Salcombe Archives - Page 2 of 3

26 May 2017 In Art, Exhibition

CONTEMPORARY PASSIONS EXHIBITION PREVIEW: Hope Cove

Hope Cove Fishing Gear Contemporary Passions Hope Cove is one of several paintings I’ll be showing at the the annual Contemporary Passions exhibition.

It’s only the second study of Hope Cove. The first was Hope Cove Fishing Gear, which is currently on display at Salcombe Art Club.
The second study of Hope Cove, is of the beach – with both modern and traditional crab pots being featured in the foreground.

HOPE COVE IS A PERFECT SUBJECT FOR AN ARTIST?

Yes! The village of Hope Cove and its beaches are protected by a line of dramatic rocks and sea walls, and the local fishing boats are moored to a series of chains which lead the eye to the sea. The cove is always busy with holidaymakers and fishermen.

But, fishermen and sailors are quick to notice detail. If I get something wrong, then, in their opinion, my painting loses credibility. So, before I start any new painting, I gather lots of photographic images to help me to meet with their expectations. To see how I make sure I don’t make any mistakes, read my Sketchbook notes for Hope Cove.

Contemporary passions The image was so popular, it was used as the backdrop for a Treasure Hunt at the 2016 Fund Raising Day for Hope Cove Lifeboat. (The date for the 2017 Fund-Raising Day is 10 August.)

What is the Contemporary Passions exhibition?

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.

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!

12 May 2017 In Art, Exhibition

Contemporary Passions Exhibition Preview: 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.

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!

25 December 2016 In Art

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all!

What’s my news?

WIP

Anne and I are on vacation in Australia, visiting family and enjoying some c.

Meanwhile, work continues on our home – and my gallery – in Salcombe.

What’s happening at Beacon House?

A platform lift is being installed to make the house wheelchair friendly, and this involves the complete reconstruction of the front half of the property.

This photograph shows the work-in-progress of the uppermost floor. As you can see, there is currently nowhere to hang my paintings!

I’ll keep you posted on developments, and we will have a celebration when the new gallery is ready for visitors.

Watch this space!

Where can you see my original paintings?

All the galleries, including my own, are enjoying a well-earned break so I have no paintings available for sale for a while yet.

The first exhibition on my list for 2017 is the Salcombe Art Club Main Exhibition which opens on Thursday 13 April.

You can still buy my affordable art though: my fine art greetings cards.

Where can you buy my fine art greetings cards?

For the full range of 59 cards, visit Malborough Post Office.

Other stockists carry a selection:

Bonningtons, the newsagent in Salcombe
Salcombe Information Centre
Bloomers, the florist in Kingsbridge
Project Gallery at Avon Mill, and at Noss Mayo

5 December 2016 In Art

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

21 November 2016 In Art

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.

10 October 2016 In Art

SHAF preview: Newton Ferrers from Noss Mayo

Newton Ferrers from Noss Mayo is one of my favourite views. What’s better than to sit in the sunshine and sip a cool beer in the garden of The Ship Inn?

This painting joins 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.

THE SHAF TRAIL STARTS ON SATURDAY

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

WHEN ARE WE OPEN FOR VISITORS?

My paintings will be on display in 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!

8 October 2016 In Art

SHAF preview: Burgh Island from Hope Cove

Burgh Island from Hope Cove is one of five new paintings that will be on display for the first time during this year’s SHAF Arts Trail.

I have featured on this iconic building many times before. It’s one of my favourite topics and this time, I’ve chosen the view from Hope Cove.

The SHAF TRAIL starts one week today

The SHAF Trail is an annual event and this year it runs from Saturday 15 October until Sunday 23 October. Just one week away!

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?

DIRECTIONS TO BEACON HOUSE GALLERY

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

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!

3 October 2016 In Art

SHAF preview: Low Tide at Fishermans Cove

Low Tide at Fishermans Cove is another of the new crop of five paintings that will be on display for the first time during the 2016 SHAF Arts Trail.

