Contemporary Passions Exhibition Preview: Noss Mayo and Newton Ferrers

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.

More recently, I decided to strike out and paint some other beautiful places, all within a short drive of Salcombe. High on the list for possible locations were Noss Mayo and Newton Ferrers.

Why Noss Mayo and Newton Ferrers?

It was probably in the late 1960s that I was first introduced to the two villages of Newton Ferrers and Noss Mayo. My children were young, and we would rent Rose Cottage, next to The Dolphin.

Newton Ferrers from Noss Mayo

At low tide, there are causeways to help pedestrians cross the water between the two villages of Newton Ferrers and Noss Mayo. So, if the tide was out, we’d cross the causeway on foot. We often ate at The Ship and enjoyed the views across to the Swan Inn. If the tide was in, we’d visit the Swan Inn by boat! I have very many happy memories of those times and still have friends living there.

The Ship Inn (and other venues) offer excellent food and are ideally sited from an artist’s point of view. Decades later, 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.

Which paintings will be on display in the exhibition?

I expect to hang maybe 7-10 paintings in all, including this selection depicting Noss Mayo and Newton Ferrers.

The featured image above is The Quay at Newton Ferrers, viewed from a footpath close to the Yealm Hotel, which might soon be redeveloped.

For Newton Ferrers from Noss Mayo, I was positioned by Point Cottage only a few paces from the Ship Inn and the sun shone for as long as I needed it.

Tides permitting, I prefer to walk from Newton Ferrers to Noss Mayo. These days, I don’t have the option to take to the water so, when the tide is in, we have to use the car, driving upstream to Bridge End – the most westerly part of this stretch of water – and trust we can find a parking spot when we arrive in Noss Mayo.

Bridge End, Newton Creek

Bridge End, Newton Creek shows the signboard, full of useful information, and the outstanding view of this part of the estuary. There are several character cottages at this delightful spot. The road crosses the stream but it’s worth stopping for a minute or two as this sheltered location shimmers with colour and fragrances from all the seasonal flowers. You might also see ducks, and hear them making their ‘busy’ noises. Add to this, the stream providing its gurgling babbling sound – and you have music to the ear!

Low Tide at Newton Ferrers

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.

All of these images are also available as a fine art greetings card – what I call ‘affordable art’.

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!