Cottage Hotel Archives - Salcombe Art

12 August 2019 In Art

Worthy causes: Salcombe Town Regatta & Hope Cove Lifeboat

Last week was twice as busy as usual with Anne and I supporting two local worthy causes. At both events, one of my latest images, Walking Back to Hope Cove, the featured image above, proved very popular.

Bank Holiday Monday, 5 August

On Monday, we were in Whitestrand, taking part in the Art Day of Salcombe Town Regatta, and had a very early start.

At 8am, the Regatta organisers were on top form, marshalling us to our respective spots and making sure everyone was safe, what with cars and vans delivering materials for sale.

We were selling my affordable art in support of Salcombe Regatta: cards and cushions, coasters and place mats, purses and pill boxes, and fine bone china mugs …

Anne and our stand at the Salcombe Regatta Art Day

We lost count of the number of people who visited the stall, and bought something or took my business card.

Staying cool in the shade on a hot sunny Salcombe day

The wind was a bit of a trial! We were glad of our stock of water botttles and that we were on the shaded side of the car park.

The gazebo, held fast with water bottles

All in all, a fun day. We will be back next year …

Thursday 8 August

On Thursday, it was the turn of the Hope Cove Lifeboat.

This is another regular event for us and it’s always a joy to take part. The organising team, together with the staff of the Cottage Hotel couldn’t be more helpful.

We had our usual stall in the dining room of the Cottage Hotel, donated a prize for the raffle and sold our wares during their fundraising day, donating a percentage of our profits to the Lifeboat charity. In total, they raised a wonderful sum: £4,028.

Anne assures me I could have taken a better shot but, at least you can see, at closer range, the products now available (as well as our morning coffee pot), and she is smiling despite spending hours on her feet.

Our next outing: Tuesday 10 September

On Tuesday 10 September, we will be at Burton Farm for a coffee morning 10.30am-12.30pm in support of The Triangle Centre.

Can we support your charity?

Yes! We are keen to support local worthy causes.

Let us know when your event is, and I’ll check if that date is clear in our diary. Just contact me, and we will help as best we can.

11 March 2019 In Art

Walking back to Hope Cove – in the preview sale on 5 April

In the preview sale on 5 April, Walking back to Hope Cove is one of the latest crops of paintings which will be offered at a discount price to those attending this celebration of the start of another season of art.

142 Walking back to Hope Cove
144 Merlin on the Run
145 Schooner Sunset
146 Merlins Racing past Fishermans
147 Summer in Salcombe
148 All Aboard the East Portlemouth Ferry

Walking Back to Hope Cove

The geography is so compact in the Hope Cove area that, to climb the hill to the West of the Cottage Hotel, and to look back gives a fascinating view.

It’s a walk that Anne and I have done many times. We tend to walk as far as the shack overlooking Thurlestone Rock, have a snack and walk back. Either way, we get the view I’ve tried to capture in this painting. And much-needed exercise …

Why the Cottage Hotel?

For us, the Cottage Hotel is home from home.

Whenever we want to ‘get away’ from Salcombe, rather than driving for hours, maybe spending time in an airport, and going through the drama of travelling, we head instead for the Cottage Hotel.

Fifteen minutes in the car and we are transported to another era. The Cottage Hotel is going through refurbishment and redevelopment, but the traditional qualities of service and putting the visitors’ first remain.

The Cottage offers two bonuses for us – things we don’t have in our home in Salcombe, and miss – the sunset and a bath.

If we wake early enough, we enjoy spectacular sunrises as Beacon House faces east and we are high up Bonfire Hill …

We sacrificed our bathroom to make way for a platform lift so that our home is wheelchair friendly. In years to come, we’ll be grateful not having to climb the many stairs. Meanwhile, when we want a soak in the bath, we book an overnight stay at the Cottage Hotel.

We enjoy the sunset and a delicious dinner. Of course, the sweet trolley has no impact on our decision making!

Is Hope Cove a special place for you too?

Over the past few years, I’ve painted quite a few Hope Cove scenes. This year, there’s the Schooner Sunset plus Walking Back to Hope Cove.

Previously, the most popular painting was Hope Cove, and that image (and many others) is now available in my affordable art range, as a key ring, for example.

Come to the Preview evening: 6-9pm on Friday 5 April

If you would like an invitation to the Preview evening, please contact me. You will be made very welcome at Beacon House Gallery.

4 March 2019 In Art

Schooner Sunset – in the preview sale on 5 April

In 2018, I attended a talk given by Roger Barrett in the Library at Cliff House. It was one of several presentations Roger gave to promote the launch of his book ‘SALCOMBE Schooner Port’.

I bought a copy – signed by Roger. You can purchase yours at Salcombe Maritime Museum and it is also on sale online, on Amazon.