This image shows the view from Salcombe across the water towards East Portlemouth. This particular stretch of beach is called Fishermans Cove, although most of the craft belong to the holidaymakers who visit this beautiful part of Devon every summer.

WHEN IS THE SHAF TRAIL?

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

WHEN CAN YOU See My paintings?

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 within my home – the hall, stairs and landing, no less. It’s 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

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

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!

30 August 2016 In Art

STEWARDING TODAY: 30 August 2016, 2-5pm

Today, Tuesday 30 August, I’m stewarding at the Loft Gallery from 2pm until 5pm.

If you expect to be in Salcombe then, please drop by and say hello!

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.

WHAT IS THE LOFT GALLERY?

The Loft Gallery is the home of Salcombe Art Club.

Every year since 1960, the Summer Exhibition opens at Easter and continues until the end of September. In the winter months, the Loft Gallery reverts to being a working studio with a full programme of workshops and classes for its members.

WHO CAN JOIN SALCOMBE ART CLUB?

Salcombe Art Club comprises a mix of artists: some professional artists such as those who teach our classes but also many amateurs and some very new to drawing/painting. Everyone is welcome!

Step 1 is to enrol as a Lay Member. That’s the first rung of the ladder! Then Salcombe Art club has three categories of membership.

Lay members (for a subscription of £12 per annum) may take part in workshops, courses and social activities and generally assist in supporting the club. Lay members may not exhibit, nor vote at the AGM.
Associate members (for a subscription of £17 per annum) may take part in most club activities including exhibiting in the Little Studio section (but not the main gallery) of the Annual Summer Exhibition.
Full members (for a subscription of £27 per annum) may take part in all club activities and exhibit their works in the Annual Summer Exhibition.

WHO EXHIBITS AT THE LOFT GALLERY?

Essentially, exhibiting is limited to the associate and full members of Salcombe Art Club. Full members are invited to display up to five of their works in the Summer Exhibition.

Full – and associate – members may also book a week or more in the Little Studio.

In the Little Studio also, our teachers exhibit material of works produced by the various class groups; this inspires other club members to enrol for classes during the winter months.

It’ll be the turn of Michael Hill’s class on 21 August; I’ll post news on that exhibition next week.

FEATURED IMAGE: SALCOMBE DAWN III

The original of Salcombe Dawn III is on display at the Loft Studio as part of Michael Hill’s Watercolour Class Exhibition.

22 August 2016 In Art

Reflections at Batson: on display in the Michael Hill Class Exhibition at the Loft Gallery

Reflections at Batson is one of four of my paintings currently on display in the Michael Hill Class Exhibition in the Little Studio at the Loft Gallery, Salcombe.

This exhibition is a collection of artwork by the students of Michael Hill’s watercolour/acrylic classes, demonstrating not only our talents but also his expertise as a teacher.

Painting in Acrylics or Watercolour with Michael Hill

I have today signed up for Michael’s next term of classes: 8 all-day sessions Tuesdays from Sept 27 – Nov 22 except October 25 (half term), costing in total £105. That’s only £13.125 a day, and less than £3 an hour for the most wonderful tuition. What a bargain!

According to Salcombe Art Club’s publicity for this course: Michael is an experienced and highly accomplished painter in both acrylic and watercolour. He will demonstrate both mediums in all his classes, taking in drawing, painting techniques and composition. A friendly and informal class welcoming beginners and more experienced painters.

I couldn’t agree more!

Reflections at Batson

Back to my paintings on show in Michael’s Class Exhibition … This is an extract from a longer posting all about Batson.

At the top of Batson Creek, a collection of thatched cottages delight the eye. They sit around a triangle of grass complete with its old-fashioned telephone box. (At least, the phone box was there, the last time I visited!) The reflections of these cottages in the water only serve to enhance the tranquility of the scene, and this inspired me to paint Reflections at Batson.

Enjoy!

AFFORDABLE ART

Reflections at Batson is also available as a fine art greetings card.

A selection of my cards is on sale within walking distance of the Loft Gallery: at Bonningtons the newsagents, and at the Salcombe Information Centre. The full range is available 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.