limit on my work. This is the result an acrylic on gesso panel of Bucks Mills in North Devon at almost low tide. What a great morning spent there in the Spring sunshine watching the surfers off The Gore. I remember at the Bideford School of Art one of my teachers called Jimmy or James Patterson painted a wonderful watercolour of Bucks Mills now at the Burton Gallery in Bideford. Must go back and do some plein air! Below is a pen and ink of mine of Bucks with a nod to Jimmy. Al
A wonderful visit to Bucks Mills with my wife on a beautiful February morning. The surfers were making the most of the surf break off The Gore, a pebble ridge that leads out to sea. We could see Clovelly in the distance with the winter mist sliding down off the cliffs and after a brief chat with a local lady we discovered a lonely seal surfacing from time to time. I would love to have use of the Artist’s Cabin someday to use as a base to paint pictures here.
A stormy painting inspired by a walk back from Baggy Point in North Devon to Croyde Bay. I was quite struck by the awesome cloud formation over Croyde Beach so have made this a feature of the painting. Pleased with the way I’m going at the moment and staying far away from those fine brushes, a return to my more spontaneous work. Acrylic on gesso panel 750 x 610mm. Al
Al Brown Artist. 