On show: Low Tide at Newton Ferrers

The Beacon House Gallery is closed for refurbishment until next spring, and the Salcombe Art Club exhibition space is now being used for classes, but you can still see my original paintings on show in various galleries in the South Hams.

One such opportunity is at The Gallery Project, in Noss Mayo. This light, contemporary space provides the perfect setting to showcase art and craft from South Devon and is open now, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays from 11am until 5pm, until 23 December.

Maxine, who runs the Gallery Project has several of my originals on show, and one of those is Low Tide at Newton Ferrers.

 

I live in Salcombe. What am I doing, painting scenes of Newton Ferrers?

It was probably in the late 1960s that I was introduced to the two villages of Newton Ferrers and Noss Mayo. I spent many happy holidays there and still have friends living there.

The Ship Inn (and other venues) offer excellent food with wonderful views. So, it’s a treat to venture away from Salcombe now and then and to enjoy such picturesque scenes.

Last summer, Anne and I, on two separate occasions, took house guests in that direction. Once I start taking photos, it’s not long before I’m compelled to start painting … and those two visits explain the recent crop of paintings of Noss Mayo and Newton Ferrers.

 

Why paint the boathouse?

Low Tide at Newton Ferrers depicts a prominent luxury boathouse as viewed from Noss Mayo. Its setting is idyllic!

Beyond the boathouse, we can see the tops of masts and sails of crafts finding their moorings in the river Yealm.

Better to ask why not paint the boathouse?

 

Where is The Gallery Project, in Noss Mayo?

The Gallery Project is in The Revelstoke Room, next to the Village Hall

Post code: PL8 1EN

Tel: 01752 873150

SNAP! Mist at Calstock Viaduct

Inevitably, in the winter time, poor weather forces me to delve into my stock of inspirational photographs and I usually restrict myself to my own snaps. Not so, in the case of Mist at Calstock Viaduct.

During one of our regular catch-ups over lunch, a dear friend (who will remain nameless!) related a story of a boat expedition on the Tamar and drew my attention to the beautiful sight which he and his wife had witnessed – and photographed: a superb misty dawn while they moored up alongside Calstock Viaduct.

I loved the image and, with my friend’s permission, I took the opportunity of interpreting the scene.

Painting a watercolour of the Mist at Calstock Viaduct – and capturing the atmosphere – was hard work. Not one to give up, and since I enjoy the challenge of putting aside say watercolour or oil and, instead, seeing how acrylics respond to an image, I produced another artwork and was much happier with the acrylic version of this wonderful structure.

For the joy of painting this image, I have both my photographer friend to thank, and Brunel the engineer, who designed the viaduct.

Dawn at South Pool Creek

SOLD! Dawn at South Pool Creek

Dawn at South Pool Creek is an acrylic painting of the early morning view from my studio in Beacon House.

The tall ship is a sail trainer which I believe is called Leader. It is often moored at ‘Crossways’ in the Salcombe Estuary.

 

Sold! To visitors to Salcombe

Dawn at South Pool Creek was sold recently to visitors from Switzerland and, I’m told, it will grace the walls of their holiday home in the south of France – or maybe cover up a damp patch!

 

My art: Far from home?

Without giving away the precise location of the new home for Dawn at South Pool Creek, I can reveal it is 945 miles away from Beacon House. By ferry and car, it would take about 20 hours to reach the destination.

I wonder which of my paintings is on display the furthest from Salcombe. If you own one, and it’s more than 945 miles away, let’s put it on the map.

 

A 50% deposit secures any painting

If you see a painting on my website that you like, but want to see it ‘in the flesh’ before committing yourself to buying it, that’s not a problem. A refundable 50% deposit secures a painting until you are able to visit Salcombe to see it for yourself.

 

NOVEMBER IS SALE TIME

It’s sale time! For the month of November: £50 off any painting – that’s a third off those currently priced at £150.

 

WHY HAVE A SALE?

Work is due to start soon to provide wheelchair access to Beacon House, so all my artwork will be taken down and packaged for the duration of the works.

 

WHEN ARE WE RE-OPENING?

We hope the refurbishment will be complete in time for re-opening at Easter 2017.

Meanwhile, if you would like to buy a painting at a reduced price, contact me here.

SOLD! Sunlight on Avon River

Sunlight on Avon River – one of the crop of 2012 – is sold. It’s been on display in Beacon House House Gallery for a long time – and been to various exhibitions too – and we’re sad to see this beautiful painting going to a new home.

I hope the new owners enjoy it as much as we did.

A tree-lined river bank with dappled light competing with lively reflctions is a huge challenge for the artist. The sound of constantly moving water is a delight to hear but, sadly, I cannot capture that within my watercolour painting.

 

A 50% deposit secures any painting

If you see a painting on my website that you like, but want to see it ‘in the flesh’ before committing yourself to buying it, that’s not a problem. A refundable 50% deposit secures a painting until you are able to visit Salcombe to see it for yourself.

