Contemporary passions 2017 Burgh Island

SOLD! The Burgh Island Hotel

Burgh Island is a popular destination and The Burgh Island Hotel – the featured image above – is one of many paintings in my collection which incorporate this iconic view.

In this painting, I have attempted to capture the subject as seen from Hope Cove – using binoculars!

The massive cliffs of the mainland give a dramatic backdrop, while the rocks in the foreground underline its isolation. And, the late afternoon sun turns the Great White Palace into a glorious white beacon.

Burgh Island HotelI painted two of this composition: The Burgh Island Hotel and Burgh Island from Hope Cove.

The Burgh Island Hotel is in oil, on a box canvas –  12 inches by 16 inches – and it was sold, on Day 3 of the SHAF Arts Trail.

The purchaser has kindly agreed to leave the painting with me so it can be enjoyed by those visiting us during the Arts Trail, and number 119 now has a red dot on it to make sure I don’t sell it again …

Burgh Island from Hope Cove is an acrylic. It’s larger at approximately 15 inches square and mounted and framed too.

It is priced at £400.

 

Are there more views of Burgh Island for sale? Yes!

Shifting Sands at Burgh Island II is an acrylic, 12 inches by 16 inches.Burgh Island Hotel

This view of Burgh Island was painted from ground level, at low tide.

The patterns in the sand are the main focus of this composition, with Burgh Island in the far distance.

Both paintings are on display at Beacon House Gallery.

Visitors on the SHAF Arts Trail are welcome to drop by.

 

What’s the SHAF Arts Trail?

This year, the SHAF Arts Trail runs for two whole weeks, including half-term week, until 29 October.

Beacon House Gallery is ‘open’ on Wed/Thurs/Fri from 11am until 4pm, and on Sat/Sun from 10am until 5pm.

 

Affordable art!

I also have various views of Burgh Island available as fine art greetings cards.

If you purchase direct from Beacon House during the Arts Trail, they cost £2 each, or three for a fiver.

And, we have delicious biscuits … no charge!

 

 

 

 

 

 

SOLD! Shifting Sands at Burgh Island I

Burgh Island is a popular destination and Shifting Sands at Burgh Island I is one of many paintings in my collection which incorporate this iconic view.

This particular painting is an acrylic. And it’s now sold, on Day 1 of the SHAF Arts Trail.

The purchaser has kindly agreed to leave the painting with me so it can be enjoyed by those visiting us during the Arts Trail, and number 120 now has a red dot on it to make sure I don’t sell it again …

 

What’s the SHAF Arts Trail?

Shifting Sands at Burgh Island I at SHAF 2017This year, the SHAF Arts Trail runs for two whole weeks, including half-term week, until October 29th

The South Hams Arts Forum (SHAF) is a lively, actively engaged association of artists and craftspeople from across the region.

SHAF membership is extremely diverse, so while some artists create in purpose-built studios, others produce their work at the kitchen table. Consequently, the Arts Trail will lead visitors to some artists working in their home studios – as is the case for me – and to others exhibiting in galleries and exhibition halls.

At each venue, visitors will find artists happy to discuss their art-form, explain the processes involved and provide the opportunity to view, appreciate and buy unique pieces of work.

 

Why did I paint this one of Burgh Island?

The iconic Art Deco Hotel which dominates Burgh Island was owned and managed for many years by Tony Porter and his wife Beatrice. Tony called it the Great White Palace and it has featured in many films and television dramas based on Agatha Christie novels.

I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve painted it, but this one, in the sky, I included a vapour trail to remind me of a flight from Gatwick to Malta a while back. For some reason, the pilot chose to go west before turning south. Seeing this spectacular coastline from the air was a magical experience.

 

Are there more views of Burgh Island for sale? Yes!

Most artists prefer the view as seen from Bigbury but here I have attempted to capture the subject as seen from Hope Cove.

The massive cliffs of the mainland give a dramatic backdrop, while the rocks in the foreground underline its isolation. And, the late afternoon sun turns the Great White Palace into a glorious white beacon.

It is an acrylic, mounted and framed, and costing £400.

That’s a lot of money …

 

Affordable art!

I also have various views of Burgh Island available as fine art greetings cards. If you purchase directly from Beacon House during the Arts Trail, they cost £2 each, or three for a fiver.

And, we have delicious cake … no charge!

Delivery trip to the South of France …

delivery trip

Dawn at South Pool Creek

Delivery trip?

Yes, this past week, Anne and I have been on a delivery trip to the South of France – three paintings purchased last year by my brother, Brian, and his wife, Anna.

