Inter-tidal

As early Summer reaches the coast there are sandcastles emerging,  people are out walking more and yet there is still a slight chill in the air even though it is late June, this sketch was done in the cool breeze  so I hurried it rather. I’ve named it ‘elements’  it will go toward inspiration for a painting.

when I saw this at the little marine museum on Ynys Cybi * Holy Island off Anglesey, I imagined what it would be like to be inside it and to be lowered in to the sea with a feeling of being encased in the metal and glass and to be able to watch the sea life going past.  I would feel very claustrophobic and yet it must be fascinating, but also darker than imagined , depending on what sea you are in. It looked fairly roomy inside and it was possible to stand in it and there were shelves to lean on while looking out.

I once met a scientist who worked on the divers chambers for decompression when they were a new development, she told me stories of how when the project was in its infancy she would drive back and forth across the country in her mini to see the results of each diver going in and coming out. This item reminded me of that.

Below is the coastal landscape near to the lighthouse.

More paintings when I get new canvas.

The paintings are developing and nearing the final touches although this becomes clearer after some objective space

some new ones are emerging,  tried to put a reflected figure in the top left hand corner of this one but it didn’t work. no matter how small figures are in my paintings they usually don’t balance with the rest of the composition, I’m not sure why.

an early fish exiting left in ‘Cove’ this is the first layer of paint and an idea arose from the shapes

as a source of water to the many tributaries which lead to the rivers in the town a sketch of water cascading down through the landscape. i decided to leave the camera at home from now on to nudge myself more into sketching and painting outside, now the weather is warmer. it intensifies the first hand experience of engaging with the elements.

early layers of paint and ideas for ‘Otter bank’ near the water

allotments in front of the sea and near to the ferry terminal, all sorts of relationships with water, seasons and tides

I haven’t been to the sea for a few weeks and I miss it already so another visit is due with sketchbook. I did a finished painting on the beach once  years ago, I did have an immense sense of freedom while doing it, and I was amazed when it sold later in gallery, I’d like to try that again, maybe it’s my next challenge. I must admit  though that I am put off by the thought of people looking over my shoulder so I won’t do it on a bank holiday. I was the same when students asked me to demonstrate how I do a painting, I just couldn’t do it, I felt exceptionally exposed and uncomfortable. .

here are more of the paintings with their second layer ,  I usually do three layers including detail.

also the photograph of South Stack lighthouse from the top of the cliff..

the lighthouse lantern close up

the individually handmade glass components make up the whole reflective  surface of the light

a compass shows the direction of the weather vane on top