 

November is Sale time

It’s sale time! For the month of November: £50 off any painting – that’s a third off those currently priced at £150.

 

WHY HAVE A SALE?

Work is due to start soon to provide wheelchair access to Beacon House, so all my artwork will be taken down and packaged for the duration of the works.

 

WHEN ARE WE RE-OPENING?

We hope the refurbishment will be complete in time for re-opening at Easter 2017.

Meanwhile, if you would like to buy a painting at a reduced price, contact me here.

135-christmas-camellias

Sketchbook Notes: Salcombe Yacht Club’s Christmas Camellias

Salcombe Yacht Club’s Christmas Camellias are to be found alongside the steep path that runs from the gate at the side of the yacht club gardens up to Devon Road. This view of the bell tower and out to sea can best be seen by very tall people standing by the bench, just below the archway.

Anne’s been nagging me to paint an image for a Christmas card for ages. At last, we have one!

 

AFFORDABLE ART – an excellent Christmas gift!

59 of my 135 original paintings are available as fine art greetings cards.

Just think: for less than 1% of the sales price of an original, you can invest in a fine art greetings card. Send it to a friend or frame it for yourself. Whistlefish sell frames that fit … about £10 each.

 

malmessenger-advert-2016-17FINE ART GREETING CARDS: STOCKISTS

Malborough Post Office stocks all 59 designs, and selections of my cards are also available at Bonningtons (the newsagents in Salcombe), Salcombe Information Centre, Salcombe Yacht Club, The Gallery Project at Avon Mill and at Noss Mayo, and in Bloomers (the florist in Kingsbridge).

If you would like to stock my cards, please click here to contact me.

Sale time! Save £50 on any painting

It’s sale time! For the month of November: £50 off any painting – that’s a third off those currently priced at £150.

 

Why have a sale?

Work is due to start soon to provide wheelchair access to Beacon House, so all my artwork will be taken down and packaged for the duration of the works.

 

When are we re-opening?

We hope the refurbishment will be complete in time for re-opening at Easter 2017.

Meanwhile, if you would like to buy a painting at a reduced price, contact me here.

A 50% deposit will secure any painting.

 

Example prices: £150 £100 each
017 Watchhouse to Ferry Steps72dpiResizedSquare

Watchhouse to Ferry Steps

026 Snapes Manor72dpiResizedSQUARE

Snapes Manor

 

 

 

 

 

 

Example prices: £200 £150 each
045 Slapton Ley72dpiResizedSquare

Slapton Ley

047 Batson72dpiSQ

Batson

 

 

 

 

 

 

Example prices: £250 £200 each
083 Storm at Start Bay72dpiSQ

Storm at Start Bay

High and Dry in the Creek

High and Dry in the Creek

 

 

 

 

 

 

Example prices: £300 £250 each
Batson Creek

Ebb Tide at Batson Creek

Torcross Sunrise

Torcross Sunrise

 

 

 

 

 

 

Example prices: £350 £300 each
Dappled Light III

Dappled Light III

Harvest Reaper II

Harvest Reaper II

Low Tide at Fisherman's Cove

Back to classes!

Yes, the Salcombe Art Club Summer exhibition is over, we’ve had the SHAF Arts trail and, for many of us artists, it’s back to classes for the winter months.

To attend, you need to be a member of Salcombe Art Club. Lay membership costs only £12 per annum.

 

Vacancies on Salcombe Art club classes

Classes are arranged each term and you’ve missed the official signing up for the Autumn term. However, there are spaces on these two courses:

  • The Enjoyment of Drawing with Jennifer Johnson (Code: JJD)
    Mondays: October 31, November 7, 14, 21, 28, December 5. Cost £105
    Each week a different subject will be explored through the subtleties of pen, ink, charcoal, pencil, crayon, pastel and watercolour.
    Jennifer is a well-known local tutor and with her skill, enthusiasm and guidance there’s always more to learn. All abilities are welcome.
    Contact: Jennifer Johnson

    jj**************@gm***.com











    or Tel. 01548 830747
  • Oil painting with Ian Carr  (Code: ICT) Cost £70
    Tuesday evenings: October 4 – December 6, 7 – 9 pm (10 weeks)
    Ian’s fun-packed courses are popular with people at all levels. Oil paint is a forgiving medium and ideal for anyone who has limited experience of paint; it builds confidence and invites experimentation. Ian is a very experienced Salcombe based artist who loves teaching and sharing his enthusiasm. This course is suitable for the experienced, not so experienced and the absolute beginner. You will need your own materials.
    Contact: Ian Carr to book or to ask questions.

    ia******@bt********.com











    or Tel.
    01548 854211 www.ian-carr.com

 

What classes do I attend?

I attend Michael Hill’s watercolour/acrylic class on a Tuesday and the full-day oil class with Ian Carr on a Friday. It’s a great opportunity to meet with fellow artists and enjoy their company while learning more and more techniques.

 

Where are the classes held?