  • Dawn at South Pool Creek
  • Paddling at Burgh Island
  • Sunlight on Avon River

Dawn at South Pool Creek is an acrylic painting of the view from my studio window. It’s rare for me to be up so early. I am a night owl and enjoy sleeping late. However, my wife, Anne, is always up before dawn and, if it’s an especially beautiful one, she will wake me. I take photos and go back to bed, and she returns to her computer.

Paddling at Burgh Island is a painting which captures one sunny day when Anne and I visited her friend, Sheila, and we walked across from Sheila’s house to Burgh Island.

Sunlight on Avon River shows a tree-lined river bank. The dappled light competing with lively reflections 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.

 

delivery trip

Paddling at Burgh Island

Why are we delivering these paintings?

Brian and Anna came to our home, to meet up with our Canadian cousins who were visiting us in Salcombe, more than a year ago. But flying, without a baggage allowance, Brian and Anna couldn’t take the paintings home with them.

The previous time we’d seen them was on our wedding day, eight years previous, but now we were invited to their holiday home in the south of France – and to bring the paintings with us.

Drive? No!

We’d prefer to go by train and to take advantage of the places en route: London and Paris.

 

The route: Totnes to Paradou
delivery trip

Sunlight on Avon River

So, Anne and I have done the trip, mostly by train.

  • Taxi to Totnes
  • Train to Paddington
  • Overnight stay in London, taking in a show: 42nd Street – amazing!
  • One morning in London, shopping, and then the Eurostar to Paris
  • One morning in Paris, sight-seeing, and then TGV to Avignon
  • Car to Paradou
  • And relax!

It’s a straightforward journey and provides lots of time to read / write / paint. I have a watercolour kit with me …

Our return trip, after a brief weekend with the family, will take in three nights in Paris, so the next blog post will be a ‘Postcard from Paradou’ followed by a ‘Postcard from Paris’.

 

Do I deliver in person, usually?

Not usually!

But if you live somewhere exotic and would care to invite Anne and I to visit …

Contemporary passions 2017 Burgh Island

Contemporary Passions Exhibition Preview: Burgh Island

My ‘contemporary passion’ for the 2017 Contemporary Passions exhibition is ‘places other than Salcombe’.  For the past decade or so, I’ve focused on scenes within easy walking distance of my home in Salcombe, and I’ve painted over 100 of them.

Contemporary passions 2017 Burgh Island

The Burgh Island Hotel

Burgh Island is too far away to walk but has always been a favourite topic.

 

Which Burgh Island paintings will be in the Contemporary Passions exhibition?

I’ve chosen just two for this exhibition: The Burgh Island Hotel (oil) and  Burgh Island from Hope Cove (acrylic).

The iconic Art Deco Hotel dominates Burgh Island. It was owned and managed for many years by Tony Porter and his wife Beatrice. Tony called it the Great White Palace and it has featured in many films and television dramas based on Agatha Christie novels.

Most artists prefer the view as seen from Bigbury but I have attempted to capture the subject as seen from Hope Cove. The massive cliffs of the mainland give a dramatic backdrop, while the rocks in the foreground underline its isolation. And, the late afternoon sun turns the Great White Palace into a glorious white beacon.

131 Burgh Island from Hope Cove

Burgh Island from Hope Cove

 

WHAT IS THE CONTEMPORARY PASSIONS EXHIBITION?

The Contemporary Passions exhibition is an opportunity for members of SHAF (South Hams Art Forum) to stage a major summer show of new works in a wide range of mediums and styles, a snapshot of the artists’ current work, interests and creative passions.

This is the first year I have taken part in this exhibition and am one of ten SHAF members exhibiting their work.

 

WHEN IS THE CONTEMPORARY PASSIONS EXHIBITION?

Tuesday 6 June until Sunday 18 June 2017
Open daily 10 am – 5 pm (closing at 4 pm on the last day)

 

WHERE IS THE CONTEMPORARY PASSIONS EXHIBITION?

The Contemporary Passions exhibition will be at Harbour House, The Promenade, Kingsbridge, Devon, TQ7 1JD

 

WANT TO MEET THE ARTISTS?

There will be an opportunity to meet the artists on Tuesday 6 June, 6-8 pm.

I will also be stewarding all day on Saturday 10 June and on the morning of Saturday 17 June.

 

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

Admission is free!

Salcombe Art Club Exhibition preview: Shifting Sands at Burgh Island I and II

Two of my paintings of Burgh Island depicts the shifting sands between the mainland and the island.

