Forcing myself to commit to another composition after a break. Once the initial marks are made there is a certain compulsion to continue, to see it through to completion. Perhaps this will rekindle the urge to continue. This painting is now complete acrylic on panel 610 x 400mm.
An experiment using quite a coarse canvas. It is of a view looking out of Saunton Sands from a lay-by on the hill. Acrylic on 720 x 350mm canvas.
Four paintings from my past, when I began to believe!
Boys at Crow Point playing in the driftwood!
My family on an Autumn day, a wet Westward Ho beach with mum, twins, Harry & Colin.
Manning’s Pit in Pilton.
A Linhay on the Braunton Marsh which became a breakthrough in my painting! Al
On Thursday evenings it’s cold water swimming so this week due to the high tides we swam at Instow. The water was surprisingly warmish so we spent an enjoyable 25 minutes chatting and enjoying a memorable sunset from the water. This is an impression of what we saw that evening! Acrylic on 16 x 24” gesso panel. Al
An acrylic on 32 x 24” canvas of a spectacular cove near Combe Martin in North Devon. It has been referred to by many as, ‘The Happiest View In Britain.’ Sadly the very steep cliff path down to the beach has subsided so access at the moment is by water only.
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.
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
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!
Al Brown Artist. 