Roger is an expert in this era and is an excellent speaker. He is also chair of the Salcombe Maritime Museum committee.

Do make a special effort to visit the museum. And not just on rainy days!

The history of Salcombe

The history of the town of Salcombe fascinates me. The port became famous for its beautiful clipper-like schooners, the ‘Salcombe fruiters’.

These ships sailed to the Azores, and elsewhere, picked up cargoes of fruit and then raced homeward to serve the markets of the ports of London, Bristol, Liverpool and Hull before the fruit perished. This was in the days before refrigeration or steam power.

These were beautifully built craft, designed for speed.

The book is a treasure too. It contains 250+ illustrations, including 32 colour reproductions of the paintings of locally built sailing ships in the museum’s collection.

Why did I paint the Salcombe fruiter?

Apart from my passion for all things Salcombe, sailing, the sky, and the sea, the rigging on these ships presents a challenge!

In preparation for this painting, I’ve acquired lots of books, not just Roger’s. I’ve studied many photos and paintings of similar craft, and hours have been spent in conversation with Malcolm Darch, model maker extraordinaire.

In Schooner Sunset, the featured image above, I hope I have captured the glory of these famous ships.

Schooner Sunset – off Hope Cove?

I’ve planted my schooner off Hope Cove knowing full well none of these ships would have passed so close to Bolt Tail.

However, the artist in me wanted the backdrop of a genuine sunset.

And where else can you spend such a spectacular end to the day but on the terrace of the Cottage Hotel?

So, although these schooners are no more, we can enjoy the sunset.

Today, while you are reading this post, Anne and I will in Plymouth, having the latest batch of paintings photographed. From those precious images, I can share the pictures online, produce prints, fine art greetings cards and my other affordable art.

All in time for the Preview evening on 5 April …

Next week, I’ll share the origins of another of my new paintings.

5 March 2018 In Art, Exhibition

Salcombe Art Club Exhibition Preview: Longstone

Longstone is one of a crop of six new paintings destined for the Salcombe Art Club Summer Exhibition.

Right now, they are with the framer so they are not available to view just yet. However, if you want to purchase ahead of the Exhibition, and save 10% on the price (they range from £500 to £750), contact me to arrange a private viewing ahead of handing day on 24 March.

The view of the Cottage Hotel, from Bantham

This image is taken from Bantham, looking towards Hope Cove. High on the cliff, you can just about make out the Cottage Hotel, currently under major redevelopment and refurbishment.

This view, taken from the beach (and one of the hotel’s own photos) shows it in more detail.

The Cottage Hotel is one of my favourite destinations. Whether it’s for Sunday lunch – like yesterday – or for a romantic getaway where Anne and I can relax and enjoy the wonderful sunsets – we are regular visitors.

We love the old-fashioned family atmosphere where customer service is the top priority. And, of course, the dessert trolley.

More about Longstone

Back to my painting! Again, I am using oil paints.

In the middle distance, Longstone, this magnificent rock does look as if it’s braced against the roaring sea.

And, notice a streak of orange: the Hope Cove Rib at full tilt on a mission of mercy in those foul conditions.

Supporting Hope Cove Lifeboat

I am keen to support local charities and good causes generally. To this end, there is a fine art greetings card which supports the Hope Cove Lifeboat.

Watch out for these and buy them!

They are on sale at the Cottage Hotel, and also at events organsied by the charity.

5 February 2018 In Art

Affordable art: In aid of Salcombe Town Regatta

I always support local charities and community activities and also like my art to be available at affordable prices.
Now, I can now kill two birds with one stone: providing affordable art in the form of my fine art greetings cards and financial support to Salcombe Town Regatta at the same time.

Salcombe Town Regatta

The hard working Salcombe Town Regatta team provide great fun and excitement each year for the local population, and encourage visitors to Salcombe to book their holiday in Regatta week.In 2018, that’s 11-18 August.

The Salcombe Town Regatta also makes donations to local charities from the profits made in what may seen like one frantic week of activity but, as we all know, is the result of many months of planning and preparation.

So, I am delighted to be a supporter of this excellent event. These individual cards, of my usual 350gsm quality, with a 100gsm envelope, are presented in a cellophane wrap and will soon be available at the usual stockists and also – NEW! – at the Cater Cove Hairdressers.

How does your purchase support Salcombe Town Regatta?

Wherever you see this card – your purchase will result in a donation to this very worthwhile cause. Please buy one. Or two!

The original oil painting (the featured image above) has sold, but another, larger, oil painting, Salcombe Dawn II with slightly different pink/purple tones is available for £475.

Where can you buy these charity cards?

My main fine art greetings card stockist is Malborough Post Office where all 59 designs can be found.