I’ve included both for consideration of the Hanging Committee of Salcombe Art Club, hoping they will be accepted for the 2017 Salcombe Art Club Exhibition which opens on Thursday 13 April.

On this blog, over the past few weeks, I’ve also posted a preview of the other three paintings that I have submitted: Provident, Hope Cove Fishing Gear, and Blackstone.

 

What’s special about these two paintings of Burgh Island?

Shifting Sands at Burgh Island I, the featured image above, is an acrylic painting. In the sky, I included a vapour trail to remind me of a flight from Gatwick to Malta a while back. For some reason, the pilot chose to go west before turning south. Seeing this spectacular coastline from the air was a magical experience.

Shifting Sands at Burgh Island II draws particular attention to the dramatic cliffs. Also clear in this image is that the Island is set apart from the mainland by a strip of sand, only visible at low tide. When the sea is in full tide, the sea tractor ferries the visitors to and fro and there is a continuous clamour of sound from waves and gulls.

What’s special about Burgh Island?

Burgh Island, with its Art Deco hotel perched like a crown on its island site, has always captured the visitors’ imagination – not just Agatha Christie’s but many many artists too.

The setting is like a jewel, but with constantly changing tides and weather and light.

Acrylic paint was my choice because the summer light is strong and the tones of blues and greens etc compete. The fast drying time of this medium means there can be no delay in capturing the moment.

 

AFFORDABLE ART

Both images are available as a fine art greetings card.

My cards are stocked at Bonningtons (the newsagents) and Salcombe Information Centre (both a short walk from the Loft Studio). Further afield, my cards are stocked by Malborough Post Office, The Gallery Project at Avon Mill and at Noss Mayo, and in Bloomers, the florist in Kingsbridge.

Just think: for less than 1% of the sales price of an original painting, 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.

2017 exhibition schedule

It’s that time of year – firming up the 2017 exhibition schedule.

My diary is already looking full!

Please put these dates in your diary. Once the days and times when I will be stewarding are decided, I will post news on my Facebook page and here also. It’s your chance to ‘meet the artist’!

 

Salcombe Art Club Summer exhibition
Thursday 13 April – Saturday 30 September 2017

2017 exhibition scheduleAs a member of  Salcombe Art Club, I’ve exhibited in the club’s Summer Exhibition for many years now.

I usually submit 5 paintings, and the rule is that none of these original works of art can have been hung in the Loft Gallery in the previous three years. This encourages artists to keep on painting!

Handing in day is 1 April – five weeks away and I am hard at work.

The Loft Studio is open 7 days a week from 11am until 5pm. Admission is free.

 

Consuming Passions Exhibition
Tuesday 6 June – Sunday 18 June 2017
2017 exhibition schedule

This is a new one for me. It’s organised by SHAF (South Hams Arts Forum). I’ve been a member of that organisation for several years and have enjoyed the events they organise for local artists: talks and social events.

This will be my first joint venture with them, in an exhibition!

It’s at Harbour House. Kingsbridge – a wonderful gallery space – and I’ll be exhibiting probably 7 paintings there.

Doors will be open from 10am – 5pm and admission is free.

 

One-man exhibition in the Redfern Health Centre
Thursday 29 June – Thursday 27 July 2017

Full members of Salcombe Art Club are asked to display their work for one month – so that those visiting the Redfern have something to admire while waiting to see the doctor.

It’s an honour to be on the team again and to know that my paintings may provide some cheer to those having health issues.

On one occasion, a gentleman recognised Burgh Island in one of my paintings as the venue for his marriage many years previous. He purchased it as a surprise for his wife. How romantic!

The Redfern benefits from all sales; – a percentage of the purchase price is donated to their funds.

 

One-man exhibition in the Little Studio in the Loft Gallery
Sunday 13 August – Saturday 26 August 2017

2017 exhibition scheduleSalcombe Art Club invite members, including associate members, to take one or two weeks in the Little Studio, to display as many of their paintings as they can hang in the space.

More recent paintings that didn’t sell last year can be hung so they usually get another airing.

I’ll be stewarding all day both Sundays, so that’s a good time to pop in and chat, if you want to ‘meet the artist’.

The photo is me – last year.

 

SHAF Arts Trail
Saturday 14 October – Sunday 29 October
2017 exhibition schedule

The South Hams Art Forum (SHAF) usually have a one-week Arts Trail. This year, it’s extended to two weeks so that those on holiday in the area might have more opportunity to attend during the school’s half-term holiday.

Viewings at Beacon House Gallery are usually by appointment but, for the period of the SHAF Arts Trail, we will welcome visitors 11am-3pm Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, and 10am-5pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. (Closed on a Tuesday)

 

Beacon House Gallery
Private viewings 2017

I usually hold a private preview evening ahead of the start of the season, but the gallery is being refurbished and works will not be completed before Easter.

