2 Weeks painting in St Ives = Happy me :)

It’s only been 6 weeks since my last trip down to Cornwall (Where I was based near Mousehole and the wilds of Lands End) but my itchy feet have won and I’m back down in my favourite place, St Ives, for a 2 week working holiday.

The glorious light here is just immense and so inspirational and exciting for artists. My first week Ive been wandering the cobbled streets, admiring the multiple art galleries here and seeking inspiration from other established artist’s work. My most admired artist at the moment is Neil Pickett; His ability to paint light is spectacular. I was lucky enough to be able to visit the Cornwall Contemporary gallery in Penzance and meet Neil, during an exhibition of his. What a feast for the eyes! The gallery itself is a beauty, with multiple floors of Cornish artwork. I could easily spend a day there just admiring everything.

*Setting off to Porthmeor beach for a morning of sketching and painting en plain air = big ol’ grin on my face!

My second week was spent sketching and painting en plain air, capturing some inspiration to take back home with me. Finished 2 nice little watercolour pieces which I’ll use as references for when I get back to the studio and can work in oils. I like working outside, as it teaches me to work quickly and to try and only capture the real defining features of a scene.

All in all, its been a wonderful 2 weeks by the sea, and I feel recharged and ready to create!