But my cards are also on sale at the Salcombe Information Centre, Bonningtons the newsagents in Salcombe, The Gallery @ Avon Mill, The Gallery Project at Noss Mayo, Bloomers the florists in Kingsbridge – and direct from me.

Will there be more designs sold as charity cards?

Yes!

Salcombe Town Regatta The Hope Cove Charity card is already on sale at the Cottage Hotel, Hope Cove and other outlets.

I am currently in discussion with other local charities and will post news as soon as designs are decided and texts agreed and I have an image of the new card to show you.

If you are working for a local charity and you think you might like to adopt one of my designs to raise funds for your charity, please contact me to discuss this further.

13 November 2017 In Art

Affordable art: In aid of Hope Cove Lifeboat

I always support local charities and also like my art to be available at affordable prices.

Now, I can now kill two birds with one stone: providing affordable art in the form of my fine art greetings cards and financial support to the Hope Cove Lifeboat at the same time.

You’ve already seen this image on charity cards?

Yes. You are correct!

A limited number of cards bearing my image of Hope Cove (as featured above) were printed and sold – in sets of 5 – to raise monies for the Hope Cove Lifeboat, particularly at the Hope Cove Lifeboat Fund-Raising Day, back in August of this year.

These cards are new?

Yes. We have now had this design printed …

These individual cards, of my usual 350gsm quality, with a 100gsm envelope, are presented in a cellophane wrap and will soon be available at the usual stockists and also – NEW! – at the Cottage Hotel.

How does your purchase support Hope Cove Lifeboat?

Wherever you see this card – your purchase will result in a donation to this very worthwhile charity. Please buy one. Or two!

And, if anyone would like to buy the original oil painting, costing £450, the Hope Cove Lifeboat will receive an extra donation from me of £50!

Where can you buy these charity cards?

My main fine art greetings card stockist is Malborough Post Office where all 59 designs can be found.

Will there be more designs sold as charity cards?

Yes!

I am currently in discussion with three other local charities and will post news as soon as designs are decided and texts agreed and I have an image of the new card to show you.

If you are working for a local charity and you think you might like to adopt one of my designs to raise funds for your charity, please contact me to discuss this further.

Hope Cove Fishing Gear Contemporary Passions

6 March 2017 In Art

Salcombe Art Club Exhibition preview: Hope Cove Fishing Gear

Hope Cove Fishing Gear – the featured painting above – is one of five I plan to submit 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, I’ll post a preview of each of the five paintings, over the next few weeks. If you decide you want to purchase one of them, be quick. The prices go up in April!

What inspired me to paint Hope Cove Fishing Gear?

I support the Hope Cove Lifeboat. Year after year, Anne and I have a stall, selling my fine art greetings cards, at the Fund Raising Day in August at the Cottage Hotel. It’s a great event, attracting locals and visitors and much money is raised for this worthy cause.

We have a regular position at the far end of the Cottage Hotel’s dining room and, beside us, Sue Morgan (photo) demonstrates how to weave the traditional crab pots.

Year after year, the question would come up: Do you have any cards of Hope Cove?

I painted Hope Cove Fishing Gear, inspired by Sue’s skills, and to try to meet the demand of the folk who buy my cards.

To be honest, it wasn’t a huge hit with the locals!

And then?

And then, a year later, I tackled the second study of Hope Cove, of the beach – with both modern and traditional crab pots being featured in the foreground – again inspried by Sue Morgan.

This one was more successful! The image was so popoular, it was used for the poster for the 2016 Fund Raising Day, and also for the Treasure Hunt.

Affordabale art

Both images are available as a fine art greetings card. The range is now 59 strong, and on sale at Malborough Post Office.

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.

8 August 2016 In Art

£3000+ raised for Hope Cove lifeboat

The annual fundraising day for the Hope Cove lifeboat raised over £3000 and Anne and I were delighted to be supporting this event again this year.

Congratulations to the team

Everyone works so hard – the organisers, Graham and Hilary and their team, William and his staff of the Cottage Hotel, and all the stall holders.

In the photo, my wife Anne Rainbow (left) is with Sue Morgan, whose stall was next to ours as usual. Anne and Sue at Cottage Hotel

Sue had a display of crab pots and a collage of historical photos and records of local fishing. Fascinating!

The event wouldn’t have been such a success without the hundreds of people who come along to support. So, well done you, if you were there. (If not, make a note to come next year.)

Supporting fundraising events

Anne and I are keen to support local causes. If you are planning an event, let me know. Let’s get the date in the diary!

Coming NEXT WEEK

Salcombe RNLI are hosting an Art Exhibition 16/17/18 August at Salcombe’s Holy Trinity Church.

Some of my paintings and all of my cards will be available for sale.

Do come along and support this worthy cause.