Portheras Cove, 2023

While coastal hiking we came across a beautiful Cornish cove, accessible only by foot. I spent a few hours observing no more than ten people (and dogs) indulging in various seaside activities. An idyllic pale sandy beach with large warm coloured rocks spewing into the incoming tide. I wanted the figure to show the posture of someone walking in the soft sand of this magical place.

The work consists of a Rowney Cryla acrylic base coat of burnt orange over the gesso manufacturer's finish. Opaque pigments have been used to lay down some areas. Subsequent layers of acrylic paint have been applied in washes which have been thinned using Liquidex airbrush medium. This thin multiple layering of pigment allows for subtle tonal attributes and a degree of luminosity, avoiding the usual flat acrylic finish.

Finished with a coat of Winsor & Newton Satin UV varnish, this not only protects the painting, but has an unifying effect. A suggested frame width of at least 60 mm for this painting. This makes for the best visual effect and prevents warping.