All classes are in the Loft Gallery, the home of Salcombe Art Club.  The Loft Gallery is situated behind the Fortescue Inn, and above a popular shoe shop, on a delightful footpath called Victoria Quay. And, Low Tide at Fishermans Cove – the featured image above – is the view from Victoria Quay.

 

See you there?

I can thoroughly recommend attending classes at Salcombe Art Club between now and when next year’s Exhibition open at Easter time. See you there!

 

Fine Art Greetings Cards – New Designs!

Malborough Post Office – featured above – stocks the complete range of my fine art greetings cards and, from today, also has on display the seven new designs, just launched.

129-gullet-plantation72dpisq

Gullet Plantation

130-low-tide-at-fishermans-cove72dpisq

Low Tide at Fishermans Cove

Burgh Island from Hope Cove

Burgh Island from Hope Cove

Newton Ferrers from Noss Mayo

Newton Ferrers from Noss Mayo

The Quay at Newton Ferrers

The Quay at Newton Ferrers

High Tide at Kingsbridge

High Tide at Kingsbridge

135-christmas-camellias72dpisq

Salcombe Yacht Club’s Christmas Camellias

 

Are the originals for sale?

Yes! For more information on each original painting, all of which are available for sale, click on these links:

 

Affordable art

59 of my 135 original paintings are available as a fine art greetings card.

Just think: for less than 1% of the sales price of an original, you can invest in a fine art greetings card. Send it to a friend or frame it for yourself. Whistlefish sell frames that fit … about £10 each.

 

Fine ART Greeting cards: Stockists

Malborough Post Office stocks all 59 designs, and selections of my cards are available at Bonningtons (the newsagents in Salcombe), Salcombe Information Centre, Salcombe Yacht Club, The Gallery Project at Avon Mill and at Noss Mayo, and in Bloomers (the florist in Kingsbridge).

If you would like to stock my cards, please click here to contact me.

Contemporary passions

Sketchbook notes: High Tide at Kingsbridge

Kingsbridge is situated at the northern end of the Kingsbridge Estuary and a steep road – Fore Street – climbs upwards to the church of St Edmunds whose 13th century tower dominates the sky line.

 

What inspired me to paint this view of Kingsbridge?

In High Tide at Kingsbridge, I’ve tried to capture the summer evening light as it softens the jumble of buildings. I scheduled this study for a high tide in the late afternoon, because the water surface dances with the strengthening shadows and fading reflections, and the warm glow of sunset will soon give way to electric lights.

At other states of the tides and at other times of the day, the view is completely different and provides a challenge – and the inspiration – to conjure more compositions of this scene.

 

AFFORDABLE ART

High Tide at Kingsbridge is available as a fine art greetings card. My cards are stocked by  Bonningtons (the newsagents) and Salcombe Information Centre in Salcombe. Further afield, the full range is stocked by Malborough Post Office, and a selection from the range can be purchased from The Gallery Project at Avon Mill and at Noss Mayo, and in Bloomers, the florist in Kingsbridge.

 

THE SKETCHBOOK NOTES SERIES

This is one of the Sketchbook Notes, a series of posts explaining what inspired me to produce a particular painting.

If you own one of my paintings, or are just curious about an image, let me know; I’ll then write a blog post especially for you!

SHAF preview: The Quay at Newton Ferrers

The Quay at Newton Ferrers is one a number of studies that I have recently completed, of Newton Ferrers and Noss Mayo, many of which will be on display during the SHAF Trail. Beyond the quay, stands what was the lifeboat station.

 

THE SHAF TRAIL STARTS Tomorrow

The SHAF Trail is an annual event and this year it runs from tomorrow, Saturday 15 October until Sunday 23 October.

 

WHEN ARE WE OPEN FOR VISITORS?

My paintings will be on display in Beacon House Gallery and we will be open for visitors as follows:

  • Saturday 15 October: 10am-5pm
  • Sunday 16 October: 10am-5pm
  • Monday 17 October: 11am-3pm
  • Tuesday 18 October: CLOSED
  • Wednesday 19 October: 11am-3pm
  • Thursday 20 October: 11am-3pm
  • Friday 21 October: 11am-3pm
  • Saturday 22 October: 10am-5pm
  • Sunday 23 October: 10am-5pm
WHERE IS BEACON HOUSE GALLERY?

Beacon House Gallery is not normally open to the public, except by prior arrangement. However, for the SHAF Trail, we welcome visitors during ‘opening hours’ as listed above. You don’t need to book ahead. Just turn up and you will be made very welcome.

DIRECTIONS TO BEACON HOUSE GALLERY

As you approach Salcombe, there will be yellow posters with arrows pointing the way to Beacon House Gallery.

You could park in the park’n’walk at the top of Bonfire Hill and walk down. There might be parking spaces in Bonfire Hill alongside the allotments, or you could park on our private drive at the end of the shared drive. (Please do not park on the shared drive.)

We do not currently have access for disabled visitors – but we are having alterations made to the house over this winter so for next year’s SHAF Trail we will be able to welcome wheelchair users.

We look forward to your visit!