Hope Cove 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.

30 July 2018 In Art

One-man exhibition: Little Studio at the Loft Gallery

As a full member of Salcombe Art Club, I have the option to exhibit in the corner of the Loft Gallery that some of us still call the Little Studio.

This year, I have two consecutive weeks: 28 July until 11 August.

Fifteen original paintings … on three ‘walls’.

On the ‘left’ wall

Seagulls in the Spray

Acrylic

16 x 20

£325

Burgh Island from Hope Cove

Acrylic

15 x 15

£400

Also available as a fine art greetings card

Low Tide at Fishermans Cove

Acrylic

15 x 15

£400

Also available as a fine art greetings card

Affordable Art

I am not permitted to sell my cards at the Loft Studio, but they are available within walking distance.

Bonningtons, the newsagents
Salcombe Information centre

On the ‘middle’ wall (top to bottom and then left to right)

Salcombe Yacht Club Christmas Camellias

Acrylic 15 x 15 £500

Scoble Point Moorings

Oil 19 x 19 £450

Oil 15 x 15 £450

Acrylic 16 x 12 £250

Oil 12 x 16 £350

Acrylic 12 x 16 £275

Oil 15 x 15.5 £450

Oil 50cm x 49cm £450

Newton Ferrers from Noss Mayo

Acrylic 15 x 15 £400

Then, on the ‘right’ wall

Salcombe Dawn II

Oil

16 x 20

£475

Merlins Crossing the Bar

Oil

20 x 16

£750

Torcross Wave

Acrylic

14 x 18

£300

STEWARDING

I will be stewarding on three occasions:

Saturday 4 August 2-5pm
Sunday 5 August 11am-5pm
Saturday 11 August 2-5pm

Pop in and say hello!

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.

23 October 2017 In Art

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.

I 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.

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!

21 August 2017 In Art, Exhibition

One-man exhibition 13-26 August in the Little Studio at the Loft Gallery, Salcombe

My one-man exhibition in the Little Studio at the Loft Gallery, Salcombe continues until Saturday 26 August.

I’ve space to show a wide range of my art in this one-man exhibition: watercolours, acrylics and oils. Fifteen paintings in all.

In the image below, you can see 12 of them.

2017 Little Studio one-man exhibition

Top row: (left to right) Gullet Plantation, Deliah, Salcombe Yacht Club’s Christmas Camellias, Torcross Wave

Middle row: (left to right) Scoble Point Moorings, Harvest Reaper II, Hope Cove, Dappled Light III

Bottom row: (left to right) Burgh Island from Hope Cove, At Ditch End, South Pool Sunrise, Tranquility

For those keen on a particular medium, these are the oils: Gullet Plantation, Scoble Point Moorings, Harvest Reaper II, Hope Cove, Dappled Light III, At Ditch End, and South Pool Sunrise.

The rest shown here are acrylics.

WHERE IS THE LOFT GALLERY?

The Loft Gallery is situated behind the Fortescue Inn, and above a popular shoe shop, on a delightful footpath called Victoria Quay, which overlooks one of the best views in the UK including the mooring berth of the RNLI lifeboat Baltic Exchange III.

AFFORDABLE ART

Out of 135 completed paintings to date, 59 of these are available as fine art greetings cards.

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 – they offer the entire range – 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.

17 July 2017 In Art, Exhibition

Exhibition time: Week 2 of Ian Carr’s Oil Class exhibition: now until Saturday 22 July

Ian Carr’s Oil Class Exhibition continues until Saturday 22 July, in the Little Studio at the Loft Gallery, Salcombe.

Which paintings do I have in the Ian Carr Class Exhibition?

I have three paintings on display, as well as those already hanging in the main exhibition.

The featured image above is Hope Cove.

Then there’s Scoble Point Moorings.

And, last but not least, one of my favourites, Splosh of Frogmore.

Where is the Loft Gallery?

AFFORDABLE ART

All three 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.

10 July 2017 In Art, Exhibition

Exhibition time: Ian Carr’s Oil Class exhibition: now until Saturday 22 July

Ian Carr’s Oil Class Exhibition is on now, until Saturday 22 July, in the Little Studio at the Loft Gallery, Salcombe.

Ian Carr Oil Class Exhibition

I have three paintings on display, as well as those already hanging in the main exhibition.

On the right hand panel, at the top, are Hope Cove and Scoble Point Moorings. Bottom right is Splosh of Frogmore – and this is the featured image above too.

Where is the Loft Gallery?

When will I be there to greet you?

I will be stewarding at the Loft Gallery from 11am until 5pm on Wedneday 12 July. I hope you see you there!

30 May 2017 In Art, Exhibition

CONTEMPORARY PASSIONS PREVIEW: GILLY COTTER

Gilly Cotter and I are both showing at the annual Contemporary Passions exhibition, 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.

The exhibition provides a snapshot of the artists’ current work, interests and creative passions.

The featured image above is one of several pieces that Gilly will have on show. It’s called ‘Tidal Road Egret’ and is a Limited Edition Etching 20 x 25 cm.

Here are two more pieces, this time: raku.

Raku Egret

Raku Vase

Gilly Cotter

Gilly is a member of the South Hams Arts Forum, the Pressgang Printers, Salcombe Art Club, and the West Country Potters Association.

Gilly says: I like to represent the world around me by interpreting the shapes, the spaces in between, and the textures. My inspiration comes from the natural world, including wildlife and its relationship with the natural environment. I work in various media including; print-making, oils, and ceramics.

Slapton Ley – Limited Edition Woodcut 38 x 28 cm

Gilly’s work is on sale at Fowey River Gallery, Fowey; The Gallery Project, Avon Mill, Loddiswell; and at Hope Cove Gallery, Hope Cove.

WHERE/WHEN IS THE CONTEMPORARY PASSIONS EXHIBITION?

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

It’s open daily 10 am – 5 pm (closing at 4 pm on the last day): Tuesday 6 June until Sunday 18 June 2017

WANT TO MEET THE ARTISTS?

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

You might also call in when Gilly or I are stewarding.

Gilly will be stewarding all day on Wednesday 7 June and in the afternoon on Saturday 17 June. I will be stewarding all day on Saturday 10 June and on the morning of Saturday 17 June.

Silver Birches – Limited Edition Woodcut 29 x 20 cm

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

Admission is free!