Instead, there will be an event to celebrate the re-opening of Beacon House Gallery – whenever that happens!

If you would like to be advised about the date of this event and to receive an invitation, please contact me.

Going, going, gone! Sold …

In the past week, I’ve sold three paintings. Going, going, gone! Sold!

057 Sunlight on Avon River72dpiRESIZEDThe first was  Sunlight on Avon River, a watercolour, and one of the few of mine to be predominantly green.

There is water, as ever, but it’s not blue, and there’s no blue sky. And no sailing craft in sight … or seagulls …

This painting has graced the walls of Beacon House Gallery for some time now. Painted in 2012,  it will be missed.

113 Dawn at South Pool Creek72dpiRESIZEDThe second sale was Dawn at South Pool Creek, an acrylic painting of the view from my studio window.

It’s rare for me to be up so early. I am a night owl and enjoy sleeping late. However, my wife, Anne, is always up before dawn and, if it’s an especially beautiful one, she will wake me. I take photos and go back to bed, and she goes back to her computer.

Last but not least to be sold: Paddling at Burgh Island – a painting which captures one sunny day when Anne and I visited her friend, Sheila, and we walked across from her house to Burgh Island.

114 Paddling at Burgh Island72dpiRESIZED

Like many of my paintings, Dawn at South Pool Creek and Paddling at Burgh Island are available as fine art greetings cards.

When the original is not square, the card image is created by cropping – and you can be seen the difference between the two if you compare the featured image (far above) with that shown immediately above. I decided to focus on the two lady paddlers and the island and to lose some of the left-hand part of the image.

 

AFFORDABLE ART

You may be surprised to know that 52 of the 127 original paintings I’ve created to date are available as a fine art greetings card.

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

 

Where can you buy my cards?

The complete range of cards is available at Malborough Post Office. View while you queue!

bloomers-florist-of-knigsbridge-shop-frontBonningtons (the newsagents) and Salcombe Information Centre are both a short walk from the Loft Studio and stock a range of cards.

Cards are also on sale at The Gallery Project (at Avon Mill and in Noss Mayo), and at Salcombe Yacht Club.

If you are visiting Kingsbridge, our newest stockist is Bloomers, the florists, 37 Fore Street (about half way up the hill!).

Contemporary passions 2017 Burgh Island

Sketchbook Notes: Burgh Island

Burgh Island is a popular attraction to visitors and, especially, artists.

I have painted the hotel many times!

The iconic Art Deco Hotel dominates Burgh Island. It was owned and managed for many years by Tony Porter and his wife Beatrice. Tony called it the Great White Palace and it has featured in many films and television dramas based on Agatha Christie novels.

120 Shifting Sands at Burgh Island I72dpiRESIZEDShifting Sands at Burgh Island I is an acrylic painting. In the sky, I included a vapour trail to remind me of a recent flight from Gatwick to Malta. For some reason, the pilot chose to go west before turning south. Seeing this spectacular coastline from the air was a magical experience.

Shifting Sands at Burgh Island I draws particular attention to the dramatic cliffs. Also clear in this image is that the Island is set apart from the mainland by a strip of sand, only visible at low tide. When the sea is in full tide, the sea tractor ferries the visitors to and fro and there is a continuous clamour of sound from waves and gulls.

114 Paddling at Burgh Island72dpiRESIZEDThe beach provides a lovely walk or, better, a paddle in the cool water of spent surf. Paddling at Burgh Island, another acrylic painting, captures the joy of such a stroll by my wife, Anne, and her friend, Sheila. I recall we made our way across to the island and enjoyed a beverage in the pub, The Pilchard Inn.

My most recent painting of the hotel is in oil.  The Burgh Island Hotel, featured far above, will be on display at the Loft Gallery, Salcombe, in the exhibition to showcase the work of students of Ian Carr’s oil classes. The two-week exhibition opens on Saturday 23 July.

Most artists prefer the view as seen from Bigbury but I have attempted to capture the subject as seen from Hope Cove. The massive cliffs of the mainland give a dramatic backdrop, while the rocks in the foreground underline its isolation. And, the late afternoon sun turns the Great White Palace into a glorious white beacon.

AFFORDABLE ART

All three images are available as a fine art greetings card, and you may purchase them at Bonningtons (the newsagents) and Salcombe Information Centre (both a short walk from the Loft Studio). Further afield, my cards are stocked by Malborough Post Office, 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!